AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-78-100 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents an unusual comparison: the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a full set of PassMark benchmark scores, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-78-100 has no benchmark scores recorded in the database. This asymmetry fundamentally shapes the analysis. The AMD processor's average benchmark score is 43,689, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs tracked. The Snapdragon's average benchmark score is recorded as 0, with a 50th percentile ranking, though this likely reflects missing data rather than actual performance parity with lower-tier processors.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 shows particularly strong results in specific workloads. In data compression, it scores 265,920, which is by far its highest individual benchmark result. Integer math reaches 79,738, floating point math hits 44,979, and extended instructions score 18,107. Data encryption returns 16,078, random string sorting produces 27,804, and the multi-thread score is 20,760. Single-thread performance measures 3,128, while the find prime numbers test yields a score of 49 and physics comes in at 890.

The nearest rivals for the AMD Ryzen 7 170 provide important context. The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 has an average score of 43,704, a delta of 0 percent relative to the Ryzen 7 170. The AMD Ryzen 7 260 scores 43,717, which is 0.1 percent higher. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 delivers 43,431, 0.6 percent lower, and the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 achieves 43,326, 0.8 percent lower. These narrow deltas indicate the Ryzen 7 170 sits squarely in a competitive cluster of AMD mobile processors, with less than 1 percent separating all four.

Because the Snapdragon X2E-78-100 has no recorded benchmark scores, there are no head-to-head wins to report in either direction. The winsA and winsB fields are both 0. The database cannot confirm any performance advantage for the Qualcomm part, nor can it establish a definitive lead for the AMD part beyond its recorded scores. The comparison is therefore limited to architectural specifications and market positioning rather than measured outcomes.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 demonstrates clear strengths across all measured workloads based on its benchmark data. The compression score of 265,920 indicates exceptional throughput in data-heavy tasks such as archiving, database operations, and file transfer workloads. The integer math score of 79,738 suggests strong general-purpose compute for everyday applications, while floating point math at 44,979 supports scientific and engineering simulations. The multi-thread score of 20,760 reflects solid parallel performance for content creation, compilation, and rendering tasks.

The Snapdragon X2E-78-100 cannot be assigned wins in any benchmark category because no scores exist in the database. However, its specifications hint at potential advantages in specific scenarios. The 12 cores versus the AMD's 8 cores suggest higher raw thread count, though the Snapdragon has 12 threads matching its 12 cores, while the AMD has 16 threads from 8 cores via simultaneous multithreading. The Snapdragon's memory bandwidth of 152.4 GB/s is roughly double the AMD's 76.8 GB/s, which could benefit memory-intensive workloads. Its PCIe Gen 5 support with 12 lanes offers newer interconnect technology versus the AMD's PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes.

The use-case split favors the AMD processor for any task where measured performance matters, simply because the data exists. For users prioritizing proven multi-threaded throughput, the Ryzen 7 170's 20,760 multi-thread score and 88th percentile ranking provide concrete evidence. For scenarios emphasizing memory bandwidth or PCIe Gen 5 connectivity, the Snapdragon's specifications suggest potential, but the absence of benchmark confirmation leaves that potential unverified.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge significantly in nearly every architectural dimension. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses the Zen 3+ architecture under the codename Rembrandt-R, built on a 6 nm process at TSMC with a die size of 210 mm². The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-78-100 uses the Glymur codename under the Snapdragon X2 (Elite) generation, fabricated on a 3 nm process, also at TSMC, with a die size of 220 mm². The smaller process node gives the Snapdragon a potential efficiency advantage, though no TDP is recorded for the Qualcomm part. The AMD processor has a TDP of 35 watts.

Core and thread counts differ substantially. The AMD chip provides 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Snapdragon offers 12 cores and 12 threads. This means the AMD part relies on simultaneous multithreading to double its thread count, whereas the Snapdragon runs one thread per core. The AMD base clock is 3.20 GHz with a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. The Snapdragon has a base clock of 4.00 GHz with no boost clock recorded.

Cache hierarchies show notable differences. The AMD processor allocates 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Snapdragon provides 288 KB of L1 per core and 16 MB of shared L2 cache, with no L3 cache recorded. The Snapdragon's larger per-core L1 and shared L2 could reduce latency for frequently accessed data, while the AMD's dedicated L3 offers additional capacity for shared workloads.

Memory support differs by generation and bandwidth. The AMD uses DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus delivering 76.8 GB/s, and it supports ECC memory. The Snapdragon uses LPDDR5X on a dual-channel bus delivering 152.4 GB/s, with no ECC support. The Snapdragon's memory bandwidth is exactly double the AMD's figure.

PCIe connectivity also diverges. The AMD provides PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, while the Snapdragon provides PCIe Gen 5 with 12 lanes. The newer Gen 5 standard offers higher per-lane bandwidth, though the AMD has more total lanes. Integrated graphics differ as well: the AMD pairs with a Radeon 680M, while the Snapdragon includes an Adreno X2-85. Both target the mobile segment, and both processors remain in active production.

The socket types are incompatible: AMD uses Socket FP7, while Qualcomm uses BGA 2343. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported for either. The AMD part number is 100-000000989, and the Snapdragon part number is X2E78100. Release dates differ by roughly six months: the AMD launched on September 30, 2025, and the Snapdragon on April 5, 2026.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports only one definitive conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 7 170 is a measured, competitive mobile processor, while the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-78-100 is an unverified entrant with no benchmark results in the database. The AMD part's 88th percentile ranking and average score of 43,689 place it in the same performance tier as the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745, AMD Ryzen 7 260, AMD Ryzen AI 9 465, and AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385, all within 0.8 percent of each other.

For users choosing strictly from available data, the AMD Ryzen 7 170 is the only option with demonstrated performance. Its 16 threads, 4.75 GHz boost clock, and 16 MB L3 cache provide a coherent profile for multi-threaded work. The Snapdragon's 12 cores, 4.00 GHz base clock, 16 MB L2 cache, and double memory bandwidth suggest architectural promise, but the absence of benchmark scores means the database cannot confirm whether that promise translates into real-world results.

The Snapdragon's 3 nm process and 152.4 GB/s memory bandwidth are notable specifications, but they remain specifications only. Without measured scores, any performance claim for the Qualcomm part would be speculative. The AMD part, by contrast, has a full benchmark suite backing its capabilities. The verdict from the data is straightforward: the AMD Ryzen 7 170 is the verified choice, and the Snapdragon X2E-78-100 awaits benchmark validation.

FAQ

Q: What is the average benchmark score for the AMD Ryzen 7 170?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has an average benchmark score of 43,689, placing it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs in the database.

Q: Does the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-78-100 have any recorded benchmark scores?

A: No, the database lists no benchmark scores for the Snapdragon X2E-78-100. Its average benchmark score is recorded as 0, and it has no nearest rivals listed.

Q: How do the core counts and thread counts compare between the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Snapdragon X2E-78-100 has 12 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 delivers 76.8 GB/s with DDR5 memory, while the Snapdragon X2E-78-100 delivers 152.4 GB/s with LPDDR5X memory.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process node?

A: The Snapdragon X2E-78-100 uses a 3 nm process, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses a 6 nm process. Both are fabricated by TSMC.

Q: What is the boost clock for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. The Snapdragon X2E-78-100 has no boost clock recorded in the database; its base clock is 4.00 GHz.