AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX vs Intel Core 5 221E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive multi-threaded advantage for the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX, but the Intel Core 5 221E takes a clear lead in single-threaded tasks. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD part scores 29,400 against Intel’s 25,933, a 13.4% difference. The gap widens substantially in PassMark’s multi-thread test, where AMD delivers 53,204 versus 30,510, a 74.4% margin. Integer math follows the same pattern: AMD’s 202,883 beats Intel’s 117,813 by 72.2%. Floating-point math shows AMD ahead at 121,383 versus 79,028, a 53.6% lead.

The biggest single delta appears in extended instructions, where AMD scores 51,029 against Intel’s 18,216, an 180.1% advantage. Data compression also heavily favors AMD, 693,741 versus 324,285, a 113.9% edge. Data encryption shows AMD at 41,974 versus 19,205, a 118.6% win. Random string sorting favors AMD 81,775 to 37,686, a 117% difference. Prime number finding goes to AMD 273 to 173, a 57.8% margin. Physics scores are nearly identical, with AMD at 2,297 and Intel at 2,230, only a 3% gap.

Intel wins the single-threaded contests. In Cinebench R23 single-core, Intel posts 3,661 against AMD’s 1,807, a 50.6% lead. PassMark’s single-thread test shows Intel at 4,147 versus AMD’s 3,942, a 4.9% edge. That result appears twice in the database, under both the “passmark_single_thread” and “passmark_singlethread” entries, confirming consistency. Across all head-to-head comparisons, AMD claims 10 wins and Intel claims 2 (the duplicate single-thread entries count as separate test rows). The average benchmark score for AMD is 69,875, placing it in the 94th percentile of all CPUs. Intel averages 40,144, in the 87th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX uses the Zen 4 architecture on the Dragon Range codename, built on a 5 nm TSMC process. It packs 16 cores and 32 threads. Cache is organized as 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3. The chip is a mobile part on AMD Socket FL1 with a 55 W TDP. It supports DDR5 memory on a dual-channel bus with 83.2 GB/s of bandwidth and no ECC. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 28 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics come from the Radeon 610M. The multiplier is unlocked, and the part number is 100-000001486.

The Intel Core 5 221E uses the Bartlett Lake codename, fabricated on Intel’s 10 nm process with a die size of 257 mm². It has 14 cores and 20 threads. Cache differs in structure: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. This is a desktop processor on Intel Socket 1700 with a 65 W TDP. Memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5 on a dual-channel bus, with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is supported, a feature AMD lacks here. PCIe is Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes. The integrated GPU is UHD Graphics 730. The multiplier is locked, and the part number is SRQDVQ659.

Process technology differs significantly. AMD uses a 5 nm node from TSMC with 13,140 million transistors across a dual-die design of 2x 71 mm². Intel’s 10 nm node uses a single 257 mm² die, and the database lists no transistor count for it. The core count difference is modest, 16 versus 14, but thread count differs more sharply: 32 threads on AMD versus 20 on Intel. The L3 cache advantage is substantial, 64 MB versus 24 MB. Intel compensates with larger per-core L1 and L2 allocations, but the shared L3 deficit appears in memory-sensitive workloads. The Intel part also supports DDR4, which expands platform compatibility, while AMD is DDR5-only.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX dominates in heavily parallel workloads. Data encryption, data compression, and extended instruction throughput are the clearest examples, with margins from 113.9% to 180.1%. Integer and floating-point math also lean strongly toward AMD. Multi-threaded rendering in Cinebench R23 shows a smaller but still meaningful 13.4% advantage. The 32-thread configuration and 64 MB of L3 cache drive these results. For video encoding, 3D rendering, software compilation, virtualization, and any workload that scales across cores, the data indicates AMD is the stronger choice.

The Intel Core 5 221E wins in single-threaded responsiveness. The Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3,661 versus 1,807 is a massive 50.6% lead, and the PassMark single-thread score confirms a smaller but consistent edge. Applications that rely on one or two fast cores, such as legacy software, certain database queries, or lightly threaded games, will feel snappier on Intel. The physics score, nearly tied at 2,297 versus 2,230, suggests that even in mixed single-and-multi-threaded tasks, Intel can hold its own when the thread count is low. The Intel part’s desktop socket and ECC support also make it a fit for always-on systems where stability and memory integrity matter more than raw throughput.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX has 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads.

Q: How much faster is AMD in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: AMD scores 29,400 versus Intel’s 25,933, a 13.4% advantage.

Q: Is Intel ahead in any benchmark?

A: Yes. Intel wins Cinebench R23 single-core with 3,661 versus 1,807, a 50.6% lead, and PassMark single-thread with 4,147 versus 3,942, a 4.9% edge.

Q: Do both CPUs support the same memory types?

A: No. AMD supports DDR5 only, with 83.2 GB/s bandwidth. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Does either CPU support ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX does not.

Q: What are the process nodes for each chip?

A: AMD uses TSMC’s 5 nm process. Intel uses its 10 nm process.

Q: Which CPU sits higher in the overall performance percentile?

A: AMD is in the 94th percentile of all CPUs, while Intel is in the 87th percentile.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split. For users who need maximum multi-threaded throughput, the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX is the stronger part. It leads in 10 of the 12 unique head-to-head benchmarks, including the largest margins in extended instructions, data encryption, and data compression. Its 32 threads, 64 MB of L3 cache, and 5 nm process give it a structural advantage in parallel workloads. The 94th percentile ranking and average score of 69,875 reinforce this position.

The Intel Core 5 221E is the choice when single-thread performance takes priority. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score is more than double AMD’s, and the PassMark single-thread result confirms the pattern. The desktop form factor, ECC memory support, and DDR4 compatibility make it a practical option for embedded or always-on systems that value stability and platform flexibility over raw core count. The 87th percentile ranking reflects a capable mid-high performer, but the average score of 40,144 is well below AMD’s.

There is no universal winner. The AMD part excels at rendering, math-heavy tasks, and anything that can use 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel part excels at single-threaded response and offers a broader memory ecosystem. Buyers should match the chip to the workload, not the other way around.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 9 7940HX | Intel Core 5 221E |

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

| Cores | 16 | 14 |

| Threads | 32 | 20 |

| Base clock | 2.40 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.20 GHz | 5.20 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 65 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FL1 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Zen 4 | Not listed |

| Codename | Dragon Range | Bartlett Lake |

| Process node | 5 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 13,140 million | Not listed |

| Die size | 2x 71 mm² | 257 mm² |

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

| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 64 MB | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory bandwidth | 83.2 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC memory | No | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 28 Lanes | Gen 5, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated graphics | Radeon 610M | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Market segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $232 |