AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G vs Intel Core Ultra 5 225 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G and the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 represent two distinct philosophies for desktop computing. The AMD chip leverages a compact 6-core/12-thread design built on a 4 nm process, while Intel counters with a 10-core/10-thread configuration on a 3 nm node. The benchmark data shows a clear split: Intel dominates in most compute-heavy tasks, but AMD secures a notable victory in integer math, illustrating that the choice between them depends heavily on specific workloads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive overall advantage for the Intel Core Ultra 5 225, which wins 10 of the 11 head-to-head comparisons. The most dramatic margin comes in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where Intel scores 358 against AMD's 90, a difference of 74.9%. This indicates a substantial lead in a workload that stresses the CPU's raw integer processing and cache efficiency. Similarly, in passmark_floating_point_math, the Intel chip delivers 92038 points versus AMD's 45711, a 50.3% advantage. This suggests that the Intel processor is significantly stronger in scientific and analytical tasks that rely heavily on floating-point calculations.

The Intel chip also holds a commanding lead in passmark_data_encryption, scoring 22285 compared to AMD's 13585, a 39% difference. This points to superior cryptographic throughput, likely due to the inclusion of more capable encryption instructions. In passmark_physics, Intel's 2342 score bests AMD's 1329 by 43.3%, indicating a solid performance edge in physics simulation tasks. The passmark_extended_instructions test shows Intel ahead by 24%, scoring 27162 versus 20648, which reflects better execution of specialized instruction sets.

In multi-threaded performance, the passmark_multithread benchmark shows Intel scoring 30459 against AMD's 23487, a 22.9% lead. This is a significant margin, though the AMD chip's 12 threads help it close some of the gap against Intel's 10 threads. The passmark_data_compression test is closer, with Intel ahead by only 3.3% (302811 vs 292735), showing that the two CPUs are nearly matched in compression work. The passmark_random_string_sorting test also favors Intel, showing a 15% advantage (36590 vs 31106). Single-thread performance, measured by both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread, shows Intel ahead by 8%, scoring 4412 versus 4060.

The sole victory for the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G comes in passmark_integer_math, where it scores 71251 versus Intel's 65345, a 9% advantage. This result is notable because it runs counter to the trend seen in the find_prime_numbers test, suggesting that the AMD chip's integer pipeline is better optimized for certain types of integer operations, even though it loses on the more cache-sensitive prime number calculation. These benchmark results indicate that the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is the stronger overall performer, but the AMD chip holds its own in specific integer-heavy workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G has a higher average benchmark score of 46187, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 averages 36938. However, the head-to-head tests tell a different story, with Intel winning 10 of 11 comparisons.

Q: How do the two CPUs compare in multi-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 leads in the passmark_multithread test with a score of 30459, which is 22.9% higher than the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G's score of 23487. Despite the AMD chip having 12 threads versus Intel's 10, the Intel processor still delivers a clear advantage.

Q: What is the difference in single-thread performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 scores 4412 in both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread, which is 8% higher than the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G's score of 4060.

Q: In which benchmark does the AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G outperform the Intel chip?

A: The AMD chip wins the passmark_integer_math test with a score of 71251, which is 9% higher than the Intel Core Ultra 5 225's score of 65345.

Q: How do the processors compare in data encryption performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is significantly faster in passmark_data_encryption, scoring 22285 versus the AMD chip's 13585, a lead of 39%.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G uses a 4 nm process, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 uses a 3 nm process. Both are fabricated by TSMC.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G uses the Gorgon Point codename and belongs to the Ryzen AI 400 generation, which is based on a hybrid of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. The Intel Core Ultra 5 225, meanwhile, is part of the Core Ultra Series 2 and uses the Arrow Lake architecture with the Arrow Lake-S codename.

The process nodes differ, with AMD using a 4 nm process and Intel using a 3 nm process, both from TSMC. The die sizes show a significant difference: the Intel chip has a larger die at 243 mm², while the AMD chip is smaller at 195 mm². Intel's chip also packs considerably more transistors, with 17,800 million compared to no figure listed for AMD.

Cache configurations are another point of divergence. The AMD chip provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 cache per core, with a total of 8 MB of L3 cache. The Intel chip offers 192 KB of L1 cache per core and 3 MB of L2 cache per core, with a much larger 20 MB of shared L3 cache. This larger cache pool is likely a key factor in Intel's superior performance in cache-sensitive tests like find_prime_numbers.

The integrated graphics also differ. AMD uses the Radeon 840M, while Intel uses the Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 16EU. The memory controllers are similar, with both supporting DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, but Intel has a higher memory bandwidth at 102.4 GB/s versus AMD's 89.6 GB/s.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts are a primary differentiator. The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 has 10 cores and 10 threads. This means the AMD chip supports simultaneous multithreading, while the Intel chip does not. Clock speeds differ as well, with the AMD chip having a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz, while the Intel chip has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.90 GHz.

The sockets are incompatible, with AMD using Socket AM5 and Intel using Socket 1851. The PCIe support is a notable difference: the AMD chip supports Gen 4 with 12 lanes, while the Intel chip supports Gen 5 with 20 lanes, providing more bandwidth and lanes for expansion. ECC memory support is present on the AMD chip but absent on the Intel chip. The AMD chip has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel chip is locked.

The release dates differ, with the Intel chip released on 2025-01-06 and the AMD chip on 2026-02-28. The Intel chip has a launch MSRP of $246, while no launch MSRP is recorded for the AMD chip. The Intel chip has a specified process node of 3 nm and a transistor count of 17,800 million, while the AMD chip lists a 4 nm process with no transistor count.

The Verdict

The data points toward the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 as the stronger performer in most scenarios. Its 10-head-to-head benchmark victories, including massive leads in floating-point math (50.3%), encryption (39%), and prime number calculation (74.9%), make it the clear choice for users prioritizing raw compute performance across a broad range of tasks. Its larger L3 cache and higher memory bandwidth likely contribute to these results.

The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G, however, has its own strengths. Its 12 threads provide better multi-threading capability per core, and its 9% win in integer math shows it handles certain workloads more efficiently. The AMD chip also comes with ECC memory support and an unlocked multiplier, which are features that may appeal to users who value those specific capabilities.

Given the benchmark scores, the Intel Core Ultra 5 225 is the better all-around processor for most tasks, particularly those involving heavy computation, encryption, or floating-point operations. The AMD Ryzen AI 5 440G is a viable alternative for workloads that are specifically integer-heavy and for users who require ECC memory support or an unlocked multiplier. The data shows that while Intel dominates the overall performance narrative, AMD's chip holds a targeted advantage in a niche but important area.