AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 vs Intel Core i9-11900K Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 and the Intel Core i9-11900K represent two very different design philosophies: a modern, power-sipping mobile processor versus a high-power desktop flagship from a previous generation. The benchmark data shows a clear, but nuanced, picture of performance, with the Intel part dominating in almost every heavy workload, while the AMD chip manages to claim victory in a specific single-threaded metric. This head-to-head analysis reveals that while the Ryzen AI 7 445 is a capable processor, the Core i9-11900K remains a formidable desktop performer.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core i9-11900K takes a decisive lead across most benchmarks, often by significant margins. The largest gap appears in the Cinebench R23 multicore test, where the Intel chip scores 21168 against the AMD's 10590, a staggering -50% delta for the AMD. This indicates that in heavily threaded workloads like video rendering, the Intel processor offers roughly double the performance. A similar, though less extreme, pattern emerges in the Cinebench R15 multicore test, with Intel winning 2133 to 1723, a -19.2% difference. The single-core results also favor Intel, though by a smaller margin: Cinebench R23 single-core shows Intel at 2988 versus AMD's 1806 (-39.6%), and Cinebench R15 single-core shows Intel at 300 versus AMD's 254 (-15.3%).

The PassMark suite paints a consistent picture of Intel dominance in multi-threaded and math-intensive tasks. In integer math, Intel scores 89279 against AMD's 58332, a -34.7% delta for the AMD. The data compression test shows a similar trend, with Intel at 330836 and AMD at 215812 (-34.8%). Floating-point math also favors Intel, with a score of 52841 versus 39362 (-25.5%). The PassMark multithread test reinforces this, showing Intel at 25038 and AMD at 18115 (-27.6%). Even in more specialized tasks, Intel holds the advantage: data encryption shows Intel at 16000 versus AMD's 10519 (-34.3%), and random string sorting shows Intel at 37942 versus AMD's 23488 (-38.1%). The gap narrows in the physics test, where Intel's 1052 score only edges out AMD's 976 by a -7.2% delta.

Despite these losses, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 secures two wins, both in the same test. In the PassMark single-thread test, the AMD chip scores 3591, which is 2.3% higher than the Intel's 3511. This is a notable result, as it shows that the Zen 5 architecture in the mobile chip can match or exceed the single-core performance of the desktop Rocket Lake part in this specific metric, even with a significantly lower boost clock. However, this single win does not offset the broader trend. Out of the 15 head-to-head benchmarks, Intel claims 13 victories. The data clearly positions the Core i9-11900K as the superior processor for raw computational throughput, while the Ryzen AI 7 445 demonstrates a specific strength in single-threaded PassMark performance.

FAQ

Q: Based on the benchmark data, which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K is significantly faster. In the Cinebench R23 multicore test, it scores 21168, which is 100% higher than the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445's score of 10590. This performance advantage is also reflected in a -27.6% delta in the PassMark multithread test, where Intel scores 25038 versus AMD's 18115.

Q: Does the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 have any performance advantage over the Intel Core i9-11900K?

A: Yes, the data shows a narrow victory for the AMD in the PassMark single-thread test. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 scores 3591, which is 2.3% higher than the Intel Core i9-11900K's score of 3511. This is the only benchmark among the listed comparisons where the AMD processor wins.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: The average benchmark scores are very close. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 has an average score of 26936, while the Intel Core i9-11900K has an average score of 26639. Both processors are placed in the 79th percentile of all CPUs, indicating they offer similar overall performance levels despite their different architectures.

Q: What is the difference in their core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 has 6 cores and 12 threads. This difference in core count is a primary factor in the Intel processor's significant lead in multi-threaded benchmark tests.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock speed?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K has a higher boost clock of 5.30 GHz, compared to the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445's boost clock of 4.60 GHz. Despite this, the AMD chip manages to win the PassMark single-thread test, suggesting architectural efficiency plays a key role.

Q: How does the power consumption differ between the two chips?

A: The Intel Core i9-11900K has a TDP of 125 watts, while the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 has a TDP of just 28 watts. This indicates a significant difference in their power profiles, with the AMD chip being far more energy-efficient, likely due to its mobile market segment and 4nm process node.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide between these two processors is substantial. The AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 is built on the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Gorgon Point, and utilizes a 4nm process node from TSMC. It features a hybrid core design with 6 cores and 12 threads. Its cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 cache per core, with a total of 4 MB of L3 cache. The processor is designed for the mobile market segment, fitting into the AMD Socket FP8.

In contrast, the Intel Core i9-11900K is based on the Rocket Lake architecture and uses Intel's older 14nm process node. It is a desktop processor with 8 cores and 16 threads. Its cache configuration differs significantly, with 512 KB of L2 cache per core but a much larger 16 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip also has a larger die size at 276 mm², whereas the die size for the AMD processor is not listed.

These architectural choices have direct performance implications. The AMD chip's smaller 4nm node and newer Zen 5 cores likely contribute to its superior single-thread PassMark score and dramatically lower TDP. The Intel chip's higher core count and larger L3 cache are the primary drivers of its dominance in multi-threaded and cache-sensitive workloads. The Intel processor also features an integrated UHD Graphics 750, while the AMD chip comes with a Radeon 840M. Additionally, the AMD processor supports ECC memory and has a lower base clock of 2.00 GHz compared to Intel's 3.50 GHz.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every core specification. The most apparent difference is in core count, with the Intel Core i9-11900K offering 8 cores and 16 threads versus the AMD's 6 cores and 12 threads. Clock speeds also vary, with Intel's base clock at 3.50 GHz and boost at 5.30 GHz, compared to AMD's lower 2.00 GHz base and 4.60 GHz boost. The power envelope is drastically different, as the Intel chip has a TDP of 125 watts, while the AMD chip is rated at 28 watts.

Memory support and bandwidth also separate the two. The Intel part uses DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and a maximum bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The AMD chip supports newer DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory standards, also on a dual-channel bus, but with a higher bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The AMD processor also supports ECC memory, a feature not present on the Intel chip. PCIe support differs as well, with Intel offering Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while AMD provides Gen 4 with 14 lanes (CPU only).

Other key differences include the socket (Intel Socket 1200 for Intel, AMD Socket FP8 for AMD) and market segment, with Intel being a desktop part and AMD being a mobile part. The Intel Core i9-11900K has an unlocked multiplier, allowing for overclocking, while the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 does not. Finally, the production status shows the Intel chip as "End-of-life," while the AMD chip is "Active." The Intel processor has a launch MSRP of $539.

The Verdict

The data makes the choice clear for users prioritizing raw performance. The Intel Core i9-11900K is the definitive winner for multi-threaded workloads, offering double the Cinebench R23 multicore score of the AMD Ryzen AI 7 445. Its 8-core, 16-thread configuration and higher clock speeds also secure it a clear win in single-core Cinebench tests. For tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, or scientific computing that can utilize all cores, the Intel processor is the far more capable choice, despite its higher power draw and end-of-life status.

The AMD Ryzen AI 7 445 presents a compelling case for a different set of priorities. Its single-thread PassMark victory, though narrow, shows the efficiency of the Zen 5 architecture. More importantly, its 28-watt TDP versus Intel's 125-watt TDP highlights a massive efficiency advantage. This, combined with its mobile market segment and support for modern DDR5 memory, makes it the logical choice for a laptop or a compact, power-conscious system where battery life and thermal output are critical. The data suggests it is a well-rounded processor that trades raw multi-core muscle for efficiency and a specific single-thread strength, making it suitable for general productivity and tasks that favor newer architecture.