AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX vs Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX has 24 cores and 24 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX has 16 cores and 32 threads. This means Intel uses a 1:1 core-to-thread ratio, whereas AMD uses simultaneous multithreading to reach 32 threads from 16 physical cores.

Q: How do the two compare in average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX records an average benchmark score of 81103, placing it in the 95th percentile of all CPUs. The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX has an average score of 76155, also in the 95th percentile. AMD's nearest rival is the Intel Xeon w5-3535X with a delta of 0%, while Intel's closest competitor is the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX at -0.1%.

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmark tests?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX wins 13 out of 15 head-to-head tests. The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX wins only 2 tests: PassMark data compression and PassMark integer math.

Q: What are the process nodes and foundries for each chip?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX uses a 5 nm process from TSMC, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX uses a 3 nm process, also from TSMC. Intel's die size is 243 mm² with 17,800 million transistors, whereas AMD's die size is 2x 71 mm² with 13,140 million transistors.

Q: Do both processors support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, both support DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration. However, the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX has a higher memory bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s compared to AMD's 83.2 GB/s. Intel also supports ECC memory, while AMD does not.

Q: What is the release timeline for these mobile processors?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX was released on 2025-01-12, while the AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX arrived later on 2025-04-22. Both are currently listed as active production parts.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX is built on the Zen 4 architecture, codenamed Dragon Range, using a 5 nm process from TSMC. It features 16 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 2.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The chip uses a dual-die design with each die measuring 71 mm², totaling 13,140 million transistors. Cache allocation includes 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The memory interface is dual-channel DDR5 with 83.2 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe support extends to Gen 5 with 28 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics come from the Radeon 610M. The socket is AMD Socket FL1.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX is built on the Arrow Lake architecture, codenamed Arrow Lake-HX, using a 3 nm process from TSMC. It offers 24 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The monolithic die measures 243 mm² and contains 17,800 million transistors. Cache structure includes 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support is dual-channel DDR5 with a higher 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. PCIe support is Gen 5 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics are the Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. The socket is Intel BGA 2114.

Several architectural distinctions drive performance differences. Intel's newer 3 nm process provides a denser transistor layout, which contributes to higher clock speeds. The larger L2 cache per core (3 MB versus 1 MB) helps with per-thread workloads. AMD's larger L3 cache (64 MB versus 36 MB) benefits shared data access across cores. Intel's 24 cores provide more physical execution units, while AMD's 32 threads leverage SMT for better utilization of each core's resources. Both processors have unlocked multipliers, and both target the mobile segment with a 55 W TDP.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX demonstrates clear strengths in integer-heavy and compression workloads. In PassMark integer math, it scores 189221 against Intel's 155076, a 22% advantage. This suggests better performance in general-purpose computing, database operations, and workloads that rely heavily on integer arithmetic. The data compression test also favors AMD, scoring 650984 versus 631885, a 3% lead. This indicates an edge in file compression, archiving, and storage-related tasks.

The Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX dominates most other categories. Its floating-point math score of 194998 is 41.6% higher than AMD's 113921, making it markedly better for scientific computing, 3D rendering, and physics simulations. The physics test shows Intel at 3476 versus AMD's 2104, a 39.5% gap. Prime number finding is another area of strength, with Intel scoring 460 versus AMD's 251, a 45.4% lead. Data encryption also favors Intel, 48567 versus 39318, a 19% advantage.

For single-threaded performance, Intel holds a consistent edge. The PassMark single-thread score is 4618 for Intel versus 3874 for AMD, a 16.1% difference. Cinebench R23 single-core shows Intel at 2187.5 versus 1917, a 12.4% lead. This makes Intel preferable for lightly threaded applications like everyday productivity, web browsing, and legacy software. Multi-threaded performance also favors Intel overall, with Cinebench R23 multicore at 36429.5 versus 32521, a 10.7% advantage, and PassMark multithread at 56902 versus 49731, a 12.6% lead.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications. The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX has 24 cores and 24 threads. Base clocks are 2.40 GHz for AMD and 2.80 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks are 5.30 GHz for AMD and 5.50 GHz for Intel. Both have a TDP of 55 W.

Process nodes differ: AMD uses 5 nm, Intel uses 3 nm, both from TSMC. Transistor counts are 13,140 million for AMD and 17,800 million for Intel. Die sizes are 2x 71 mm² for AMD and 243 mm² for Intel. Cache configurations differ significantly: AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 64 MB L3. Intel has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 36 MB L3.

Memory bandwidth is 83.2 GB/s for AMD and 102.4 GB/s for Intel. ECC memory support exists only on Intel. PCIe lanes from the CPU are 28 for AMD and 20 for Intel. Integrated graphics differ: Radeon 610M for AMD, Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU for Intel. Sockets are AMD Socket FL1 versus Intel BGA 2114. Release dates are 2025-04-22 for AMD and 2025-01-12 for Intel. Both have unlocked multipliers.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head results show a decisive overall win for the Intel Core Ultra 9 285HX, taking 13 of 15 tests. The largest margins come in specialized compute tasks. PassMark find prime numbers shows Intel at 460 versus AMD's 251, a 45.4% advantage. Floating-point math follows with Intel at 194998 versus 113921, a 41.6% lead. Physics simulation results show Intel at 3476 versus 2104, a 39.5% gap. These three tests represent Intel's most dominant victories.

Cinebench results consistently favor Intel. In Cinebench R15 multicore, Intel scores 5656.5 against AMD's 5355, a 5.3% lead. Cinebench R15 single-core shows Intel at 323.5 versus 292, a 9.7% edge. Cinebench R23 multicore gives Intel 36429.5 versus 32521, a 10.7% advantage. Cinebench R23 single-core shows Intel at 2187.5 versus 1917, a 12.4% lead. These results indicate Intel's architecture delivers better performance in both lightly threaded and heavily threaded rendering workloads.

PassMark multithread also favors Intel, 56902 versus 49731, a 12.6% difference. Single-thread performance shows Intel at 4618 versus 3874, a 16.1% lead. Data encryption sees Intel at 48567 versus 39318, a 19% gap. Extended instructions show a smaller Intel advantage, 49148 versus 47802, a 2.7% lead. Random string sorting favors Intel narrowly, 77196 versus 75381, a 2.4% difference.

The AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX claims two victories. Integer math is the standout, with AMD scoring 189221 versus Intel's 155076, a 22% advantage. Data compression also goes to AMD, 650984 versus 631885, a 3% lead. These wins highlight AMD's efficiency in integer arithmetic and compression algorithms, despite losing the overall benchmark count.

The average benchmark scores place AMD at 81103 and Intel at 76155, a difference of roughly 6.5% in AMD's favor. This discrepancy with the head-to-head results stems from the specific test mix. AMD's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon w5-3535X at 81115 (0% delta) and the Intel Core i9-14900KS at 81127 (0% delta). Intel's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX at 76212 (-0.1% delta) and the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D at 75779 (0.5% delta). Both CPUs sit at the 95th percentile of all tested processors, indicating top-tier positioning in the mobile segment.