AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX vs Intel Core Ultra X7 368H Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX and Intel Core Ultra X7 368H represent two very different approaches to high-end mobile computing. The data shows a clear overall winner in raw compute, but the Intel part holds specific advantages that matter for certain workloads and system designs. This analysis relies entirely on recorded benchmark results and specification data.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are lopsided in favor of the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX. Across the Cinebench suite, AMD wins every test with a consistent delta of 51.4% over the Intel part. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD scores 42713 against the Intel's 28221, a gap of 51.4%. Single-core R23 shows the same pattern: 6030 versus 3984, again a 51.4% advantage. This consistency across both single and multi-threaded rendering tests indicates the AMD chip delivers more performance per clock and more total throughput.

PassMark results reinforce the AMD dominance in most categories. The largest margins come in integer math, where AMD scores 195180 versus 88083, a 121.6% lead. Data compression shows a 116.6% advantage (677755 versus 312927), and random string sorting is 106.8% ahead (78781 versus 38093). Extended instructions favor AMD by 94.1%, with scores of 49823 versus 25669. Data encryption is 61.9% ahead for AMD (40836 versus 25228), and the multi-threaded PassMark test shows a 56% lead (51405 versus 32956). Floating point math is closer but still clearly AMD's, with 117453 versus 105681, an 11.1% edge.

The Intel Core Ultra X7 368H wins four head-to-head comparisons. The most significant is PassMark physics, where Intel scores 2857 against AMD's 2168, a 24.1% advantage. Intel also wins find prime numbers with 321 versus 262, an 18.4% margin. The single-threaded PassMark tests show Intel ahead by 2.4%, with scores of 4005 versus 3907. Those are the only victories for Intel, and they are narrow in the single-thread case while the physics win is substantial.

Overall, AMD wins 13 of the 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons. The average benchmark score tells the same story: AMD sits at 76212, while Intel is at 40518. The AMD part ranks in the 95th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Intel part ranks in the 87th percentile. These are both strong parts, but the AMD processor sits in a higher performance tier entirely.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX in multi-core rendering?

A: The AMD part leads by 51.4% in Cinebench R23 multi-core, scoring 42713 versus the Intel's 28221. The same 51.4% delta appears in R15 and R20 multi-core tests.

Q: Does the Intel Core Ultra X7 368H win any benchmark categories?

A: Yes. It wins PassMark physics by 24.1% (2857 versus 2168), find prime numbers by 18.4% (321 versus 262), and the PassMark single-threaded test by 2.4% (4005 versus 3907).

Q: What is the biggest performance gap between the two processors?

A: The largest delta is in PassMark integer math, where the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX leads by 121.6%, scoring 195180 versus the Intel's 88083. Data compression follows at 116.6% in favor of AMD.

Q: How do the two compare in floating point performance?

A: AMD leads PassMark floating point math by 11.1%, with 117453 versus 105681. This is the narrowest multi-core margin among the AMD wins, suggesting the Intel part has competitive FP throughput despite its overall deficit.

Q: What do the average benchmark scores indicate about overall performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX averages 76212 across all benchmark scores, while the Intel Core Ultra X7 368H averages 40518. The AMD part sits at the 95th percentile of all CPUs, compared to the 87th percentile for Intel.

Q: Which processor has better single-thread performance?

A: The PassMark single-threaded test shows Intel ahead by 2.4%, with 4005 versus 3907. However, Cinebench R23 single-core shows AMD ahead by 51.4%, with 6030 versus 3984. The PassMark and Cinebench single-thread tests disagree, so the answer depends on the workload.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX uses the Zen 4 architecture on the Dragon Range codename, built on a 5 nm process at TSMC. It packs 16 cores and 32 threads, with 13,140 million transistors spread across a dual-die design with each die measuring 71 mm². The cache hierarchy uses 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a 64 MB shared L3 pool.

The Intel Core Ultra X7 368H uses the Panther Lake architecture, also known as Panther Lake-H, built on Intel's 3 nm process. It also has 16 cores but only 16 threads, indicating a design without simultaneous multithreading. The cache layout differs significantly: 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The L3 deficit is substantial, 64 MB versus 18 MB, which helps explain the AMD advantage in cache-sensitive workloads like data compression and random string sorting.

