AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D vs Intel Core 5 330 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a decisive sweep: the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D wins all 15 head-to-head comparisons, with no wins recorded for the Intel Core 5 330. The largest margin appears in prime number finding, where the AMD scores 423 against Intel's 114, a delta of 271.1%. Data compression shows a 222.1% gap, with the AMD at 468,017 versus 145,287. Integer math follows closely at 250.9% ahead, scoring 116,709 against 33,258.

Multi-threaded workloads reveal the scale of separation. Cinebench R23 multicore puts the AMD at 23,230 versus 13,150, a 76.7% advantage. PassMark multithread shows 40,009 against 15,471, or 158.6% higher. The physics test delivers 4,083 versus 1,201, a 240% difference. Random string sorting lands at 48,526 versus 17,771, a 173.1% gap.

Single-thread performance narrows but still favors AMD. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 2,080 versus 1,856, a 12.1% lead. PassMark single-thread records 4,430 against 4,088, an 8.4% edge. Cinebench R15 single-core gives 328 versus 186, a 76.3% advantage. Extended instructions show 38,808 versus 12,808, or 203% higher. Floating-point math delivers 79,456 against 43,885, an 81.1% lead. Data encryption scores 22,158 versus 11,076, exactly 100.1% ahead. The smallest overall margin is in single-thread PassMark at 8.4%, while the largest gaps exceed 250%.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D uses the Zen 5 architecture on the Granite Ridge codename, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It packs 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 5 330 uses the Wildcat Lake codename on a 3 nm process at Intel's own foundry, with 6 cores and 6 threads. The AMD has no simultaneous multithreading on the Intel side, while the AMD doubles its thread count from core count.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The AMD provides 80 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 96 MB shared L3. The Intel provides 192 KB L1 total, 2.5 MB L2 total, and 6 MB shared L3. The L3 difference alone is 16 times larger on the AMD. The AMD's L3 cache is shared across 8 cores, while the Intel's 6 MB serves 6 cores. The transistor count for the AMD is 8,315 million on a 70.6 mm² die. The Intel's transistor count and die size are not recorded in the database.

Memory architecture separates the two further. The AMD supports DDR5 dual-channel with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X but runs single-channel with 59.7 GB/s. ECC memory is supported on the AMD but not on the Intel. PCIe connectivity also differs: the AMD offers Gen 5 with 24 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel offers Gen 4 with 6 lanes.

Integrated graphics differ as well. The AMD includes Radeon Graphics, while the Intel carries Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores. The AMD targets the desktop segment with an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel is a mobile part with a locked multiplier. Production status for both is Active.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core 5 330 has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning the AMD offers two more physical cores and ten more threads.

Q: How large is the L3 cache difference?

A: The AMD has 96 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel has 6 MB of shared L3. That puts the AMD at 16 times the L3 capacity.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 330 does not.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor provide?

A: The AMD delivers 89.6 GB/s over dual-channel DDR5. The Intel delivers 59.7 GB/s over single-channel DDR5 or LPDDR5X.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD boosts to 5.20 GHz, while the Intel boosts to 4.60 GHz. The AMD also has a higher base clock at 4.70 GHz versus 1.50 GHz.

Q: What is the thermal design power for each?

A: The AMD is rated at 120 W TDP. The Intel is rated at 15 W TDP. The Intel is a mobile part, while the AMD is desktop-oriented.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D | Intel Core 5 330 |

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

| Cores | 8 | 6 |

| Threads | 16 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 4.70 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.20 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 120 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM5 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Not listed |

| Codename | Granite Ridge | Wildcat Lake |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 8,315 million | Not listed |

| Die Size | 70.6 mm² | Not listed |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (total) |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (total) |

| L3 Cache | 96 MB (shared) | 6 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 24 Lanes | Gen 4, 6 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Graphics | Intel Xe3 Graphics (2 Xe) |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Release Date | 2024-11-06 | 2026-04-15 |

| Launch MSRP | $479 | $309 |

| Part Number | 100-000001084 | SAE3G |

The AMD uses a desktop socket with an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel uses a mobile BGA socket with a locked multiplier. The AMD's process node is larger at 4 nm versus 3 nm, but the AMD's die is fabricated by TSMC. The Intel's smaller 3 nm process is built at Intel. The AMD has a higher TDP by 105 W, consistent with its desktop positioning.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to one conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D outperforms the Intel Core 5 330 in every measured benchmark. The AMD's average benchmark score is 39,768, while the Intel's is 18,345. The AMD sits at the 87th percentile among all CPUs, while the Intel sits at the 72nd. The AMD's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 7 7700 at 40,081 (0.8% higher), the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 at 40,048 (0.7% higher), the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS at 39,603 (0.4% lower), and the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 at 39,485 (0.7% lower). The Intel's nearest rivals are the Intel Core i3-14100 at 18,318 (0.1% higher), the Intel Core 7 360 at 18,374 (0.2% higher), the Intel Core i3-13100 at 18,380 (0.2% higher), and the Intel Core 3 305 at 18,302 (0.2% lower).

The AMD's 15 wins out of 15 head-to-head tests make the comparison unambiguous. The Intel's only competitive area is single-thread PassMark, where it trails by 8.4%, a far smaller gap than the multi-thread margins. The Intel's 15 W TDP and mobile socket place it in a different product class. The AMD's 120 W TDP and desktop socket target a different usage scenario. The data shows the AMD as the higher-performing part across the board, with the Intel offering a much lower power envelope and a mobile form factor. The Intel's launch MSRP is $309, while the AMD's is $479.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D wins in every workload category present in the database. Multi-threaded productivity tasks show the largest gaps. Data compression, integer math, and prime number finding all exceed 250% deltas. Physics simulation shows 240% advantage, and extended instructions show 203%. These results indicate the AMD handles compute-heavy workloads with substantial headroom over the Intel.

The Intel Core 5 330 does not win any benchmark, but its profile suggests a different role. The 15 W TDP and mobile segment placement point toward battery-conscious portable systems. The single-channel memory and 6 PCIe Gen 4 lanes align with a compact, low-power design. The Intel's single-thread performance, while still behind, is within 8.4% on PassMark, which narrows the gap in lightly threaded tasks. The Intel's 3 nm process at Intel foundry and support for LPDDR5X indicate a focus on efficiency rather than peak throughput.

For users prioritizing raw compute, the AMD is the clear choice based on the data. For a mobile platform where power draw and physical footprint matter, the Intel's 15 W TDP and BGA socket represent a fundamentally different design goal. The AMD's unlocked multiplier and desktop socket support overclocking and high-performance cooling. The Intel's locked multiplier and mobile socket target integrated, fixed configurations. The benchmark record contains no scenario where the Intel leads, but the power envelope difference of 105 W suggests the Intel serves a separate market segment entirely.