AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT vs Intel Core i7-13700HX Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a split decision between the Intel Core i7-13700HX and the AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT. Intel wins 13 of the 23 recorded head-to-head tests, while AMD takes 10. The margins, however, tell a more nuanced story than the raw win count.

Intel's most dominant victories come in single-threaded and lightly threaded workloads. In 3dmark_single_thread, the i7-13700HX scores 1024 against AMD's 735, a 39.3% advantage. The same 39.3% delta appears in passmark_single_thread, where Intel records 3819 versus 2742. The 3dmark_2_threads test shows Intel at 1990 against 1452, a 37.1% lead, and 3dmark_4_threads has Intel ahead by 33.7% (3738 vs 2796). Even at 8 threads, Intel maintains a 23.4% edge (6416 vs 5200). These results indicate a substantial per-core performance advantage for the Intel part in the database's measurements.

The floating-point math workload is another Intel stronghold. Passmark_floating_point_math shows Intel at 85863 against AMD's 58513, a 46.7% lead. Intel also wins passmark_integer_math with 116617 versus 99722, a 16.9% margin, and passmark_physics with 1908 versus 1776, a 7.4% edge. The multithread score is nearly a tie: Intel at 32637 edges AMD's 32575 by just 0.2%.

AMD's wins are concentrated in Cinebench and several Passmark data-processing tests. The most striking result is cinebench_r23_singlecore, where AMD scores 3909 against Intel's 1875, a 52% advantage. That is the largest margin in either direction across the entire benchmark set. Cinebench_r23_multicore also favors AMD heavily: 27688 versus 20479, a 26% lead. In cinebench_r15_singlecore, AMD wins 393 to 272, a 30.8% margin, while cinebench_r20_singlecore and cinebench_r20_multicore are closer, with AMD ahead by 2.9% in both (1641 vs 1593 and 11628 vs 11290 respectively). Cinebench_r15_multicore goes to Intel, however, with 3277 versus 2790, a 17.5% lead.

In Passmark data workloads, AMD shows consistent strength. Passmark_data_compression goes to AMD at 452328 versus 392725, a 13.2% edge. Passmark_data_encryption favors AMD at 28634 versus 22386, a 21.8% margin. Passmark_extended_instructions goes AMD's way at 28586 versus 24127, a 15.6% lead. Passmark_find_prime_numbers shows AMD at 214 versus 124, a 42.1% advantage. Passmark_random_string_sorting goes to AMD at 48327 versus 41717, a 13.7% margin.

The overall average benchmark score sits close: Intel at 34554, AMD at 33736, a difference of roughly 2.4%. Both processors occupy the 84th percentile among all CPUs in the database. Intel's nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H (0.2% behind), Intel Core i5-13450HX (0.6% behind), and AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (0.9% behind), with AMD Ryzen 5 150 slightly ahead at -0.9%. AMD's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 7645HX and Ryzen 7 8840HS (both 0.2% behind), with Intel Xeon 6353P and Core i7-12800HX slightly ahead at -0.3% and -0.4% respectively.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-threaded benchmark score in the database?

A: The Intel Core i7-13700HX leads in 3dmark_single_thread with 1024 versus AMD's 735, a 39.3% advantage. However, in cinebench_r23_singlecore, AMD wins decisively with 3909 versus Intel's 1875, a 52% lead. The result depends heavily on which benchmark suite is consulted.

Q: How do the two chips compare in multi-threaded performance?

A: The results are mixed. Intel wins cinebench_r15_multicore (3277 vs 2790, +17.5%) and passmark_multithread (32637 vs 32575, +0.2%). AMD wins cinebench_r20_multicore (11628 vs 11290, +2.9%) and cinebench_r23_multicore (27688 vs 20479, +26%). The 3dmark_max_threads test goes to Intel at 8988 versus 8515, a 5.6% margin.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration of each processor?

A: The Intel Core i7-13700HX has 16 cores and 24 threads. The AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT has 12 cores and 24 threads. Both support simultaneous multithreading, but Intel achieves the thread count with additional physical cores.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core i7-13700HX boosts to 5.00 GHz, while the AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT boosts to 4.70 GHz. Intel's base clock is lower at 2.10 GHz compared to AMD's 3.90 GHz.

Q: How do the cache configurations differ?

A: Intel provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache. AMD's total L3 is more than double Intel's.

Q: What is the process node and foundry for each chip?

A: Intel uses a 10 nm process at its own foundry. AMD uses a 7 nm process at TSMC. AMD also lists 7,600 million transistors and a die size of 2x 74 mm², while Intel lists a die size of 257 mm².

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split by workload type. For lightly threaded tasks, particularly 3DMark and Passmark single-thread tests, the Intel Core i7-13700HX is the stronger choice. Its 39.3% lead in both 3dmark_single_thread and passmark_single_thread, combined with wins in 2-thread and 4-thread tests by 37.1% and 33.7%, respectively, makes it the pick for applications that rely on a few fast cores.

