AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS vs Intel Core i5-12600 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS is the overall performance leader in this matchup, winning 12 of the 17 direct benchmark comparisons, while the Intel Core i5-12600 takes 5 wins. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical — 28,646 for Intel versus 28,549 for AMD, a 0.3% gap — but the distribution of wins reveals distinct strengths. The AMD chip dominates multi-threaded and memory-sensitive workloads, while Intel counters with superior single-thread and specialized math results.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS sweeps the entire Cinebench suite. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, AMD scores 18,980 against Intel’s 18,105, a 4.6% lead. The same margin appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core (7,971 versus 7,604, -4.6%) and Cinebench R15 multi-core (1,913 versus 1,824, -4.7%). Single-core Cinebench results follow the same pattern: R23 shows 2,679 versus 2,556 (-4.6%), R20 shows 1,125 versus 1,073 (-4.6%), and R15 shows 270 versus 257 (-4.8%). AMD’s consistency across all three Cinebench versions indicates a fundamental architectural advantage in rendering workloads.

The PassMark suite tells a more nuanced story. AMD wins the multithread test decisively: 22,330 versus 21,399, a 4.2% margin. Data compression favors AMD by 7.6% (272,838 versus 252,160), and random string sorting shows a 10% AMD advantage (28,693 versus 25,832). The largest single win for AMD comes in data encryption, where the Ryzen scores 17,350 versus Intel’s 13,084 — a massive 24.6% gap. Integer math also heavily favors AMD: 85,459 versus 66,123, a 22.6% lead. Extended instructions tilt AMD’s way by 5.9% (18,091 versus 17,027).

Intel’s wins are concentrated in specific domains. The most dramatic is the find prime numbers test, where Intel scores 83 against AMD’s 58 — a 43.1% blowout. Floating point math gives Intel an 8.8% advantage (50,838 versus 46,706). Physics simulation shows Intel ahead by 28.2% (1,365 versus 1,065). Most importantly for everyday responsiveness, the single-threaded PassMark test goes to Intel by 15.8%: 3,823 versus 3,301. This single-thread advantage explains why Intel remains competitive despite losing most multi-core tests.

The overall record stands at 12 wins for AMD and 5 for Intel. Yet the average benchmark score difference is negligible — 28,646 versus 28,549 — meaning the two processors land in the same performance tier overall, with the 80th percentile ranking for both against all CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental divergence lies in process technology and core architecture. Intel builds the i5-12600 on a 10 nm process at its own foundry, using the Alder Lake-S architecture with a die size of 163 mm². AMD fabricates the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS on TSMC’s 6 nm process, using the Zen 3+ (Rembrandt) architecture with a larger 208 mm² die. The smaller process node gives AMD a manufacturing advantage, though the larger die suggests more complex integration.

Core counts differ significantly: AMD fields 8 cores and 16 threads, while Intel offers 6 cores and 12 threads. This 33% core advantage for AMD explains its multi-core wins. Cache configurations also diverge. Intel allocates 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. AMD uses 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. Note that Intel’s larger per-core L2 (1.25 MB versus 512 KB) contributes to its physics and prime number advantages, while AMD’s extra cores compensate in throughput tests.

Clock speeds are close: Intel runs 3.30 GHz base to 4.80 GHz boost, while AMD runs 3.20 GHz base to 4.70 GHz boost. Intel’s slight frequency edge (0.10 GHz base, 0.10 GHz boost) aligns with its single-thread win. Power envelopes differ dramatically: Intel carries a 65 W TDP, while AMD operates at 35 W. This reflects their market positioning — Intel targets desktop with Socket 1700, AMD targets mobile with Socket FP7. Memory support also differs: Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while AMD supports only DDR5. AMD specifies 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, a figure Intel does not list. PCIe connectivity favors AMD with Gen 4 and 20 lanes versus Intel’s Gen 5 and 16 lanes.

