AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 vs Intel Core 5 120U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a decisive sweep for the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 across all eleven shared Passmark tests. The AMD part wins every head-to-head comparison, with margins ranging from a modest 15.8% in single-threaded workloads to a massive 160.2% in extended instruction tests. The Intel Core 5 120U does not claim a single victory in any measured category.

The largest separation appears in passmark_extended_instructions, where the AMD processor scores 24193 against Intel's 9299, a 160.2% advantage. This suggests the AMD part handles specialized instruction sets, likely AVX-512 or similar extensions, with substantially greater throughput. The data compression test shows the second-largest gap, with the AMD chip scoring 327891 versus 166432, a 97% lead. This nearly double performance in compression workloads indicates strong memory bandwidth utilization and efficient data handling.

Multithreaded performance also favors AMD heavily. The passmark_multithread score of 25889 for the Ryzen AI Embedded P164 versus 15042 for the Core 5 120U represents a 72.1% delta. Random string sorting shows an 82.6% advantage (34801 versus 19060), while integer math delivers a 68.2% lead (87940 versus 52280). Floating-point math follows with a 54.9% gap (55799 versus 36026). Data encryption shows a 53.6% edge (16055 versus 10453), and prime number finding demonstrates a 34% advantage (71 versus 53). Even the physics test, often sensitive to clock speed and IPC, shows a 29.1% lead for AMD (1210 versus 937).

Single-threaded performance is the closest contest, but AMD still leads by 15.8%. The passmark_single_thread score of 4029 for the AMD part versus 3479 for Intel shows that the Ryzen AI Embedded P164 holds an advantage even in lightly threaded scenarios. This consistency across both multi-threaded and single-threaded tests indicates a fundamentally stronger core design rather than a mere core-count advantage.

The average benchmark score tells a similar story. The AMD processor posts an average score of 52901, placing it in the 91st percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core 5 120U averages 17898, landing in the 72nd percentile. This places the AMD part nearly three times higher in average raw score, a substantial gulf between two mobile processors.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally 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 120U uses Raptor Lake architecture, specifically Raptor Lake-U, built on a 10 nm process at Intel with no die size recorded in the database.

Core configurations differ significantly. The AMD part has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel part has 10 cores but only 12 threads. This discrepancy reflects different hybrid architectures: Intel's Raptor Lake-U typically combines performance and efficiency cores, resulting in fewer threads than physical cores. The AMD part uses a symmetric design where all 8 cores contribute 2 threads each. Despite having fewer physical cores, the AMD processor delivers substantially higher multi-threaded scores, indicating that its Zen 5 cores provide stronger per-thread performance than Intel's mixed core arrangement.

Cache hierarchies also diverge. Both processors share the same 80 KB L1 cache per core. However, the AMD part has 1 MB L2 per core, while Intel provides 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache shows a reversal: AMD offers 8 MB while Intel provides 12 MB shared. Despite Intel's larger L3 cache, the AMD processor still wins all cache-sensitive workloads in the head-to-head data, suggesting that AMD's cache efficiency and memory subsystem compensate for the smaller pool.

Memory support differs as well. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory across a dual-channel bus with a recorded bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 120U supports DDR4 and DDR5 on a dual-channel bus, but no bandwidth figure appears in the database. ECC memory support is present on the AMD part but absent on the Intel part, a notable distinction for embedded and server-adjacent use cases. PCIe connectivity also differs: AMD provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while Intel provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only).

Integrated graphics represent another architectural split. The AMD processor uses the Radeon 880M, while the Intel part uses Iris Xe Graphics with 80 execution units. The database does not include graphics benchmarks, so direct comparison of GPU performance is not possible from the recorded data. However, the presence of a newer-generation Radeon solution on the AMD side suggests a more modern graphics architecture.

Clock speeds show an interesting contrast. Both processors boost to 5.00 GHz, but the base clocks differ: the AMD part runs at 2.00 GHz while the Intel part runs at 1.40 GHz. The TDP difference is substantial, with AMD rated at 28 watts and Intel at 15 watts. The AMD processor consumes more power at its base specification, which likely contributes to its performance advantage across the board.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 wins every recorded benchmark category. The data shows no scenario in the head-to-head set where the Intel Core 5 120U takes a lead. This makes the use-case split straightforward from the measurement data.

For workloads involving data compression, the AMD part's 97% advantage (327891 versus 166432) makes it the clear choice. Encryption tasks favor AMD by 53.6% (16055 versus 10453), indicating stronger cryptographic throughput. Extended instruction workloads show the most extreme gap at 160.2% (24193 versus 9299), suggesting that applications leveraging advanced SIMD or vector instructions will run dramatically faster on the AMD processor.

Integer and floating-point math both favor AMD, with leads of 68.2% and 54.9% respectively. These results point to general-purpose computing strength across scientific, financial, and engineering applications. Multithreaded workloads show a 72.1% advantage for AMD (25889 versus 15042), while random string sorting delivers an 82.6% lead (34801 versus 19060), indicating strong memory subsystem performance for data-intensive tasks.

