AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 vs Intel Core 5 120 Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data positions the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 as the dominant processor in this comparison, winning 9 of 11 head-to-head benchmarks. The Intel Core 5 120 takes only 2 wins. The AMD part posts an average benchmark score of 52901, placing it in the 91st percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel part averages 25362, landing in the 77th percentile. The AMD processor sits within 0.7% of the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X and AMD EPYC 7313P in average score, while the Intel processor trades blows with the AMD Ryzen 5 5600X3D and Intel Core i5-13400F. For workloads that stress multi-threaded throughput, data compression, or encryption, the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 is the clear choice. For the narrow set of tasks involving prime number generation and physics simulation, the Intel Core 5 120 shows an advantage. The Intel part carries a launch MSRP of $211.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 wins decisively across most compute categories. Its largest margins appear in extended instructions, where it beats the Intel part by 69.6%, and random string sorting, where it leads by 61.9%. Data compression favors AMD by 49.4%, integer math favors AMD by 45.4%, and data encryption favors AMD by 44.2%. Multi-thread performance shows a 39.2% advantage for AMD, while floating-point math gives AMD a 23% edge. Even in single-thread performance, the AMD part leads by 12.1%, with scores of 4029 versus 3595.

The Intel Core 5 120 wins only two benchmarks. It leads in find prime numbers by 7.8% (77 versus 71) and in physics by 9.2% (1333 versus 1210). These wins are narrow, and neither translates into a broader pattern of superiority. The Intel part also trails in average benchmark score by a wide margin, 25362 versus 52901, which indicates that its two wins are isolated strengths rather than signs of overall competitiveness.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 uses the Gorgon Point codename and belongs to the Ryzen AI Embedded generation built on Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. It is fabricated on a 4 nm process at TSMC with a die size of 233 mm². The Intel Core 5 120 uses the Raptor Lake architecture under the Raptor Lake-R codename, belongs to the Core 5 generation from the Raptor Lake Refresh family, and is built on Intel's 10 nm process with a die size of 163 mm².

Core counts differ substantially. The AMD part provides 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel part provides 6 cores and 12 threads. Both use 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache differs: AMD uses 1 MB per core, while Intel uses 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache arrangement is also different. AMD has 8 MB of L3, while Intel has 18 MB shared. This larger shared cache on the Intel side helps explain its wins in prime number finding and physics, where cache-sensitive workloads can benefit.

Memory support differs as well. The AMD processor supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory in a dual-channel configuration with a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s and ECC support. The Intel processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel mode, but no memory bandwidth figure is recorded in the database, and it lacks ECC support. PCIe connectivity also differs: AMD uses Gen 4 with 16 CPU lanes, while Intel uses Gen 5 with 16 CPU lanes.

Integrated graphics differ. The AMD part uses the Radeon 880M, while the Intel part uses UHD Graphics 730. The AMD processor is classified as a mobile part on AMD Socket FP8, while the Intel processor is a desktop part on Intel Socket 1700. Both have locked multipliers. The AMD part was released in March 2026, while the Intel part was released in July 2025. The AMD part is listed as active production, as is the Intel part.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has an average benchmark score of 52901, while the Intel Core 5 120 has an average score of 25362.

Q: How many head-to-head benchmarks does each processor win?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 wins 9 of the 11 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, while the Intel Core 5 120 wins 2.

Q: What is the single largest performance gap between the two?

A: The largest gap is in extended instructions, where the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 leads the Intel Core 5 120 by 69.6%.

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 120 have any advantages in the recorded data?

A: Yes, the Intel Core 5 120 wins in find prime numbers by 7.8% and in physics by 9.2%. It also has a larger shared L3 cache of 18 MB compared to 8 MB on the AMD part.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120 does not.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The Intel Core 5 120 supports DDR4 and DDR5.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The biggest win for the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 comes in extended instructions, where it scores 24193 against 14264, a 69.6% advantage. This test measures instruction set extensions, and the gap reflects the architectural maturity of the Zen 5 and Zen 5c design. Random string sorting shows a 61.9% lead for AMD, with scores of 34801 versus 21499. Data compression gives AMD a 49.4% lead, 327891 versus 219535. Integer math shows AMD ahead by 45.4%, 87940 versus 60462. Data encryption gives AMD a 44.2% lead, 16055 versus 11131. Multi-thread performance shows AMD ahead by 39.2%, 25889 versus 18597. Floating-point math gives AMD a 23% lead, 55799 versus 45383. Single-thread performance, recorded twice in the database as passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread, shows AMD ahead by 12.1% in both entries, 4029 versus 3595.

The Intel Core 5 120 wins in find prime numbers with a score of 77 against 71, a 7.8% margin. It also wins in physics with 1333 against 1210, a 9.2% margin. These are the only two benchmarks where the Intel part comes out ahead, and the margins are modest compared to the AMD wins. The physics result is notable because the Intel part has fewer cores and threads, but its larger 18 MB shared L3 cache may contribute to the result. The prime number test may similarly benefit from cache behavior. Still, the overall pattern is clear: AMD dominates in compute-heavy and data-heavy workloads.

Specification Differences

The processors differ across nearly every major specification field. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 5 120 has 6 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks differ: AMD runs at 2.00 GHz, Intel at 2.50 GHz. Boost clocks also differ: AMD boosts to 5.00 GHz, Intel to 4.50 GHz. The TDP differs significantly, with AMD at 28 watts and Intel at 65 watts. Sockets are incompatible: AMD uses Socket FP8, Intel uses Socket 1700.

The process node differs: AMD uses 4 nm at TSMC, Intel uses 10 nm at Intel. Die sizes differ, with AMD at 233 mm² and Intel at 163 mm². L2 cache differs, with AMD at 1 MB per core and Intel at 1.25 MB per core. L3 cache differs, with AMD at 8 MB and Intel at 18 MB shared. Memory support differs, with AMD supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X and Intel supporting DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bandwidth is recorded for AMD at 89.6 GB/s, while no figure is recorded for Intel. ECC support is present on AMD, absent on Intel. PCIe generation differs, with AMD on Gen 4 and Intel on Gen 5, both with 16 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics differ, with AMD using Radeon 880M and Intel using UHD Graphics 730. Market segment differs, with AMD classified as mobile and Intel as desktop. Release dates differ, with AMD released in March 2026 and Intel in July 2025. Both processors have locked multipliers. The Intel part has a recorded part number of SA35V, while the AMD part number is unknown.