AMD Ryzen 7 7735U vs Intel Core i9-12900H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data paints a clear picture: the Intel Core i9-12900H wins every single benchmark in the head-to-head comparison, taking all 15 tests. The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U does not post a single victory in this matchup.

The largest gap appears in the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, where Intel scores 15946.5 against AMD's 10085, a delta of -36.8% for the Ryzen. That is a massive margin for a mobile processor, indicating the Intel chip handles sustained all-core workloads with far more authority. The Cinebench R15 multi-core test tells the same story: Intel scores 2576.5 versus AMD's 1698, a -34.1% difference. If your work involves rendering or compiling, the Intel part is the clear choice based on these numbers alone.

Single-core performance also favors Intel, though the gap is narrower. In Cinebench R23 single-core, Intel scores 1863.5 against AMD's 1490, a -20% delta. Cinebench R15 single-core shows Intel at 266 versus AMD's 234, a -12% delta. PassMark single-thread results echo this: 3717 for Intel, 3236 for AMD, a -12.9% delta. So while Intel leads in every thread count scenario, its advantage in lightly-threaded tasks is proportionally smaller than in heavily-threaded ones.

The most dramatic delta in the entire dataset is in PassMark's find prime numbers test, where Intel scores 107 against AMD's 57, a -46.7% delta. This test is highly sensitive to integer throughput and memory latency, and the Intel part simply dominates here. Similarly, PassMark physics shows Intel at 1753 versus AMD's 996, a -43.2% delta, indicating a strong advantage in simulated physical interactions, often relevant to certain scientific workloads.

Other notable wins for Intel include PassMark floating point math (67940 vs 42966, -36.8%) and PassMark multi-thread (27340 vs 20723, -24.2%). The floating point gap is nearly identical to the Cinebench multi-core gap, suggesting a systemic advantage in FP-heavy tasks rather than a fluke. Integer math is closer: Intel scores 93828, AMD 79580, a -15.2% delta. Data compression shows Intel at 316714 versus AMD's 250457, a -20.9% delta, while data encryption is narrower at 18548 versus 15825, a -14.7% delta.

Random string sorting favors Intel by 35296 to 26365, a -25.3% delta, and extended instructions (SIMD-heavy workloads) go to Intel at 18875 versus 16349, a -13.4% delta. Every single recorded measurement, from the smallest single-core test to the largest multi-threaded workload, points in the same direction. The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i9-12900H outperforms the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U across the board.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U uses the Zen 3+ architecture, codenamed Rembrandt-R, built on a 6 nm process at TSMC. It has 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 2.70 GHz and a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. The Intel Core i9-12900H uses the Alder Lake architecture, codenamed Alder Lake-H, built on a 10 nm process at Intel, and it features a hybrid core layout. It has 14 cores and 20 threads, with a base clock of 2.50 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

The core count difference is significant: Intel offers 14 cores versus AMD's 8, and 20 threads versus 16. That extra headroom in raw thread count explains much of the multi-core benchmark advantage. Intel's hybrid arrangement mixes performance cores with efficiency cores, which allows it to scale up thread count without blowing past the socket's power limits, though the TDP figures tell a story of their own. AMD's 28-watt TDP is remarkably low for an 8-core part, while Intel's 45-watt TDP is higher, reflecting the extra silicon and clock headroom.

Cache layouts differ substantially. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The larger L2 and L3 caches on the Intel side likely contribute to its wins in integer math and data compression, where cache residency matters. AMD's smaller caches are typical of its mobile-focused design, which prioritizes power efficiency over raw cache capacity.

Memory support is another differentiator. AMD supports only DDR5, while Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5. That gives system designers more flexibility with the Intel platform, though it also means the Intel part's memory bandwidth is not listed in the database, whereas AMD's is recorded at 76.8 GB/s with a dual-channel bus. ECC memory is supported on the AMD part but not on the Intel part, which matters for certain professional or server-adjacent workloads where data integrity is critical.

Both processors use PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, so expansion capability is identical in that respect. The integrated graphics differ: AMD includes Radeon 680M, Intel includes Iris Xe 96EU. The database does not record graphics benchmark scores for either part, so no direct comparison can be made from this data. Die sizes are close: AMD at 208 mm², Intel at 217 mm², both fabricated on their respective nodes. The AMD part uses AMD Socket FP7, while Intel uses Intel BGA 1744, so they are not socket-compatible in any way.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the recorded benchmark data, the Intel Core i9-12900H wins every category where both were tested. There is no workload in the database where the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U takes the lead. That said, the magnitude of the Intel advantage varies, and that variation is what separates use cases.

For heavily multi-threaded workloads, such as video rendering, 3D modeling, or software compilation, Intel's 14-core, 20-thread configuration delivers a commanding lead. The Cinebench R23 multi-core delta of -36.8% means the Intel part completes these tasks in roughly two-thirds of the time, assuming linear scaling. The PassMark multi-thread score of 27340 versus 20723 (-24.2%) reinforces this, though the delta is smaller than in Cinebench, suggesting that certain multi-threaded workloads see less benefit from the extra cores.