The physics test, which often reflects real-world simulation performance, shows a 29.1% edge for AMD (1210 versus 937). Prime number finding, a test sensitive to integer throughput and branch prediction, shows a 34% advantage (71 versus 53). Even single-threaded performance, typically an area where Intel has historically competed well, favors AMD by 15.8% (4029 versus 3479).

The Intel Core 5 120U still serves the 15-watt TDP segment where power efficiency matters more than raw throughput. Its lower base clock of 1.40 GHz and reduced power envelope may suit thermally constrained designs, though the database does not include efficiency measurements. The Intel part's support for DDR4 memory could also ease adoption in systems with existing DDR4 infrastructure, a compatibility consideration rather than a performance one.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear hierarchy between these two processors. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 outscores the Intel Core 5 120U in every measured category, with an average benchmark score of 52901 versus 17898. The AMD part sits in the 91st percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel part sits in the 72nd percentile. The nearest rivals for the AMD processor include the AMD Ryzen 5 9500F at 52873 (0.1% delta), Intel Xeon 634 at 52974 (-0.1% delta), AMD EPYC 7313P at 53206 (-0.6% delta), and AMD Ryzen 9 7900X at 53288 (-0.7% delta). This places the Ryzen AI Embedded P164 in company with desktop and server processors, an impressive positioning for a mobile-class chip.

The Intel Core 5 120U's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891 (0% delta), Intel Core 5 221TE at 17860 (0.2% delta), AMD Ryzen 5 1600 at 17994 (-0.5% delta), and Intel Core 7 350 at 17779 (0.7% delta). These rivals represent older desktop and embedded parts, indicating the Intel mobile processor performs in a lower tier than the AMD embedded part.

For users selecting between these two parts, the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 delivers substantially higher performance across all measured workloads. Its 8-core, 16-thread configuration with 5.00 GHz boost clock and 28-watt TDP provides a performance profile that rivals desktop processors. The Intel Core 5 120U offers a lower-power alternative with 10 cores but only 12 threads, a 15-watt TDP, and support for DDR4 memory, which may appeal to designs prioritizing power efficiency or memory compatibility over peak performance.

The production status for both processors is listed as Active, meaning both remain available in the current market. The AMD part has a release date of March 2026, while the Intel part was released in January 2024. Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP in the database. Both are mobile market segments with locked multipliers, and neither supports overclocking.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has more physical cores at 10, but the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has more threads at 16 versus 12. The AMD part uses 8 cores with 2 threads each, while Intel's 10 cores produce only 12 threads due to its hybrid architecture.

Q: What is the performance gap in multithreaded workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 scores 25889 in the passmark_multithread test, which is 72.1% higher than the Intel Core 5 120U's score of 15042.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120U does not support ECC memory according to the database.

Q: How do their boost clocks compare?

A: Both processors boost to 5.00 GHz. The AMD part has a base clock of 2.00 GHz, while the Intel part has a base clock of 1.40 GHz.

Q: What is the average benchmark score difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has an average benchmark score of 52901, while the Intel Core 5 120U averages 17898. The AMD part ranks in the 91st percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel part ranks in the 72nd percentile.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core 5 120U has a larger L3 cache at 12 MB shared, compared to 8 MB for the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164. Despite the smaller cache, the AMD part wins all cache-sensitive benchmarks in the head-to-head data.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several key specifications according to the database:

• Cores: AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has 8 cores, Intel Core 5 120U has 10 cores
• Threads: AMD has 16 threads, Intel has 12 threads
• Base clock: AMD runs at 2.00 GHz, Intel at 1.40 GHz
• TDP: AMD is rated at 28 watts, Intel at 15 watts
• Socket: AMD uses Socket FP8, Intel uses BGA 1744
• Architecture: AMD uses Zen 5 / Zen 5c cores, Intel uses Raptor Lake architecture
• Codename: AMD is Gorgon Point, Intel is Raptor Lake-U
• Process node: AMD uses 4 nm at TSMC, Intel uses 10 nm at Intel
• Die size: AMD measures 233 mm², Intel has no recorded die size
• L2 cache: AMD provides 1 MB per core, Intel provides 1.25 MB per core
• L3 cache: AMD has 8 MB, Intel has 12 MB shared
• Memory support: AMD supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5
• Memory bandwidth: AMD records 89.6 GB/s, Intel has no recorded bandwidth
• ECC memory: AMD supports ECC, Intel does not
• PCIe lanes: AMD provides 16 Gen 4 lanes, Intel provides 8 Gen 4 lanes
• Integrated graphics: AMD uses Radeon 880M, Intel uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU
• Release date: AMD released March 2026, Intel released January 2024
• Part number: Intel has part number SRM7P, AMD has no recorded part number