AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX vs Intel Core 3 201E Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX is a 16-core, 32-thread mobile processor built on TSMC's 5 nm process with Zen 4 architecture, designed for high-end laptops. The Intel Core 3 201E is a 4-core, 8-thread desktop chip on Intel's 10 nm process with Bartlett Lake architecture, aimed at entry-level desktop systems. The benchmark data shows the AMD part dominating the Intel part across every recorded test, with a 94th percentile ranking versus the Intel's 73rd percentile. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX is the clear performance choice for workloads that can use many cores, while the Intel Core 3 201E offers a lower-power, cheaper desktop alternative for basic tasks, though its performance trails significantly.

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX is for users who need maximum multi-threaded throughput in a mobile form factor. Its 16 cores and 32 threads deliver a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 29400, which is 133.1% higher than the Intel Core 3 201E's 12613. The data shows the AMD part wins all 13 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, with no wins for the Intel chip. Its average benchmark score of 69875 places it in the 94th percentile of all CPUs, closely matching desktop parts like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (69515, 0.5% difference) and the Intel Core i7-14700K (69355, 0.7% difference). This is a processor that handles heavy rendering, compilation, and data processing workloads with authority.

The Intel Core 3 201E is for basic desktop systems where a modest 4-core, 8-thread processor is sufficient. Its average benchmark score of 19056 puts it in the 73rd percentile, right alongside the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (19047, 0% difference) and the Intel Core i5-12400F (19039, 0.1% difference). The Intel chip offers ECC memory support and a lower 60 W TDP, making it suitable for low-cost workstations or home servers. However, its Cinebench R23 multicore score of 12613 is less than half of the AMD part's score, and its Passmark multithread score of 14839 is only 27.9% of the AMD's 53204. Users should pick the Intel part only if their workloads are light and the desktop platform requirements match its specifications.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX uses the Zen 4 architecture with the Dragon Range codename, fabricated by TSMC on a 5 nm process. It features 16 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The chip has 13,140 million transistors spread across a dual-chiplet design with a die size of 2x 71 mm². Its cache layout includes 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache. The processor supports DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 83.2 GB/s of bandwidth, and it uses the AMD Socket FL1. It includes 28 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only) and integrated Radeon 610M graphics. The multiplier is unlocked, and it was released on 2024-01-16.

The Intel Core 3 201E uses the Bartlett Lake codename, fabricated by Intel on a 10 nm process. It has 4 cores and 8 threads, with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The die size is 163 mm², and the cache includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 12 MB of shared L3 cache. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration with 76.8 GB/s of bandwidth. The processor uses Intel Socket 1700 and has 16 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only). It includes UHD Graphics 730 as integrated graphics and supports ECC memory, which the AMD part does not. The multiplier is locked, and it was released on 2025-01-12.

The architectural gap is substantial: the AMD part has four times the cores and four times the threads, more than five times the L3 cache, and a smaller process node. The Intel part counters with a higher base clock (3.60 GHz versus 2.40 GHz) and ECC support, but the core count difference dominates performance outcomes.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: How much faster is the AMD part in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX scores 29400 in Cinebench R23 multicore, which is 133.1% higher than the Intel Core 3 201E's 12613. In Passmark multithread, the AMD scores 53204 versus the Intel's 14839, a 258.5% difference.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX supports only DDR5, while the Intel Core 3 201E supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The AMD part has higher memory bandwidth at 83.2 GB/s versus the Intel's 76.8 GB/s.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 3 201E supports ECC memory, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX does not.

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

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX wins in Cinebench R23 singlecore with 1807 versus the Intel's 1780, a 1.5% lead. In Passmark single-thread, the AMD scores 3942 versus the Intel's 3482, a 13.2% lead.