For heavily threaded rendering workloads as measured by Cinebench R23, the AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT is clearly ahead. The 26% margin in multicore and 52% in singlecore for that suite is decisive. AMD also dominates data compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, and random string sorting, suggesting an edge in data-oriented and encryption-heavy tasks.

The overall average benchmark scores are nearly identical (34554 vs 33736), and both sit at the 84th percentile. Users should select based on their specific workload profile rather than overall averages. The Intel part also includes integrated graphics (UHD Graphics 770), while AMD lists none, which matters for systems without a discrete GPU.

Specification Differences

• Cores: Intel has 16, AMD has 12.
• Base clock: Intel at 2.10 GHz, AMD at 3.90 GHz.
• Boost clock: Intel at 5.00 GHz, AMD at 4.70 GHz.
• TDP: Intel at 55 W, AMD at 105 W.
• Socket: Intel BGA 1964 for Intel, AMD Socket AM4 for AMD.
• Process node: Intel at 10 nm, AMD at 7 nm.
• Foundry: Intel for Intel, TSMC for AMD.
• Transistors: Intel lists none, AMD lists 7,600 million.
• Die size: Intel at 257 mm², AMD at 2x 74 mm².
• L1 cache: Intel at 80 KB per core, AMD at 64 KB per core.
• L2 cache: Intel at 2 MB per core, AMD at 512 KB per core.
• L3 cache: Intel at 30 MB shared, AMD at 64 MB.
• Memory support: Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5, AMD supports DDR4 only.
• Memory bandwidth: Intel lists none, AMD lists 51.2 GB/s.
• ECC memory: Intel supports it, AMD does not.
• PCIe: Intel Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only), AMD Gen 4 with 24 lanes (CPU only).
• Integrated graphics: Intel has UHD Graphics 770, AMD has none.
• Market segment: Intel is mobile, AMD is desktop.
• Release date: Intel on 2023-01-03, AMD on 2020-07-06.
• Launch MSRP: Intel at $485, AMD at $499.
• Part number: Intel SRME5, AMD 100-100000277WOF.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Core i7-13700HX uses the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-HX codename, built on a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry. It belongs to the Core 13th Gen series and is a mobile processor. The chip has 16 cores and 24 threads, with a hybrid configuration implied by the differing cache sizes per core type. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, includes ECC support, and offers PCIe Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes. The integrated UHD Graphics 770 provides display output without a discrete GPU.

The AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT uses the Zen 2 architecture with the Matisse 2 codename, built on a 7 nm process at TSMC. It is a desktop processor in the 3000 series. The chip has 12 cores and 24 threads, with a 64 MB L3 cache that is more than double Intel's 30 MB. It supports DDR4 memory only, does not include ECC support, and offers PCIe Gen 4 with 24 CPU lanes. No integrated graphics are listed, meaning a discrete GPU is required. AMD's transistor count is listed at 7,600 million across two chiplets. Both processors have an unlocked multiplier.

The architectural differences manifest in the benchmark results. Intel's newer Raptor Lake design delivers superior single-thread performance in most tests, while AMD's larger L3 cache and higher base clock (3.90 GHz vs 2.10 GHz) contribute to its wins in Cinebench R23 and data-processing workloads. The process node difference (7 nm vs 10 nm) and foundry choice (TSMC vs Intel) reflect different design philosophies rather than a direct performance indicator in the recorded data.

Where Each One Wins

Intel Core i7-13700HX wins in:

• 3DMark tests: single thread (39.3% ahead), 2 threads (37.1%), 4 threads (33.7%), 8 threads (23.4%), 16 threads (6.8%), and max threads (5.6%).
• Cinebench R15 multicore (17.5% ahead).
• Passmark floating point math (46.7% ahead), integer math (16.9%), multithread (0.2%), physics (7.4%), and single thread (39.3%).
• Overall win count: 13 out of 23 tests.

AMD Ryzen 9 3900XT wins in:

• Cinebench R15 singlecore (30.8% ahead), R20 multicore (2.9%), R20 singlecore (2.9%), R23 multicore (26%), and R23 singlecore (52%).
• Passmark data compression (13.2%), data encryption (21.8%), extended instructions (15.6%), find prime numbers (42.1%), and random string sorting (13.7%).
• Overall win count: 10 out of 23 tests.

The use-case split is clear. For gaming and applications that favor high single-thread throughput, the Intel part leads in the majority of 3DMark and Passmark single-thread tests. For rendering with Cinebench R23, AMD's advantage is substantial, suggesting the Ryzen 9 3900XT is better suited for content creation workloads that scale with the metrics in that suite. For encryption and data compression tasks, AMD's wins in all three Passmark data tests make it the stronger option. The Intel part's integrated graphics and lower 55 W TDP also make it suitable for mobile systems, while AMD's 105 W desktop part requires a discrete GPU and is positioned for stationary builds. The near-identical average scores and matching 84th percentile ranking mean neither chip is categorically superior; the choice depends on the specific benchmark priorities of the user.