Integrated graphics differ: Intel ships UHD Graphics 770, AMD ships Radeon 680M. Neither processor supports ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. Intel lists a launch MSRP of $233; AMD has no listed launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data clearly favors the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS for multi-threaded productivity. It wins every Cinebench test, all by roughly 4.6% to 4.8%, and dominates encryption by 24.6%, integer math by 22.6%, and data compression by 7.6%. For users running renders, compiles, or data processing that scales across cores, AMD’s 8-core/16-thread configuration delivers measurable gains over Intel’s 6-core/12-thread design. The 35 W TDP versus Intel’s 65 W makes AMD more efficient for sustained workloads, especially in constrained thermal environments.

The Intel Core i5-12600 wins for single-thread responsiveness. Its 15.8% PassMark single-thread lead and 43.1% prime number advantage indicate stronger per-core performance, likely from higher boost clocks and larger L2 cache. The 28.2% physics win and 8.8% floating point win further suggest Intel handles latency-sensitive, branch-heavy workloads better. For users whose primary tasks involve legacy single-threaded applications, gaming that relies on one or two cores, or physics simulation, Intel offers the better experience.

The average benchmark scores — 28,646 for Intel versus 28,549 for AMD — show these are closely matched processors overall. The choice hinges on workload type rather than overall capability. AMD wins 12 of 17 head-to-head tests, but Intel wins the most important single-thread test by a wide margin. Neither processor is a clear buy for every scenario; the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS suits multi-threaded mobile workstations, while the Core i5-12600 suits desktop builds prioritizing single-core speed.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600 scores 28,646, while the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS scores 28,549. Intel leads by 0.3%, which is within the margin of the nearest rival comparisons.

Q: How large is AMD's lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: AMD scores 18,980 versus Intel's 18,105, a 4.6% advantage. The same 4.6% margin appears in Cinebench R20 multi-core (7,971 versus 7,604).

Q: Does Intel win any multi-threaded tests?

A: No. AMD wins the PassMark multithread test (22,330 versus 21,399), data compression, data encryption, integer math, extended instructions, and random string sorting. Intel's wins are all single-thread or specialized tests.

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in PassMark find prime numbers, where Intel scores 83 versus AMD's 58, a 43.1% advantage for Intel. The second largest is data encryption, where AMD leads by 24.6%.

Q: How do core counts compare?

A: AMD has 8 cores and 16 threads, while Intel has 6 cores and 12 threads. AMD's 33% more cores explain its dominance in multi-threaded benchmarks.

Q: Which processor supports more memory types?

A: Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while AMD supports only DDR5. AMD specifies 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth; Intel does not list a bandwidth figure.

Where Each One Wins

AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS wins in:

• All Cinebench tests (R15, R20, R23, both single and multi-core), by 4.6% to 4.8%
• PassMark multithread (4.2% lead)
• Data compression (7.6% lead)
• Data encryption (24.6% lead)
• Integer math (22.6% lead)
• Extended instructions (5.9% lead)
• Random string sorting (10% lead)
• Geekbench tests (8,429 multi-core, 1,869 single-core, where Intel has no listed scores)

Intel Core i5-12600 wins in:

• PassMark single thread (15.8% lead, 3,823 versus 3,301)
• Find prime numbers (43.1% lead)
• Floating point math (8.8% lead)
• Physics simulation (28.2% lead)

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Core i5-12600 | AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850HS |

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

| Cores | 6 | 8 |

| Threads | 12 | 16 |

| Base clock | 3.30 GHz | 3.20 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.80 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 65 W | 35 W |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | AMD Socket FP7 |

| Architecture | Alder Lake | Zen 3+ |

| Codename | Alder Lake-S | Rembrandt |

| Process node | 10 nm | 6 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die size | 163 mm² | 208 mm² |

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

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

| L3 cache | 18 MB (shared) | 16 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Dual-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | Not listed | 76.8 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated graphics | UHD Graphics 770 | Radeon 680M |

| Market segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Launch MSRP | $233 | Not listed |