Q: What is the release date difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX was released on 2024-01-16, while the Intel Core 3 201E was released on 2025-01-12.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads. Base clocks differ: the AMD runs at 2.40 GHz, the Intel at 3.60 GHz. Boost clocks are closer, with the AMD at 5.20 GHz and the Intel at 4.80 GHz. TDP also differs, with the AMD at 55 W and the Intel at 60 W. The AMD uses AMD Socket FL1, while the Intel uses Intel Socket 1700. The process node differs: 5 nm for the AMD (TSMC) versus 10 nm for the Intel (Intel foundry). The AMD die size is 2x 71 mm² with 13,140 million transistors; the Intel die size is 163 mm² with no transistor count listed.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 64 MB L3. The Intel has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 12 MB shared L3. Memory support differs: AMD uses DDR5 only, Intel uses DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bandwidth is 83.2 GB/s for the AMD and 76.8 GB/s for the Intel. ECC support is present only on the Intel. PCIe lanes differ: the AMD has 28 Gen 5 lanes, the Intel has 16 Gen 5 lanes. Integrated graphics differ: Radeon 610M on the AMD versus UHD Graphics 730 on the Intel. The AMD has an unlocked multiplier; the Intel is locked. The market segments differ: the AMD is mobile, the Intel is desktop. The Intel has a launch MSRP of $134; the AMD has no listed launch MSRP. The AMD part number is 100-000001486; the Intel part number is SRVTR.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX wins every head-to-head benchmark recorded, 13 wins to 0. The largest margin is in Passmark find prime numbers, where the AMD scores 273 versus the Intel's 57, a 378.9% difference. Passmark data encryption shows a 370% lead, with the AMD at 41974 and the Intel at 8931. Passmark extended instructions favors the AMD at 51029 versus 11035, a 362.4% difference. Passmark integer math is similarly lopsided: 202883 for the AMD versus 43894 for the Intel, a 362.2% lead. Passmark random string sorting shows 81775 for the AMD and 17783 for the Intel, a 359.8% difference.

Passmark data compression gives the AMD a 322.6% lead, with scores of 693741 versus 164160. Passmark floating point math favors the AMD at 121383 versus 33260, a 265% difference. Passmark multithread shows the AMD at 53204 and the Intel at 14839, a 258.5% lead. Cinebench R23 multicore is the most relevant rendering test: the AMD scores 29400 versus the Intel's 12613, a 133.1% lead. Passmark physics shows a 101.3% lead, with the AMD at 2297 and the Intel at 1141.

Single-threaded gaps are far narrower. Cinebench R23 singlecore has the AMD at 1807 and the Intel at 1780, a 1.5% lead. Passmark single-thread shows the AMD at 3942 and the Intel at 3482, a 13.2% lead. The same 13.2% margin appears in the duplicate Passmark singlethread entry. The AMD's single-thread advantage is much smaller than its multi-thread advantage, but it still wins.

The AMD's average benchmark score of 69875 puts it at 94th percentile overall, while the Intel's 19056 puts it at 73rd percentile. The AMD's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F (69996, 0.2% behind), Intel Core i7-14700KF (70163, 0.4% behind), AMD Ryzen 9 7950X (69515, 0.5% ahead), and Intel Core i7-14700K (69355, 0.7% ahead). The Intel's nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (19047, 0% difference), Intel Core i5-12400F (19039, 0.1% ahead), Intel Core i5-1335U (18982, 0.4% ahead), and AMD EPYC 7773X (18979, 0.4% ahead). This shows the AMD performs at desktop flagship level despite being a mobile chip, while the Intel competes with mid-range desktop and mobile parts.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX wins in every measured category. Its multi-threaded dominance is the defining characteristic: 258.5% ahead in Passmark multithread and 133.1% ahead in Cinebench R23 multicore. This makes it the clear choice for rendering, video encoding, software compilation, scientific computing, and any workload that scales with core count. The 64 MB L3 cache and 32 threads give it a massive advantage in data-heavy tasks like data compression (322.6% lead) and integer math (362.2% lead). Its 94th percentile ranking means it sits alongside flagship desktop processors like the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X and Intel Core i7-14700K, making it a high-end mobile part that rivals desktop hardware.

The Intel Core 3 201E wins in platform flexibility and specific niche features. It supports ECC memory, which the AMD does not, making it suitable for entry-level servers or workstations where data integrity is prioritized. It supports both DDR4 and DDR5, offering more memory compatibility options for budget desktop builds. Its 60 W TDP is modest, and its desktop Socket 1700 platform is common. Its 73rd percentile ranking places it alongside mid-range parts like the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS and Intel Core i5-12400F. The Intel part is the practical choice for users building a low-cost desktop system that requires ECC support, but its performance ceiling is far lower: its best result, a 13.2% single-thread deficit, still favors the AMD. The data shows no benchmark category where the Intel part wins, so the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX is the superior processor for all measured performance metrics.