AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G vs Intel Core 3 N355 Comparison

AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G and Intel Core 3 N355 occupy different corners of the processor market, and the recorded benchmark data reflects a decisive performance gap between them. The AMD part, a desktop-oriented chip built on a modern 4 nm process, consistently outperforms the Intel mobile processor across every measured workload. The Intel Core 3 N355, with its 10 nm process and lower power envelope, offers a different set of tradeoffs centered on efficiency and platform integration. This analysis breaks down the head-to-head results, architectural differences, and the specific use cases where each processor shows its strengths.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G wins all 11 recorded head-to-head benchmark comparisons against the Intel Core 3 N355. The most significant advantage appears in extended instructions, where the AMD chip scores 20,648 against Intel's 5,968, a delta of 246%. This workload, which typically exercises vector and cryptographic instruction sets, shows the largest relative gap between the two processors. Prime number finding shows a similar pattern, with AMD scoring 90 versus Intel's 27, representing a 233.3% advantage.

The multithreaded performance gap is substantial. In the PassMark multithread test, the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G scores 23,487 while the Intel Core 3 N355 manages 10,174, placing AMD 130.9% ahead. Data compression follows closely, with AMD at 292,735 and Intel at 117,435, a 149.3% difference. These results indicate that the AMD processor delivers more than double the throughput in heavily threaded workloads, which aligns with its 12 threads versus Intel's 8 threads.

Single-thread performance also favors AMD decisively. The PassMark single-thread score for the Ryzen AI 5 440G is 4,060, compared to 2,153 for the Core 3 N355, a delta of 88.6%. This is notable because single-thread performance often reflects architectural efficiency and clock speed advantages. The AMD chip's boost clock of 4.80 GHz, compared to Intel's 3.90 GHz, contributes to this lead. Integer math shows AMD at 71,251 against Intel's 33,894, a 110.2% advantage, while floating-point math sees AMD at 45,711 versus Intel's 22,695, a 101.4% gap.

The remaining benchmarks follow the same trend. Physics tests show AMD at 1,329 versus Intel's 625, a 112.6% difference. Random string sorting has AMD at 31,106 and Intel at 14,706, a 111.5% gap. Data encryption shows AMD at 13,585 versus Intel's 8,121, a 67.3% advantage, which is the narrowest margin in the entire comparison but still a clear win. The average benchmark score for AMD sits at 46,187, placing it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs, while Intel's average of 13,492 lands in the 68th percentile.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G uses the Gorgon Point codename and belongs to the Ryzen AI 400 generation built on Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. It is fabricated on a 4 nm process at TSMC, with a die size of 195 mm². The Intel Core 3 N355 uses the Twin Lake architecture, part of the Core 3 generation based on Alder Lake-N, and is manufactured on a 10 nm process at Intel. These process differences contribute significantly to the performance gap, as the smaller 4 nm node allows for higher transistor density and better power efficiency per operation.

Cache hierarchies differ between the two. AMD provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 per core, with 8 MB of shared L3 cache. Intel's configuration offers 96 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of shared L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. While Intel has slightly more L1 per core, AMD's larger L3 pool and per-core L2 allocation support its higher multithreaded throughput. The core count also differs: AMD has 6 cores with 12 threads, while Intel has 8 cores with 8 threads, meaning Intel has more physical cores but no simultaneous multithreading.

Memory architecture presents a major divergence. AMD supports DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, providing a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. Intel supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5, but only over a single-channel bus, capping bandwidth at 38.4 GB/s. This bandwidth differential directly impacts workloads that are memory-bound, such as data compression and random string sorting. AMD also supports ECC memory, while Intel does not, which positions the AMD chip for reliability-focused applications.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. AMD offers Gen 4 with 12 lanes from the CPU, while Intel provides Gen 3 with 9 lanes. This means AMD can drive faster peripheral devices and more of them. The integrated graphics also diverge: AMD uses the Radeon 840M, while Intel pairs with UHD Graphics 770. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier on Intel's side, but AMD's multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking. The AMD processor uses Socket AM5, while Intel uses BGA 1264, indicating a socketed desktop design versus a soldered mobile design.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G wins in every benchmark category recorded in the database. Its most pronounced advantages appear in extended instructions and prime number finding, where it leads by more than 200%. These workloads are commonly associated with scientific computing, cryptographic operations, and number theory applications. The 246% lead in extended instructions suggests that software leveraging AVX-512 or similar instruction sets will see outsized benefits on the AMD platform.