Memory architecture also diverges. AMD supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and 83.2 GB/s of bandwidth. Intel supports LPDDR5X with dual-channel memory and 153.6 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel part has nearly double the memory bandwidth on paper, which contributes to its physics and prime number wins.

PCIe connectivity strongly favors AMD. The Ryzen 9 8945HX provides Gen 5 with 28 CPU lanes. The Intel Core Ultra X7 368H provides Gen 5 with only 4 CPU lanes. This difference affects how many high-speed devices can connect directly to the CPU.

The integrated graphics differ as well. AMD includes a Radeon 610M, while Intel includes an Arc B390. The Intel part also has a lower TDP of 25 watts against AMD's 55 watts, indicating significantly lower power draw for the Intel design.

Specification Differences

The core counts are identical at 16, but thread counts differ: 32 for AMD versus 16 for Intel. Base clocks are 2.50 GHz for AMD and 2.00 GHz for Intel. Boost clocks are 5.40 GHz for AMD and 5.00 GHz for Intel. The AMD part has both a higher base and higher boost clock.

The TDP is the most striking specification gap. AMD is rated at 55 watts, while Intel is rated at 25 watts. This 30-watt difference positions the Intel chip for thinner, lighter systems with smaller cooling solutions.

Process node favors Intel at 3 nm versus AMD's 5 nm. The foundry differs: Intel uses its own fabrication, while AMD uses TSMC. Transistor count is only listed for AMD at 13,140 million; Intel's figure is not recorded.

Socket types are incompatible. AMD uses Socket FL1, while Intel uses BGA 2540. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is locked. Memory support differs: DDR5 for AMD, LPDDR5X for Intel. Memory bandwidth is 83.2 GB/s for AMD and 153.6 GB/s for Intel.

Cache specifications differ at every level. AMD uses 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 64 MB L3. Intel uses 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, and 18 MB L3. The PCIe lane count is 28 for AMD and 4 for Intel, both Gen 5.

Release dates differ: AMD launched on 2025-04-22, while Intel launched on 2026-01-04. Both are currently active production parts for the mobile market. Neither has a recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data points to the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX as the superior processor for compute-heavy workloads. It wins 13 of 17 head-to-head benchmarks, holds a 51.4% advantage across all Cinebench tests, and leads by over 100% in integer math and data compression. Its 95th percentile ranking versus the Intel's 87th percentile confirms a higher overall performance tier. The 32 threads versus 16 threads gives AMD a structural advantage in heavily parallel workloads.

The Intel Core Ultra X7 368H is the better choice for specific scenarios. Its 25-watt TDP versus 55 watts makes it suitable for systems where power draw and thermal output are primary constraints. The 153.6 GB/s memory bandwidth, nearly double AMD's 83.2 GB/s, drives its wins in physics and prime number calculations. The 2.4% single-thread PassMark advantage shows competitive per-core performance in certain tests, though Cinebench R23 single-core contradicts this with a 51.4% AMD lead.

The architectural differences explain the benchmark results. AMD's 64 MB L3 cache and 28 PCIe lanes make it a data-heavyworkhorse. Intel's larger per-core L1 and L2 caches, higher memory bandwidth, and lower power envelope suit efficiency-focused designs. The 3 nm process node gives Intel a manufacturing advantage, but the recorded benchmarks show this does not translate into compute superiority.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX wins in rendering, data compression, encryption, string sorting, integer math, floating point math, and multi-threaded throughput. The Cinebench R15, R20, and R23 results all show a consistent 51.4% lead, making it the clear pick for video encoding, 3D rendering, and heavy compilation workloads. PassMark data compression at 116.6% ahead indicates strong performance for archiving, database operations, and file server tasks. The 121.6% lead in integer math and 94.1% lead in extended instructions position it for scientific computing and complex algorithm execution.

The Intel Core Ultra X7 368H wins in physics calculations, prime number finding, and PassMark single-threaded performance. The 24.1% physics advantage suggests it handles simulation workloads and physics-based calculations with greater efficiency. The 18.4% lead in prime numbers points to strength in number theory applications and certain cryptographic workloads. The 2.4% single-thread PassMark win, while modest, indicates competitive light-thread performance. The 25-watt TDP makes it the preferred option for ultra-portable laptops where battery life and cooling capacity take priority over raw compute. The 153.6 GB/s memory bandwidth supports its wins in memory-bandwidth-sensitive tasks.