AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 386H Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX and Intel Core Ultra 9 386H are two very different mobile processors, and the benchmark data shows a clear split in their strengths. The AMD chip is a high-power Zen 4 part focused on sustained multi-core throughput, while the Intel part is a newer, more efficient Panther Lake design that wins most single-threaded and math-heavy tests. The recorded data shows Intel taking 8 of 11 head-to-head benchmark wins, while AMD claims 3 wins, but the nature of those wins tells a more interesting story than the raw win count.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H dominates in workloads that rely on floating-point math, physics simulation, and prime number processing. Its lead in floating point math is massive, scoring 108527 against AMD's 61972, a 42.9% advantage. Physics tests show a similar pattern, with Intel at 3028 versus 1681, a 44.5% gap. The find prime numbers test is also heavily Intel-favored, with the Ultra 9 scoring 341 versus 159, a 53.4% margin. These results point to Intel's architecture being much stronger in scientific computing, financial modeling, and any workload with heavy mathematical computation.

The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX wins in integer math, scoring 100328 against Intel's 87284, a 14.9% advantage. It also wins in data compression with a 363759 score versus 352365, a 3.2% edge, and random string sorting at 44494 versus 42135, a 5.6% lead. These are classic general productivity tasks, database operations, and archive handling, where the AMD chip's larger L3 cache and high clock speeds help it pull ahead. The overall multithread score favors Intel, 35399 versus 31517, an 11% margin, which is notable given AMD has a higher base clock and more L3 cache. Intel also wins single-thread performance by 8%, scoring 4218 versus 3879.

The key takeaway from the data is that Intel wins the majority of tests, but AMD wins the specific workloads that many desktop-replacement laptops are bought for. For content creation and heavy integer-based processing, the AMD chip holds its own. For floating-point-heavy calculation and most general workloads, the Intel chip is the stronger choice.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX is built on TSMC's 5 nm process and uses the Zen 4 architecture under the Dragon Range codename. It is an 8-core, 16-thread part with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H uses Intel's own 3 nm process with the Panther Lake architecture, offering 16 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz. The Intel part has no hyperthreading, which explains why it has 16 threads from 16 cores, while AMD achieves 16 threads from 8 cores.

Cache configurations differ substantially. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a large 32 MB shared L3 cache. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, but only 18 MB of shared L3. Despite having nearly half the L3 cache, Intel still manages to win most tests, suggesting its memory subsystem and core efficiency compensate for the smaller cache.

The power envelopes are very different. AMD lists a 55 W TDP, while Intel is rated at just 25 W. This is a substantial difference in thermal and power requirements. The AMD chip is clearly designed for larger laptops with robust cooling, while the Intel chip targets thinner, more power-efficient machines. Intel also supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory, while AMD supports DDR5 only. Memory bandwidth figures show Intel at 115.2 GB/s versus AMD's 83.2 GB/s, which likely contributes to Intel's strong showing in memory-sensitive workloads.

PCIe lane counts also differ, with AMD offering 28 Gen 5 lanes versus Intel's 12 Gen 5 lanes. This gives AMD an advantage for laptops with multiple high-speed storage devices or external GPU connectivity. The integrated graphics differ as well, with AMD using Radeon 610M and Intel using Xe3 Graphics. AMD's multiplier is unlocked, while Intel's is locked, indicating the AMD chip can be overclocked in systems that allow it. The AMD processor is rated at the 92nd percentile of all CPUs, while Intel sits at the 88th percentile.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H scores 4218 in the PassMark single-thread test, which is 8% higher than the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX's score of 3879.

Q: How large is the gap in multi-core performance?

A: Intel leads the PassMark multithread test with a score of 35399, which is 11% ahead of AMD's 31517.

Q: Which chip is more power-efficient?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 386H has a 25 W TDP, while the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX has a 55 W TDP. Intel delivers higher overall benchmark scores with a much lower rated power draw.

Q: Does the AMD chip have a cache advantage?

A: Yes, AMD has 32 MB of shared L3 cache versus Intel's 18 MB. AMD also provides 1 MB of L2 per core, while Intel provides 2.5 MB per core, but Intel's total L2 is larger due to having 16 cores.

