AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D vs Intel Core 3 304 Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data presents a completely one-sided comparison. The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D wins all 15 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, while the Intel Core 3 304 wins none. This is not a close contest by any metric, and the magnitude of the AMD processor's advantage varies dramatically depending on the workload type.

For multi-threaded and heavily parallel workloads, the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D delivers overwhelming superiority. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the AMD part scores 38,161.5 against the Intel's 5,263, a 625.1% advantage. Similarly, Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 611.7% delta, with scores of 6,042.5 versus 849. The PassMark integer math test is the largest single gap, with the AMD processor scoring 222,503 against 24,640, an 803% difference. These results indicate that the AMD processor is in a completely different performance class for rendering, compilation, scientific computing, and any workload that can utilize its 16 cores and 32 threads.

The single-threaded results narrow the gap considerably, though the AMD processor still leads. In Cinebench R23 single-core, the AMD scores 2,159.5 versus 1,765, a 22.4% advantage. PassMark single-thread shows 4,511 against 3,614, a 24.8% delta. These are the closest margins in the entire dataset, suggesting that the Intel Core 3 304 has a respectable per-core architecture, but it is still decisively behind.

Specific workload categories show distinct patterns. Data encryption favors the AMD chip by 364%, with scores of 39,446 versus 8,501. Floating-point math shows a 384.9% gap (144,122 versus 29,722). Physics simulation, which often benefits from high core counts and memory bandwidth, shows a 440% difference (4,687 versus 868). Random string sorting, a memory-latency-sensitive test, shows a 511.3% delta (83,497 versus 13,659). The find prime numbers test, which stresses integer throughput and cache behavior, produces the second-largest gap at 672.1% (525 versus 68).

The data confirms that the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D is a high-end mobile processor designed for maximum performance across every measured category. The Intel Core 3 304 is a low-power, efficiency-oriented chip that cannot compete on raw performance. The only scenario where the Intel part might be preferable is one where its dramatically lower power envelope (15 W TDP versus 55 W) and smaller physical footprint matter more than benchmark scores, but within the recorded data, the AMD processor wins every single test.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D uses the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Fire Range, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It integrates 16,630 million transistors across a dual-chiplet design with each die measuring 70.6 mm². The Intel Core 3 304 uses the Wildcat Lake architecture on Intel's own 3 nm process, with no transistor or die size data recorded in the database.

Core configuration differs sharply. The AMD processor has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel part has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading. Base clocks are 2.50 GHz for AMD and 1.50 GHz for Intel, with boost clocks of 5.40 GHz and 4.30 GHz respectively. The AMD chip has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel chip is locked.

Cache hierarchies reflect the performance gap. The AMD processor provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a massive 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel part has 192 KB of L1 cache total, 2.5 MB of L2 total, and 6 MB of shared L3. The AMD's L3 cache is more than 21 times larger, which explains its dominance in cache-sensitive workloads like data compression and random string sorting.

Memory support diverges substantially. The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D uses dual-channel DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth and supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 304 supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X, but only in a single-channel configuration, yielding 59.7 GB/s of bandwidth, and it does not support ECC. The bandwidth difference of roughly 50% matters in memory-bound tasks, though the core count difference is the dominant factor in most tests.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The AMD processor offers Gen 5 with 28 CPU lanes, while the Intel part offers Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes. This positions the AMD chip for discrete graphics and high-speed storage, while the Intel chip targets basic connectivity. Integrated graphics differ as well: AMD uses a Radeon 610M, while Intel uses Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core.

Power targets highlight the design intent. The AMD processor has a 55 W TDP, while the Intel part has a 15 W TDP. The AMD chip uses AMD Socket FL1, and the Intel chip uses Intel BGA 1516. Release dates differ by over a year: the AMD launched in January 2025, and the Intel in April 2026. The Intel part carries a launch MSRP of $309; the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The recorded data supports only one conclusion for performance: the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D is categorically superior to the Intel Core 3 304 in every benchmark test. It wins 15 of 15 comparisons with deltas ranging from 22.4% in single-threaded tests to 803% in integer math. The AMD processor sits in the 96th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Intel part sits in the 68th percentile. The average benchmark score for the AMD is 97,453, compared to 13,745 for Intel, a factor of roughly 7.

