AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D vs Intel Core 3 201E Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Intel Core 3 201E represent opposite ends of the desktop processor spectrum, and the recorded benchmark data reflects a complete separation in performance class. The AMD part, a 16-core flagship from the 9000 series, sits in the 95th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel part, a 4-core Bartlett Lake entry, holds the 73rd percentile. Across the 15 shared benchmark tests, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D records a win in every single one, with deltas ranging from 26.9% in single-core Cinebench R23 to a staggering 975.4% in prime number finding. The average benchmark score for the AMD processor is 75779, while the Intel processor averages 19056. This is not a competitive comparison; it is a measurement of two entirely different hardware tiers.

Where Each One Wins

The use-case split is defined by the sheer scale of the AMD processor's advantage. The Ryzen 9 9950X3D wins every benchmark category, but the magnitude of those wins points to where each chip would logically be deployed. For heavily threaded workloads, the AMD part is in a different universe. In Cinebench R23 multicore, the AMD scores 42018 against the Intel's 12613, a 233.1% advantage. Passmark multithread shows a 373.4% delta, with scores of 70255 and 14839. Data compression is even more lopsided: the AMD records 908421 versus 164160, a 453.4% gap. Data encryption shows a 398.7% delta (44536 vs 8931). These results indicate the AMD processor is designed for rendering, compilation, simulation, and server-like throughput, where 16 cores and 32 threads can be fully utilized.

The Intel Core 3 201E, by contrast, has no categorical wins in the database. Its performance profile is strictly lower across every recorded metric. Its closest measured result is in Cinebench R23 single-core, where it trails by 26.9% (1780 vs 2259). In Passmark single-thread, the gap narrows to 36% (3482 vs 4737). The Intel part's best showing is in lightly threaded tests, which suggests its intended role is as an entry-level desktop processor for basic productivity, light web workloads, and office tasks, not for sustained multi-core computation. The data does not support any scenario where the Intel part wins a benchmark, but its lower core count and 60 TDP profile indicate it is built for efficiency and modest system requirements rather than peak throughput.

Architecture Differences

The architectural gap between these two processors is as wide as the performance gap. The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D uses the Zen 5 architecture on the Granite Ridge codename, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It packs 16 cores and 32 threads with a base clock of 4.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The Intel Core 3 201E uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm process at Intel, with 4 cores and 8 threads, a base clock of 3.60 GHz, and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The transistor count tells the story: the AMD processor contains 16,630 million transistors across a dual-die design (2x 70.6 mm²), while the Intel die size is 163 mm² with no transistor count recorded in the database.

Cache configuration is a major differentiator. The AMD part has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a massive 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel part also has 80 KB of L1 per core, but its L2 is 1.25 MB per core, and its L3 drops to 12 MB shared. The 128 MB L3 on the AMD side is the standout feature, directly contributing to its dominance in data-heavy and gaming-adjacent workloads. Memory support also diverges: the AMD processor uses DDR5 with dual-channel memory and a recorded bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while the Intel part supports both DDR4 and DDR5 with a lower 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory, but the AMD part offers 24 PCIe Gen 5 lanes (CPU only) versus the Intel part's 16 lanes. The AMD chip includes Radeon Graphics, while the Intel chip uses UHD Graphics 730. The AMD multiplier is unlocked; the Intel multiplier is not. The AMD processor draws 170 W TDP, the Intel part draws 60 W.

The Verdict

The benchmark data delivers a one-sided verdict. The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D wins all 15 head-to-head tests, with an average benchmark score of 75779 placing it at the 95th percentile, alongside rivals like the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755 (0.1% delta), the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 9755X3D (0.1% delta), the AMD EPYC 8224P (0.3% delta), and the Intel Core Ultra 9 285 (0.4% delta). These are flagship and server-class parts, indicating the 9950X3D competes at the top of the desktop stack. Its launch MSRP is $699.

The Intel Core 3 201E, with an average benchmark score of 19056 and a 73rd percentile ranking, sits alongside the AMD Ryzen 5 7535HS (0% delta), the Intel Core i5-12400F (0.1% delta), the Intel Core i5-1335U (0.4% delta), and the AMD EPYC 7773X (0.4% delta). Its launch MSRP is $134. These rivals are mainstream and mobile-class parts. The data clearly indicates the AMD processor is for users who need maximum multi-threaded throughput, large cache, and top-tier single-core speed. The Intel processor is a lower-power, entry-level desktop part, suitable for basic systems where the 60 W TDP and dual memory support (DDR4 and DDR5) are relevant. From the recorded measurements, there is no workload category in which the Intel part outperforms the AMD part.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 2259 versus 1780 for the Intel Core 3 201E, a 26.9% delta. In Passmark single-thread, the AMD scores 4737 versus 3482, a 36% delta.

Q: How large is the multi-core performance gap?

A: The AMD part leads Cinebench R23 multicore by 233.1% (42018 vs 12613) and Cinebench R15 multicore by 414.2% (6536 vs 1271). Passmark multithread shows a 373.4% delta (70255 vs 14839).

Q: What is the cache difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D has 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core 3 201E has 12 MB of shared L3. Both have 80 KB of L1 per core, but L2 differs: 1 MB per core on the AMD, 1.25 MB per core on the Intel.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes. Both the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the Intel Core 3 201E have ECC memory support recorded in the database. The AMD part supports DDR5 only, while the Intel part supports both DDR4 and DDR5.

Q: What are the core and thread counts?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D has 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 3 201E has 4 cores and 8 threads.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D, with an average benchmark score of 75779, compared to 19056 for the Intel Core 3 201E. The AMD part ranks in the 95th percentile of all CPUs; the Intel part ranks in the 73rd.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D comes in Passmark find prime numbers, where it scores 613 against the Intel's 57, a delta of 975.4%. This is the single most extreme gap in the shared test set and highlights the AMD processor's raw integer compute capability. Passmark extended instructions is next, with the AMD at 73011 and the Intel at 11035, a 561.6% delta. Data compression shows a 453.4% gap (908421 vs 164160), and integer math records a 454.1% delta (243209 vs 43894). Random string sorting is 436.6% in favor of the AMD (95423 vs 17783).

In rendering workloads, Cinebench R15 multicore delivers a 414.2% delta (6536 vs 1271), while Cinebench R23 multicore shows 233.1% (42018 vs 12613). Passmark data encryption is 398.7% (44536 vs 8931), and Passmark physics is 396.9% (5670 vs 1141). Floating point math shows a 380.2% delta (159724 vs 33260), and Passmark multithread is 373.4% (70255 vs 14839).

The smallest deltas are in single-threaded tests. Cinebench R15 single-core shows a 95.5% delta (350 vs 179), Cinebench R23 single-core shows 26.9% (2259 vs 1780), and Passmark single-thread shows 36% (4737 vs 3482). Even in these lightest workloads, the AMD processor maintains a decisive lead. Across all 15 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D records 15 wins and zero losses. The data shows no overlap in performance class, no competitive tension, and no workload where the Intel Core 3 201E can claim an advantage.