AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 Comparison

The Verdict

The database places the AMD Ryzen 7 170 in a strong position with an 88th percentile ranking across all CPUs, driven by a comprehensive set of recorded benchmark scores. Its average benchmark score of 43689 places it nearly level with the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 at 43704, and slightly ahead of the AMD Ryzen 7 260 at 43717 with a delta of -0.1%. The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100, by contrast, holds a 50th percentile ranking with no recorded benchmark scores and an average score of 0, meaning the database contains no performance measurements for direct comparison. For users selecting a mobile processor based on available data, the AMD Ryzen 7 170 is the only option with verified performance metrics, while the Snapdragon X2E-88-100 remains an unmeasured entity in this database. The Ryzen 7 170 also offers a lower base clock of 3.20 GHz against the Snapdragon's 4.00 GHz, but the AMD part compensates with a boost clock of 4.75 GHz versus 4.70 GHz. The AMD processor is the clear choice for anyone seeking a chip with documented performance results; the Snapdragon's capabilities cannot be quantified from the current records.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses the Zen 3+ architecture under the Rembrandt-R codename, built on a 6 nm process at TSMC with a die size of 210 mm². The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 uses the Glymur codename from the Snapdragon X2 Elite generation, manufactured on a more advanced 3 nm process at TSMC with a die size of 220 mm². The Snapdragon's 3 nm node is a full process generation ahead of the Ryzen's 6 nm node, which typically correlates with improved power efficiency and transistor density.

Core configurations differ substantially. The Ryzen 7 170 packs 8 cores and 16 threads with support for simultaneous multithreading. The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has 18 cores and 18 threads, meaning each core operates on a single thread with no hyperthreading equivalent. The Snapdragon's core count is more than double the Ryzen's physical core count, but the Ryzen's threading capability narrows the effective workload gap in multithreaded scenarios.

Cache hierarchies are also dissimilar. The Ryzen 7 170 provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Snapdragon allocates a much larger 288 KB of L1 per core and 16 MB of L2 per module, with no L3 cache listed. This reflects a different design philosophy where the Snapdragon consolidates cache at the module level rather than a shared L3 pool.

Memory and I/O further separate the two. The Ryzen supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth and ECC support. The Snapdragon uses LPDDR5X in dual-channel with a significantly higher 152.4 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC. PCIe connectivity favors the Ryzen with Gen 4 across 20 lanes, while the Snapdragon provides Gen 5 across only 12 lanes. The Ryzen integrates Radeon 680M graphics, while the Snapdragon integrates Adreno X2-90 graphics.

The Ryzen 7 170 has a 35 W TDP rating, while the Snapdragon's TDP is unlisted in the database. The Ryzen uses AMD Socket FP7, and the Snapdragon uses Qualcomm BGA 2343. The AMD chip is a mobile-market part released in September 2025, while the Snapdragon is a mobile part dated April 2026. Both are active production parts, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no head-to-head benchmark entries for the AMD Ryzen 7 170 versus the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100, and the Snapdragon has an empty benchmark array. The Ryzen 7 170 nevertheless has 11 recorded PassMark test scores that paint a detailed performance profile. Its average benchmark score of 43689 sits between the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 7745 at 43704 and the AMD Ryzen 7 260 at 43717, with the Ryzen AI 9 465 at 43431 and the Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 at 43326 close behind. The 0.6% delta over the Ryzen AI 9 465 and 0.8% over the Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 indicate the Ryzen 7 170 is competitive within its own family.

Single-thread performance shows a score of 3128 in the PassMark single-thread test, while the multithread score reaches 20760. Integer math scores 79738, and floating-point math scores 44979. Data compression posts 265920, data encryption 16078, and extended instructions 18107. The physics test returns 890, and random string sorting finishes at 27804. Prime number finding scores just 49, which is the weakest result in the suite. The Ryzen's 88th percentile ranking across all CPUs confirms that these scores place it firmly in the upper tier of processors.

The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has no benchmark data, no rival comparisons, and an average score of zero. Its 50th percentile ranking is a default value rather than a measured outcome. In the absence of test results, no quantitative comparison between the two chips is possible. The Ryzen 7 170's scores stand as the only verifiable performance evidence in this matchup, with wins across every category by default due to the Snapdragon's missing data.

FAQ

Q: How does the AMD Ryzen 7 170 compare to the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 in average benchmark score?

A: The Ryzen 7 170 has an average benchmark score of 43689, while the Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has an average score of 0 because the database holds no benchmark results for it.

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has 18 cores and 18 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What process nodes are used by each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 is built on TSMC's 6 nm process, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 is built on TSMC's 3 nm process.

Q: Which processor has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has a memory bandwidth of 152.4 GB/s with LPDDR5X memory, which is nearly double the Ryzen 7 170's 76.8 GB/s with DDR5 memory. Both use dual-channel memory buses.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen 7 170 support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the Ryzen 7 170 supports ECC memory. The Snapdragon X2E-88-100 does not list ECC support.

Q: What are the boost clocks of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 boosts to 4.75 GHz, and the Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 boosts to 4.70 GHz.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 wins in every measured category because the Snapdragon X2E-88-100 has no recorded benchmarks. The Ryzen's 88th percentile ranking against all CPUs and its average score of 43689 give it a measurable performance standing. Its multithread score of 20760 and integer math score of 79738 indicate strong parallel and general computation capabilities. Data compression at 265920 is the standout result, suggesting excellent throughput for archival and storage workloads. The floating-point math score of 44979 and random string sorting at 27804 add further evidence of balanced general-purpose performance. The Ryzen also wins on PCIe lane count with 20 Gen 4 lanes versus the Snapdragon's 12 Gen 5 lanes, offering more total connectivity for peripherals despite the older standard. ECC memory support on the Ryzen is an advantage for error-sensitive computing tasks.

The Qualcomm Snapdragon X2E-88-100 wins on architectural specifications that do not require benchmark validation. Its 3 nm process node offers a fabrication advantage over the Ryzen's 6 nm node, potentially improving power efficiency per operation. The 18-core configuration provides more physical cores, and the 288 KB per-core L1 cache is significantly larger than the Ryzen's 64 KB per core. LPDDR5X memory with 152.4 GB/s bandwidth doubles the Ryzen's memory throughput, which benefits memory-intensive workloads. The Snapdragon's 4.00 GHz base clock exceeds the Ryzen's 3.20 GHz base clock, so sustained all-core workloads may run at higher frequencies if power limits allow. The 220 mm² die is slightly larger than the Ryzen's 210 mm² die. PCIe Gen 5 support, even at 12 lanes, provides newer interconnect technology than the Ryzen's Gen 4 implementation. The Snapdragon's 18 threads mean each core has dedicated thread resources without contention, which can benefit workloads with low thread-parallelism per core. The Adreno X2-90 integrated graphics and the Ryzen's Radeon 680M cannot be compared numerically, so neither has a verified graphics win.

For workload-specific guidance, the Ryzen 7 170 suits users who need documented performance in data compression, encryption, extended instruction sets, and physics simulations, as those scores are all recorded. The Snapdragon suits users who prioritize specifications like core count, memory bandwidth, and process technology over verified test results. The Ryzen's 35 W TDP gives it a clear power envelope, while the Snapdragon's TDP is unlisted, so power efficiency claims cannot be substantiated. Buyers who rely on benchmark-verified performance should favor the Ryzen 7 170, while those who value architectural specifications on paper may find the Snapdragon's 3 nm process and 18-core design more appealing. The database does not yet contain enough information to declare a winner for the Snapdragon in any measured test, so the Ryzen 7 170 holds the only confirmed wins.