AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 vs Intel Core i7-12800HX Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 and Intel Core i7-12800HX represent two distinct philosophies in mobile computing: one is a modern, power-efficient hybrid design built on a leading-edge process, while the other is a high-core-count, high-power part from an earlier generation. Benchmark data shows a clear split: the Intel chip dominates multi-threaded workloads with its superior core count, while the AMD chip takes the lead in single-threaded performance. Both processors sit at the 84th percentile among all CPUs, indicating they are well-matched overall, but their strengths are starkly different.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in single-core benchmarks?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 wins all single-core tests. It leads in Cinebench R15 single-core by 13.1% (294 vs 260), in Cinebench R23 single-core by 8.1% (1958 vs 1812), and in Passmark single-thread by 3.3% (3834 vs 3711).

Q: How much of a multi-core advantage does the Intel Core i7-12800HX have?

A: The Intel chip has a substantial lead across all multi-threaded tests. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 22456 vs 16014.5, a 28.7% advantage. In Passmark multi-thread, it leads by 21.1% (31585 vs 24935), and in Cinebench R15 multi-core, it is ahead by 26.8% (3383 vs 2477).

Q: Which processor offers better data encryption performance?

A: The Intel Core i7-12800HX is significantly better, scoring 21972 in Passmark data encryption compared to the AMD's 15244. This represents a 30.6% difference in favor of Intel.

Q: Are these processors in the same performance tier?

A: Yes, both processors have an 84th percentile ranking among all CPUs. Their average benchmark scores are also close: the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 averages 34222, while the Intel Core i7-12800HX averages 33875.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock speed?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 has a higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz, compared to the Intel Core i7-12800HX's 4.80 GHz. This likely contributes to AMD's single-thread performance advantage.

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The Intel Core i7-12800HX has 16 cores and 24 threads, which is double the core count of the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, which has 8 cores and 16 threads.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural split is between a modern, dense process and a legacy high-power design. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 is built on TSMC's 4 nm process node, while the Intel Core i7-12800HX uses Intel's older 10 nm process for its Alder Lake-HX design. This process difference is a major factor in their power characteristics; the AMD chip has a 28 W TDP, while the Intel part has a 55 W TDP. The die sizes also reflect this: the AMD chip is 195 mm², slightly smaller than Intel's 215 mm² die.

Core configuration is the most obvious difference. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 features 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i7-12800HX offers 16 cores and 24 threads. The AMD processor uses a hybrid Zen 5 / Zen 5c core layout within the Krackan Point codename, whereas Intel employs its Alder Lake-HX hybrid architecture. Cache hierarchies also diverge: the AMD chip has 1 MB of L2 cache per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel chip has a slightly larger 1.25 MB L2 per core and a much larger 25 MB of shared L3 cache.

Platform support highlights different priorities. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 uses the AMD Socket FP8 and supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory, while the Intel Core i7-12800HX uses Intel BGA 1964 and supports both DDR4 and DDR5. This gives the Intel platform more flexibility with memory, but the AMD chip offers a higher memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s (Intel's figure is not listed). PCIe connectivity also differs: the Intel chip has a more advanced Gen 5 interface with 20 lanes, whereas the AMD chip provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics are present on both, with AMD offering the Radeon 860M and Intel providing UHD Graphics 770.

The Verdict

The choice between these two processors hinges entirely on workload. The data points to the Intel Core i7-12800HX as the definitive choice for multi-threaded productivity. Its 16 cores and 24 threads yield dominant wins in every multi-core benchmark, from Cinebench R23 (22456 vs 16014.5) to Passmark multi-thread (31585 vs 24935). The 55 W TDP and larger 25 MB L3 cache are the likely enablers of this sustained throughput. Users who prioritize rendering, video encoding, or heavy compilation will find the Intel part substantially faster.

Conversely, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 is the pick for single-threaded and power-sensitive tasks. It wins every single-thread benchmark, with its most notable victory being a 13.1% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core (294 vs 260). Its 5.00 GHz boost clock and 28 W TDP make it a far more efficient option that still delivers strong single-core performance. This makes it ideal for lightweight coding, office work, and applications that rely on a few fast cores. The AMD chip's 4 nm process and smaller die size also suggest it will be more thermally efficient in a thin-and-light chassis.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 | Intel Core i7-12800HX |

| :--- | :--- | :--- |

| Cores | 8 | 16 |

| Threads | 16 | 24 |

| Base Clock | 2.00 GHz | 2000.00 MHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 28 W | 55 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP8 | Intel BGA 1964 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Alder Lake |

| Codename | Krackan Point | Alder Lake-HX |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die Size | 195 mm² | 215 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 8 MB | 25 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5, LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bandwidth | 89.6 GB/s | Not specified |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 20 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 860M | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are a study in contrasting strengths. The Intel Core i7-12800HX is the clear victor in 11 of the 15 head-to-head comparisons, dominating in all multi-threaded tests. The most crushing Intel wins come in Passmark floating point math, where it scores 82122 vs AMD's 53230, a 35.2% advantage. Data encryption shows a 30.6% gap in Intel's favor (21972 vs 15244), and Cinebench R23 multi-core is 28.7% better for Intel (22456 vs 16014.5). Even in integer math, a more balanced workload, Intel is ahead by 22.1% (109968 vs 85651). The pattern continues with Passmark multi-thread (21.1% lead), random string sorting (21.6% lead), and data compression (21.5% lead). These results consistently show that any workload that can utilize many cores will favor the Intel processor.

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 350, despite losing the overall benchmark war (4 wins vs 11), secures its wins in the most important category for responsiveness: single-threaded performance. Its biggest win is a 13.1% lead in Cinebench R15 single-core (294 vs 260), followed by an 8.1% lead in Cinebench R23 single-core (1958 vs 1812). In the Passmark single-thread test, it wins by a narrower 3.3% margin (3834 vs 3711). These victories are not as large in magnitude as Intel's multi-core wins, but they are decisive and consistent. The data suggests that for everyday tasks that are often single-threaded, the AMD chip will feel snappier.

Where Each One Wins

AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 wins in scenarios that prize low power consumption and high single-core speed. The 28 W TDP, compared to Intel's 55 W, makes it the ideal choice for ultraportable laptops where battery life and thermal headroom are critical. Its single-thread wins across Cinebench and Passmark indicate superior performance in web browsing, office applications, and general system navigation. The higher boost clock of 5.00 GHz and the modern 4 nm TSMC process suggest it is the more efficient option for light to moderate workloads. The 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth also gives it an edge in memory-intensive single-threaded tasks.

Intel Core i7-12800HX wins in every multi-threaded application. Its 16 cores and 24 threads are a massive advantage for content creation, 3D rendering, video editing, and software compilation. The 35.2% lead in floating-point math is particularly relevant for scientific computing and engineering simulations. The 30.6% lead in data encryption is a clear win for security-related tasks like disk encryption or VPN traffic. Data compression, which is common in file archiving and data transfer, also favors Intel by 21.5%. The larger 25 MB L3 cache and unlocked multiplier (allowing overclocking) further cement its position as a performance-first processor for demanding workloads, provided the system can manage its 55 W TDP.