Q: Can either processor be overclocked?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H does not.

Q: Which processor supports faster memory bandwidth?

A: Intel supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a max bandwidth of 115.2 GB/s, while AMD supports only DDR5 at 83.2 GB/s.

Specification Differences

The two chips differ in nearly every core specification. AMD offers 8 cores and 16 threads, while Intel offers 16 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.60 GHz for AMD and 2.10 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks are 5.10 GHz for AMD and 4.90 GHz for Intel. TDP is 55 W for AMD and 25 W for Intel. Socket types differ, with AMD using Socket FL1 and Intel using BGA 2540.

Process nodes are 5 nm for AMD (TSMC foundry) and 3 nm for Intel (Intel foundry). Cache layouts differ significantly: AMD uses 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 32 MB shared L3. Intel uses 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB shared L3. Memory support shows Intel accepting DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while AMD accepts DDR5 only. Memory bandwidth is 83.2 GB/s for AMD and 115.2 GB/s for Intel.

PCIe support differs, with AMD offering Gen 5 with 28 lanes and Intel offering Gen 5 with 12 lanes. Integrated graphics are Radeon 610M for AMD and Xe3 Graphics for Intel. The multiplier is unlocked on AMD and locked on Intel. Release dates differ, with AMD released on 2025-04-22 and Intel on 2026-01-04. The transistor count and die size are listed for AMD at 6,570 million transistors on a 71 mm² die, while these figures are not recorded for Intel.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest win for Intel comes in the find prime numbers test, where it scores 341 against AMD's 159, a 53.4% advantage. This is followed by the physics test, where Intel scores 3028 versus 1681, a 44.5% lead. Floating point math shows Intel at 108527 versus 61972, a 42.9% margin. These three tests demonstrate a clear architectural strength for Intel in mathematical and physics-based workloads.

Intel also wins data encryption with 27150 versus 21840, a 19.6% lead, and extended instructions with 29138 versus 27638, a 5.1% edge. The overall multithread score favors Intel at 35399 versus 31517, an 11% gap. Single-thread performance goes to Intel at 4218 versus 3879, an 8% margin.

AMD's largest win is in integer math, scoring 100328 versus 87284, a 14.9% advantage. Random string sorting goes to AMD at 44494 versus 42135, a 5.6% lead. Data compression is close, with AMD at 363759 versus 352365, a 3.2% win. These results show AMD's strengths are concentrated in integer-heavy, data-manipulation tasks, while Intel dominates in floating-point and general mixed workloads.

The average benchmark scores place AMD at 60104 and Intel at 43210, but this figure is skewed by the fact that Intel has several Cinebench scores in its benchmark list that AMD does not have recorded. The PassMark-specific data shows a closer competition, with Intel winning 8 of 11 tests.

The Verdict

The data indicates the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H is the stronger overall processor for most users. It wins the multithread test, the single-thread test, and dominates in floating-point math, physics, and encryption. It achieves these results with a 25 W TDP, less than half of AMD's 55 W rating, and supports faster memory with LPDDR5X compatibility. The 16-core design without hyperthreading still outpaces the 8-core, 16-thread AMD chip in total throughput.

The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX is the better choice for specific workloads. Its 14.9% lead in integer math and wins in data compression and random string sorting make it suitable for database work, file archiving, and other integer-heavy tasks. The 32 MB L3 cache and unlocked multiplier give it flexibility, and the 28 PCIe lanes provide more connectivity options. The 92nd percentile ranking versus Intel's 88th percentile shows AMD's average score across all its recorded benchmarks is higher, though this is partially due to differing benchmark sets.

The Intel chip also wins on efficiency and integration. Its 3 nm process, smaller power envelope, and Xe3 Graphics make it attractive for thinner laptops that still need strong CPU performance. The AMD chip requires more substantial cooling and power delivery, limiting it to larger chassis. For a buyer choosing between the two based purely on recorded performance data, the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H offers more wins across a broader range of tests, while the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX remains a niche pick for integer-heavy workflows and users who want an unlocked multiplier and more PCIe lanes.