AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D vs Intel Core 7 150U Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher overall benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D has an average benchmark score of 58,386, while the Intel Core 7 150U scores 17,395. The AMD part sits at the 92nd percentile among all CPUs, whereas the Intel part is at the 71st percentile.

Q: What is the performance gap in multi-core rendering?

A: In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D scores 22,807 versus 8,883 for the Intel Core 7 150U, a 156.7% advantage. The Cinebench R15 multi-core test shows a similar pattern, with AMD leading 3,551 to 1,505.5, a 135.9% delta.

Q: How do the two compare in single-threaded workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D wins every recorded single-thread test. In Cinebench R23 single-core it scores 2,228 versus 1,875.5 for Intel, an 18.8% lead. PassMark single-thread shows AMD at 4,704 versus 3,508, a 34.1% advantage.

Q: Which processor has the higher core count?

A: The Intel Core 7 150U has 10 cores and 12 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D has 8 cores and 16 threads. Despite fewer cores, the AMD part wins all multi-threaded benchmarks in the comparison.

Q: What are the manufacturing process nodes for each chip?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core 7 150U uses a 10 nm process at Intel.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No, the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 7 150U does not.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is a desktop part from the 9000 series, built on the Zen 5 architecture with the Granite Ridge codename. It uses an AMD Socket AM5 and is manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The chip integrates 8,315 million transistors on a 70.6 mm² die. It offers a large 96 MB shared L3 cache, which is the defining feature of the X3D line. The processor includes Radeon Graphics as integrated graphics and supports DDR5 memory across a dual-channel bus, with a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The CPU provides Gen 5 PCIe with 24 lanes, and it has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking.

The Intel Core 7 150U is a mobile processor using the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-U codename. It is mounted on Intel BGA 1744 and built on a 10 nm process at Intel. The cache layout differs significantly: 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 12 MB of shared L3, compared to AMD's 1 MB L2 per core and 96 MB L3. Intel's chip supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus, though no memory bandwidth figure is recorded. It uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU for integrated graphics, provides Gen 4 PCIe with 8 lanes, and has a locked multiplier.

The process node gap is substantial, 4 nm versus 10 nm, which contributes to the large difference in power targets: 120 W for the AMD part versus 15 W for the Intel mobile chip. The AMD processor also carries a much larger transistor count, though the Intel chip's transistor count and die size are not recorded in the database. The AMD part is a desktop component with a release date of 2026-01-28, while the Intel part is a mobile component released on 2024-01-07.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D wins all 15 recorded head-to-head benchmarks in this comparison. There are no wins recorded for the Intel Core 7 150U. The AMD chip dominates across rendering, math, encryption, compression, and physics workloads.

In multi-core rendering, the AMD part shows its largest structural advantages. Cinebench R23 multi-core delivers a 156.7% lead, and Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 135.9% lead. These results indicate that the 16-thread Zen 5 desktop chip sustains high throughput in threaded workloads, while the 12-thread Raptor Lake-U mobile chip operates at a much lower power envelope.

The data also shows AMD's strength in integer and floating-point math. PassMark integer math scores 123,140 versus 51,057, a 141.2% advantage, and floating-point math scores 81,998 versus 34,405, a 138.3% lead. Extended instruction workloads show the widest gap among compute tests: 39,272 versus 8,748, a 348.9% delta.

The Intel Core 7 150U's role is defined by its mobile market segment. With a 15 W TDP, BGA 1744 socket, and support for both DDR4 and DDR5, it is positioned for thin-and-light laptops. The database records no scenario where the Intel chip wins a benchmark, so its value lies in the mobile form factor and low power target rather than in absolute performance.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D | Intel Core 7 150U |

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

| Cores | 8 | 10 |

| Threads | 16 | 12 |

| Base clock | 4.70 GHz | 1.80 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.60 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| TDP | 120 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket AM5 | Intel BGA 1744 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Raptor Lake |

| Codename | Granite Ridge | Raptor Lake-U |

| Process node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 8,315 million | Not recorded |

| Die size | 70.6 mm² | Not recorded |

| L2 cache | 1 MB per core | 1.25 MB per core |

| L3 cache | 96 MB shared | 12 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | Not recorded |

| ECC memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 24 lanes | Gen 4, 8 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | Radeon Graphics | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU |

| Market segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release date | 2026-01-28 | 2024-01-07 |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

