AMD Ryzen 9 3950X vs Intel Core i5-12600HE Comparison

The Intel Core i5-12600HE and AMD Ryzen 9 3950X are built for different worlds: one is a mobile Alder Lake-H processor with 12 cores and 16 threads, the other a desktop Zen 2 chip with 16 cores and 32 threads. The recorded data shows a clear split. AMD dominates multi-threaded rendering, while Intel takes the single-thread crown. Both sit at the 59th percentile among all CPUs, but their average benchmark scores differ by a small margin: the Intel part records 4980, the AMD part 4807.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database includes only two direct head-to-head tests, both from Cinebench R15. In the multicore test, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X scores 4002, while the Intel Core i5-12600HE scores 1735. That is a 56.6% deficit for the Intel part. The AMD chip's 16 cores and 32 threads give it a massive advantage in heavily threaded workloads. This is the largest gap in the head-to-head data, and it reflects the fundamental difference in core count and thread count between the two processors.

In the singlecore test, the Intel part scores 244, beating the AMD's 209 by 16.7%. The Intel chip's boost clock of 4.50 GHz is lower than the AMD's 4.70 GHz, yet the Alder Lake architecture delivers better per-thread performance in this test. This result matters for older software, games that rely on a few fast cores, and everyday responsiveness.

Beyond these two tests, the average benchmark scores provide context. The Intel part's average of 4980 is higher than the AMD's 4807. The nearest rivals for the Intel part include the Intel Core i7-1375PRE with an average score of 4985 (a 0.1% difference) and the AMD Ryzen Embedded V3C48 with 4967 (a 0.3% difference). For the AMD part, the nearest rival is the Intel Xeon E-2386G at 4799 (a 0.2% difference) and the AMD Ryzen 7 5800HS at 4827 (a 0.4% difference). These numbers place both CPUs in a similar overall performance tier, despite the stark contrast in the head-to-head Cinebench results.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X is the clear choice for multi-threaded workloads such as video rendering, 3D modeling, and scientific computing. Its Cinebench R15 multicore score of 4002 is far above the Intel's 1735, and the 56.6% deficit for the Intel part is decisive. The Intel Core i5-12600HE, on the other hand, wins in single-threaded performance, which benefits applications that rely on a few cores. The Intel part also has integrated graphics, a lower TDP of 45W, and support for DDR5 memory, making it a better fit for compact, power-efficient systems. The AMD part requires a discrete GPU, has a TDP of 105W, and is limited to DDR4. For users who need maximum multi-threading and have a dedicated graphics card, the AMD part is the obvious pick. For those who want a balanced mobile or embedded solution with strong single-thread performance and integrated graphics, the Intel part is the better option.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations. The Intel Core i5-12600HE uses Alder Lake-H, built on Intel's 10 nm process, with a die size of 217 mm². The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X uses Zen 2 (Matisse), built on TSMC's 7 nm process, with a die size of 2x 74 mm² and 7,600 million transistors. The Intel part has 12 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD part has 16 cores and 32 threads. Cache layouts differ significantly: the Intel part has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The AMD part has 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3. The Intel part includes integrated Iris Xe graphics with 80 execution units, while the AMD part has no integrated graphics. Memory support also differs: the Intel part supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the AMD part supports only DDR4. The Intel part has 20 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, while the AMD part has 24. The Intel part is a mobile chip on the Intel BGA 1744 socket, while the AMD part is a desktop chip on the AMD Socket AM4. The Intel part has a TDP of 45W, the AMD part 105W. The Intel part is not multiplier-unlocked, while the AMD part is.

Specification Differences

| Feature | Intel Core i5-12600HE | AMD Ryzen 9 3950X |

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

| Cores | 12 | 16 |

| Threads | 16 | 32 |

| Base clock | 2.50 GHz | 3.50 GHz |

| Boost clock | 4.50 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 45 W | 105 W |

| Socket | Intel BGA 1744 | AMD Socket AM4 |

| Process node | 10 nm | 7 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die size | 217 mm² | 2x 74 mm² |

| Transistors | Not listed | 7,600 million |

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

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

| L3 cache (shared) | 18 MB | 64 MB |

| Memory support | DDR4, DDR5 | DDR4 |

| Memory bandwidth | Not listed | 51.2 GB/s |

| PCIe lanes | 20 (Gen 4) | 24 (Gen 4) |

| Integrated graphics | Iris Xe 80EU | None |

| Market segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release date | Not listed | 2019-11-24 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $749 |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part number | SRLE5 | 100-000000051100-100000051WOF |

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core i5-12600HE has 12 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-12600HE has a boost clock of 4.50 GHz.

Q: Which processor supports DDR5 memory?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HE supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X supports only DDR4.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HE includes Iris Xe graphics with 80 execution units. The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has no integrated graphics.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HE has an average benchmark score of 4980, while the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has an average score of 4807.

Q: Which processor is unlocked for overclocking?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel Core i5-12600HE does not.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X wins in multi-threaded rendering. Its Cinebench R15 multicore score of 4002 is far above the Intel's 1735, and the Intel part trails by 56.6% in this test. This makes the AMD chip the better choice for video encoding, 3D rendering, and other workloads that scale across many threads. The AMD part also has a larger L3 cache (64 MB versus 18 MB) and more PCIe lanes (24 versus 20), which can help in data-heavy tasks. Its unlocked multiplier allows overclocking, and its 105W TDP is typical for a desktop flagship.

The Intel Core i5-12600HE wins in single-threaded performance, with a 16.7% advantage in Cinebench R15 singlecore. This benefits applications that rely on a few fast cores, such as many games and legacy software. The Intel part also has integrated graphics, so it can run without a discrete GPU, and its lower TDP of 45W makes it suitable for compact or battery-powered systems. It supports DDR5 memory, which may offer higher bandwidth in future systems, though the AMD part lists a memory bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The Intel part is not unlocked, but its mobile design and integrated graphics make it a strong choice for embedded and portable builds.

In summary, choose the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X for maximum multi-threading and overclocking, and choose the Intel Core i5-12600HE for single-thread performance, integrated graphics, and power efficiency. The data supports both picks, depending on the workload.