The Intel Core 3 N355 finds its competitive position outside raw performance. Its 15 W TDP, compared to AMD's 65 W, indicates a dramatically lower power draw. This makes it suitable for fanless or lightly cooled mobile devices where battery life and thermal output take priority over speed. The single-channel memory support and lower bandwidth are acceptable for basic productivity tasks, web browsing, and light media consumption. The BGA socket means it is integrated into compact motherboards, reducing system footprint.

For multi-threaded workloads like video encoding, 3D rendering, or software compilation, the AMD processor's 130.9% multithread advantage is decisive. The physics score, often correlated with gaming engine calculations, shows AMD at 112.6% ahead. Single-thread tasks such as general application responsiveness and legacy software also favor AMD by 88.6%. The data encryption margin of 67.3%, while the smallest, still indicates better performance for VPN processing and disk encryption.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across several key specification fields. AMD has 6 cores and 12 threads, while Intel has 8 cores and 8 threads. AMD's base clock is 2.00 GHz with a boost of 4.80 GHz, whereas Intel runs at 1.90 GHz base and 3.90 GHz boost. The TDP values show a 65 W rating for AMD and 15 W for Intel. AMD uses AMD Socket AM5, while Intel uses Intel BGA 1264. The process node is 4 nm for AMD and 10 nm for Intel. AMD's die size is 195 mm², while Intel's is not recorded.

Cache configurations differ: AMD has 80 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 8 MB L3, while Intel has 96 KB L1 per core, 2 MB shared L2, and 6 MB shared L3. Memory support shows AMD with DDR5 only and dual-channel, while Intel supports DDR4, DDR5, and LPDDR5 but only single-channel. Memory bandwidth is 89.6 GB/s for AMD and 38.4 GB/s for Intel. ECC memory is supported on AMD only. PCIe is Gen 4 with 12 lanes for AMD and Gen 3 with 9 lanes for Intel. Integrated graphics are Radeon 840M for AMD and UHD Graphics 770 for Intel. AMD's multiplier is unlocked, Intel's is locked. The market segments are Desktop for AMD and Mobile for Intel.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G boosts to 4.80 GHz, while the Intel Core 3 N355 reaches 3.90 GHz.

Q: How do the two compare in single-thread performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G scores 4,060 in the PassMark single-thread test, which is 88.6% higher than the Intel Core 3 N355's score of 2,153.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?

A: AMD supports 89.6 GB/s over a dual-channel DDR5 bus, while Intel provides 38.4 GB/s over a single-channel bus that also supports DDR4 and LPDDR5.

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The Intel Core 3 N355 has 8 physical cores, while the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G has 6 physical cores, but AMD has 12 threads versus Intel's 8 threads.

Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 3 N355 does not.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G has a 65 W TDP, and the Intel Core 3 N355 has a 15 W TDP.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear performance hierarchy. The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G outperforms the Intel Core 3 N355 in every recorded benchmark, with advantages ranging from 67.3% in data encryption to 246% in extended instructions. Its higher average benchmark score of 46,187 versus 13,492 places it in the 89th percentile of all CPUs, compared to Intel's 68th percentile. Users requiring maximum throughput for multithreaded tasks, scientific computing, or memory-intensive workloads should select the AMD processor.

The Intel Core 3 N355 serves a different purpose. Its 15 W TDP, mobile socket, and support for multiple memory types make it appropriate for low-power embedded systems, fanless laptops, or compact industrial hardware where performance expectations are modest. The 8 physical cores provide basic multitasking capability, but the single-channel memory and lower clocks limit its ceiling. The AMD processor is the stronger choice for desktop users who prioritize speed and have adequate cooling, while the Intel chip fits scenarios where power efficiency and small form factor are the primary constraints. Each processor wins in its intended market segment, but the benchmark data shows no workload category where Intel surpasses AMD in measured performance.