The AMD chip carries more threads, a higher base clock, a larger L3 cache, and a higher power target. The Intel chip has more physical cores, a slightly higher L2 allocation per core, and dual memory type support. The AMD part has a launch MSRP of $499.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single delta in the entire comparison is PassMark find prime numbers, where the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D scores 435 versus 58 for the Intel Core 7 150U, a 650% advantage. This workload is highly dependent on core efficiency and clock speed, and the Zen 5 desktop chip's 5.60 GHz boost clock and 96 MB L3 cache deliver an overwhelming result.

PassMark extended instructions shows a 348.9% lead, with AMD at 39,272 and Intel at 8,748. This test measures AVX-class and other extended instruction throughput, where the newer Zen 5 architecture and higher power budget produce a large gap. PassMark physics follows at 312.2%, with scores of 4,171 versus 1,012.

Data compression and encryption workloads also favor AMD heavily. PassMark data compression scores 474,501 versus 158,622, a 199.1% delta. PassMark data encryption scores 22,856 versus 10,025, a 128% lead. These results reflect both the cache advantage and the thread count difference, as the AMD part offers 16 threads to Intel's 12.

Multi-threaded throughput shows a consistent pattern. PassMark multi-thread scores 41,318 versus 14,700, a 181.1% lead. Cinebench R23 multi-core shows a 156.7% lead, and Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 135.9% lead. Random string sorting, which stresses memory and cache behavior, records 49,764 versus 18,269, a 172.4% advantage.

Single-threaded performance is closer but still favors AMD. Cinebench R15 single-core shows AMD at 343 versus 254, a 35% lead. PassMark single-thread shows 4,704 versus 3,508, a 34.1% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows the smallest margin in the set, 2,228 versus 1,875.5, an 18.8% delta. Even at similar boost clocks, 5.60 GHz versus 5.40 GHz, the Zen 5 core delivers higher per-thread throughput.

Integer math and floating-point math complete the sweep. PassMark integer math scores 123,140 versus 51,057, a 141.2% lead. PassMark floating-point math scores 81,998 versus 34,405, a 138.3% lead. In every recorded metric, the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D finishes ahead, with no benchmark in the database registering a win for the Intel Core 7 150U.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports one clear conclusion: the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D outperforms the Intel Core 7 150U in every benchmark where both have results. The AMD chip wins all 15 head-to-head comparisons, with deltas ranging from 18.8% in Cinebench R23 single-core to 650% in PassMark find prime numbers. Its average benchmark score of 58,386 places it at the 92nd percentile, while the Intel part's 17,395 average places it at the 71st percentile.

The AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D is the appropriate choice for workloads that demand raw compute throughput. The 96 MB L3 cache, 16 threads, 5.60 GHz boost clock, and 120 W power target drive decisive wins in rendering, encryption, compression, and math-heavy tasks. The chip's nearest rivals in the database are the Intel Xeon Platinum 8260M, Intel Xeon w5-2545, Intel Core i9-14900, and AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 470, with average scores within 0.7% of the AMD part. That places the 9850X3D in the upper tier of desktop processors.

The Intel Core 7 150U serves a different purpose. Its 15 W TDP, BGA 1744 socket, and mobile market segment indicate a design for power-constrained laptops. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, which offers platform flexibility. The 12 MB L3 cache and 10-core, 12-thread configuration are modest, and the nearest rivals in the database, such as the AMD Ryzen 5 4500 and AMD Ryzen 3 210, have average scores within 0.6% of the Intel part, placing it in the mid-range of the CPU distribution.

Buyers should select the AMD Ryzen 7 9850X3D when the workload is fixed-location desktop computing with access to high-wattage cooling and power delivery. The data shows no recorded scenario where the Intel Core 7 150U wins a benchmark, so for pure performance, the AMD part is the only choice. The Intel part is the only option here for a mobile form factor with a 15 W power target and BGA mounting.