The AMD's nearest rivals in the database are AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5965WX (average score 98,504, delta of -1.1%), AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 9945 (96,083, delta of 1.4%), AMD EPYC 4565P (95,764, delta of 1.8%), and AMD EPYC 9175F (95,615, delta of 1.9%). These are all high-end workstation or server processors, indicating that the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D competes at that level despite being a mobile part.

The Intel Core 3 304's nearest rivals are far more modest. AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX (average score 13,786, delta of -0.3%), Intel Core i7-8750H (13,868, delta of -0.9%), Intel Core 5 120UL (13,594, delta of 1.1%), and AMD EPYC 7443 (13,936, delta of -1.4%). These are older or lower-tier processors, positioning the Intel part in a completely different performance bracket.

For users who need maximum compute throughput, the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D is the only rational choice from these two. For users who require the lowest power consumption, a 15 W TDP, and a 2026 release date, the Intel Core 3 304 serves that niche. The data does not support any scenario where the Intel part wins on performance, but its efficiency profile and newer process node (3 nm versus 4 nm) may appeal to specific mobile designs where battery life and thermals trump raw speed.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D has 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 3 304 has 5 cores and 5 threads.

Q: What is the largest performance gap between these two processors?

A: The PassMark integer math test shows the largest gap, with the AMD scoring 222,503 versus the Intel's 24,640, an 803% difference.

Q: How much larger is the AMD's L3 cache compared to Intel's?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D has 128 MB of L3 cache, while the Intel Core 3 304 has 6 MB of shared L3 cache, making the AMD's cache over 21 times larger.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 3 304 does not.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D has a TDP of 55 W. The Intel Core 3 304 has a TDP of 15 W.

Q: Which processor has a higher single-threaded score in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D scores 2,159.5 versus 1,765 for the Intel Core 3 304, a 22.4% advantage for AMD.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data contains 15 benchmark comparisons, and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D wins all of them. The smallest margins appear in single-threaded tests, which provide the clearest look at architectural efficiency per core. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD scores 332 against 264, a 25.8% lead. Cinebench R23 single-core shows a 22.4% lead (2,159.5 versus 1,765). PassMark single-thread shows 4,511 versus 3,614, a 24.8% delta. These results indicate that even when core count is not a factor, the Zen 5 architecture outperforms Wildcat Lake by roughly a quarter.

The multi-threaded tests produce the most dramatic numbers. Cinebench R15 multi-core gives the AMD a 611.7% lead (6,042.5 versus 849). Cinebench R23 multi-core shows a 625.1% lead (38,161.5 versus 5,263). These render workloads scale almost perfectly with the core and thread count advantage of the AMD chip.

The PassMark suite reveals category-specific deltas. Data compression favors AMD by 584.7% (785,811 versus 114,775). Data encryption favors AMD by 364% (39,446 versus 8,501). Extended instructions show a 548.5% gap (62,813 versus 9,686). Find prime numbers produces a 672.1% delta (525 versus 68). Floating-point math shows 384.9% (144,122 versus 29,722). Integer math is the largest at 803% (222,503 versus 24,640). Multithread shows 439.1% (62,674 versus 11,625). Physics shows 440% (4,687 versus 868). Random string sorting shows 511.3% (83,497 versus 13,659).

The consistency of these results is notable. The AMD processor does not merely win in a few categories; it wins every test by at least 22.4%. The Intel Core 3 304 has no recorded benchmark where it comes out ahead. The data also shows the AMD's average benchmark score of 97,453 places it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel's 13,745 average places it in the 68th percentile. The nearest rival to the AMD is the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5965WX with an average score of 98,504, just 1.1% higher. The nearest rival to the Intel is the AMD EPYC 7443 with an average score of 13,936, which is 1.4% higher than the Intel's score. These comparisons confirm that the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D operates in an entirely different performance tier.