For light-threaded tasks, such as everyday productivity, web browsing, or office applications, Intel still wins but by a smaller margin. The single-core deltas range from -12% to -20% depending on the test. This means the Intel part feels snappier in day-to-day use, but the difference is not as dramatic as in all-core workloads. A user coming from a previous-generation laptop might notice the improvement, but it is not a night-and-day shift.

For integer-heavy workloads, such as compression or encryption, Intel's advantage is moderate. Data compression shows a -20.9% delta, data encryption -14.7%, and integer math -15.2%. These tasks benefit from the larger caches and higher boost clock. For floating point and physics simulations, Intel's advantage is much larger: -36.8% in floating point math and -43.2% in physics. If your software relies heavily on FP arithmetic, the Intel part is substantially better.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U does have a role, but it is defined by what the benchmark data does not show, namely power consumption. With a 28-watt TDP versus Intel's 45-watt TDP, the AMD part is designed for thinner, lighter laptops with smaller cooling solutions. The database does not include battery life or thermal measurements, so this is an inference from the TDP figures alone. For users who prioritize portability and sustained operation on battery, the AMD part's lower power draw is a qualitative advantage, even if it loses every performance test.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications, and the table below highlights only the fields where the two parts diverge.

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 7 7735U | Intel Core i9-12900H |

|----------------|-------------------|----------------------|

| Series | 7000 series | Core 12th Gen |

| Manufacturer | AMD | Intel |

| Cores | 8 | 14 |

| Threads | 16 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 2.70 GHz | 2.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.75 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 28 W | 45 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP7 | Intel BGA 1744 |

| Architecture | Zen 3+ | Alder Lake |

| Codename | Rembrandt-R | Alder Lake-H |

| Process Node | 6 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die Size | 208 mm² | 217 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 16 MB (shared) | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 76.8 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 680M | Iris Xe 96EU |

| Release Date | 2023-01-03 | 2022-01-03 |

| Part Number | 100-000000987(FP7)100-000000991(FP7r2) | SRLD4 |

The most consequential differences are the core/thread counts and the TDP. Intel offers 75% more cores and 25% more threads, which directly explains its multi-core dominance. AMD's lower TDP suggests a design target of efficiency over performance. The cache differences also favor Intel, with larger per-core L2 and more than double the shared L3 in terms of capacity percentage. Memory bandwidth is recorded for AMD but not Intel, so no comparison can be made there. ECC support is a notable AMD feature that Intel lacks. The release dates are nearly identical, with AMD launching exactly one year after Intel.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900H wins every multi-core test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 15946.5 versus AMD's 10085, a -36.8% delta for the Ryzen. PassMark multi-thread shows Intel at 27340 versus AMD's 20723, a -24.2% delta.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U better for single-core tasks?

A: No. The Intel part wins all single-core tests as well. Cinebench R23 single-core favors Intel at 1863.5 versus AMD's 1490, a -20% delta. PassMark single-thread shows Intel at 3717 versus AMD's 3236, a -12.9% delta.

Q: What is the TDP difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U has a TDP of 28 watts, while the Intel Core i9-12900H has a TDP of 45 watts. This means the AMD part is designed for lower power consumption, which typically translates to thinner laptops and longer battery life, though the database does not include battery tests.

Q: Do both support PCIe Gen 4?

A: Yes, both processors support PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. This is one specification where they are identical.

Q: Which processor has more cache?

A: The Intel Core i9-12900H has more cache at every level. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. AMD provides 64 KB of L1, 512 KB of L2, and 16 MB of shared L3.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 7 7735U supports ECC memory. The Intel Core i9-12900H does not. This is a distinguishing feature for workloads that require error-correcting memory.

The Verdict

The data is unambiguous: the Intel Core i9-12900H is the faster processor in every recorded benchmark. If your priority is raw performance, whether single-threaded or multi-threaded, the Intel part wins outright. The 14-core, 20-thread configuration, combined with 5.00 GHz boost clock and larger caches, delivers a decisive advantage across Cinebench, PassMark, and every specialized test in the database.

The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U is competitive only in the context of its 28-watt TDP. It is designed for a different class of laptop, one where power draw matters more than peak performance. The data shows that it trails the Intel part by margins ranging from -12% in single-core tasks to -46.7% in prime number finding. For a user who needs maximum compute throughput, the Intel part is the only rational choice based on these measurements.

For a user who prioritizes portability, battery life, and lower heat output, the AMD part's 28-watt TDP is a clear qualitative advantage over Intel's 45-watt TDP. The database does not record thermal or battery metrics, so this cannot be quantified, but the power envelope difference is substantial. Additionally, the AMD part supports ECC memory, which may be a deciding factor for certain professional use cases.

Ultimately, the choice comes down to what the laptop is for. The Intel Core i9-12900H is the performance king in this matchup, dominating all 15 head-to-head benchmarks. The AMD Ryzen 7 7735U is the efficiency-focused alternative, offering lower power draw and ECC support, but it cannot match Intel's performance in any measured test. If the benchmark scores are your primary guide, select the Intel part. If power efficiency and ECC are your primary requirements, the AMD part has a place, but be prepared for a significant performance trade-off.