AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 vs Intel Core 5 221E Comparison

AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 and Intel Core 5 221E occupy different corners of the processor market, and the recorded data shows a clear split between single-thread agility and multi-thread endurance. Since the head-to-head benchmark array is empty, the analysis relies on the Intel Core 5 221E's individual scores and the architectural specifications to draw comparisons.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 5 221E delivers a strong multi-core performance profile, with a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25933 and a Passmark multi-thread score of 30510. In the Cinebench R20 multi-core test, it records 10891, while the older R15 variant produces 2613. These figures place the Intel chip in the 87th percentile among all CPUs, indicating that roughly 87% of processors in the database trail its aggregate performance.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 has no recorded benchmark scores, so the comparison defaults to the Intel part's measured results. The Intel Core 5 221E shows a single-core Cinebench R23 score of 3661, which is its strongest single-thread result across the suite. The R20 single-core score stands at 1537, and the R15 single-core score is 368. In Passmark, the single-thread score is 4147, appearing twice in the data under slightly different test labels.

The weighted average benchmark score for the Intel Core 5 221E is 40144, placing it just ahead of the AMD Ryzen 7 7700, which averages 40081, a margin of 0.2%. The Intel part also edges out the AMD Ryzen AI 9 365 by the same 0.2% margin. Conversely, the AMD Ryzen 9 270 posts a 40246 average, which is 0.3% higher than the Intel chip, and the Intel Core i9-13905H leads by 0.4% with a 40313 average. These tight deltas show that the Intel Core 5 221E sits in a crowded performance band where the top contenders are separated by less than half a percent.

For integer-heavy workloads, the Passmark integer math score of 117813 indicates robust processing throughput. Floating-point math records 79028, while extended instructions hit 18216. Data compression scores 324285, and data encryption reaches 19205. The physics test produces 2230, and random string sorting finishes at 37686. Prime number finding is the weakest result at 173, suggesting a relative weakness in that specific algorithmic pattern.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 221E dominates the measurable performance landscape because it is the only part with recorded scores. Its multi-core wins are substantial: the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 25933 reflects sustained all-core workloads, while the Passmark multi-thread score of 30510 confirms parallel scaling. The data compression score of 324285 and integer math score of 117813 indicate strength in productivity and database-style tasks.

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 wins on efficiency metrics inferred from its specifications. With a 28-watt TDP compared to the Intel part's 65 watts, the AMD chip draws less than half the power envelope. The AMD part also uses a 4 nm TSMC process node, which is denser than Intel's 10 nm node, allowing for a smaller 233 mm² die size versus Intel's 257 mm². These factors suggest the AMD processor would be preferred in thermally constrained mobile chassis, though no benchmark data confirms its performance ceiling.

The Intel Core 5 221E targets desktop applications with a 65-watt TDP and Socket 1700, while the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 uses Socket FP8 for mobile platforms. The Intel part supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the AMD chip, which positions it for reliability-focused workstation builds. The AMD part integrates a Radeon 890M graphics unit, which is a more capable iGPU than Intel's UHD Graphics 730, giving the AMD chip an edge for light gaming or media tasks without a discrete GPU.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 uses the Zen 5 architecture under the Gorgon Point codename, belonging to the Ryzen AI 400 generation that mixes Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. It packs 12 cores and 24 threads, with a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The process node is 4 nm from TSMC, with a die size of 233 mm².

The Intel Core 5 221E uses the Bartlett Lake codename from the Core 5 generation, with 14 cores and 20 threads. Its base clock is 2.70 GHz and boost clock is 5.20 GHz, matching the AMD chip's boost frequency. The cache layout differs: 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The Intel part uses Intel's 10 nm process node, and its die measures 257 mm².

The core count discrepancy is notable: Intel has two more cores but four fewer threads, which means the AMD part uses simultaneous multithreading on all 12 cores, while the Intel part likely uses a mix of performance and efficiency cores where only a subset supports hyper-threading. The L2 cache per core is double on the Intel side at 2 MB versus 1 MB, while the L3 cache is 50% larger at 24 MB versus 16 MB. The smaller L3 on the AMD side might be offset by the higher thread count for parallel workloads.

Memory support diverges: the AMD chip supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the Intel chip supports DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses and share the same 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth figure. The AMD part does not support ECC memory, while the Intel part does.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores and 20 threads. Base clocks differ: 2.00 GHz for AMD versus 2.70 GHz for Intel, though boost clocks match at 5.20 GHz. The TDP gap is significant: 28 watts for AMD versus 65 watts for Intel.

The socket is another differentiator: AMD uses Socket FP8, while Intel uses Socket 1700. The process node is 4 nm from TSMC for AMD, against Intel's 10 nm process. Die size is 233 mm² for AMD and 257 mm² for Intel. Cache sizes differ in L2 and L3: AMD offers 1 MB L2 per core and 16 MB L3, while Intel offers 2 MB L2 per core and 24 MB L3. L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core.

Memory support is broader on the Intel side with DDR4 and DDR5, while AMD only lists DDR5 and LPDDR5X. ECC memory support is exclusive to Intel. PCIe capabilities differ: AMD uses PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes, while Intel uses PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics differ: AMD has Radeon 890M, Intel has UHD Graphics 730. The market segment is mobile for AMD and desktop for Intel.

The release dates place the Intel part earlier: January 2025 for Intel, December 2025 for AMD. The Intel Core 5 221E has a launch MSRP of $232. The production status is active for both, and neither has an unlocked multiplier. Part numbers differ: 100-000001859 for AMD and SRQDVQ659 for Intel.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 5 221E has 14 cores, while the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 has 12 cores. However, the AMD chip has 24 threads versus 20 threads on the Intel chip.

Q: What is the boost clock for each processor?

A: Both processors have a boost clock of 5.20 GHz. The base clocks differ, with the Intel part starting at 2.70 GHz and the AMD part at 2.00 GHz.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the Intel Core 5 221E supports DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the Intel Core 5 221E supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 does not list ECC support.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: The L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core. The L2 cache is 1 MB per core for AMD and 2 MB per core for Intel. The L3 cache is 16 MB for AMD and 24 MB for Intel.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for these processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 475 has a TDP of 28 watts, while the Intel Core 5 221E has a TDP of 65 watts. This difference reflects the AMD chip's mobile focus and the Intel chip's desktop positioning.