AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 vs AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data splits this comparison into two very different performance realities. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X wins every single head-to-head benchmark recorded in the database, 11 wins to zero for the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185. That is a clean sweep, but the margin of victory varies enormously depending on the workload type.

The Threadripper 9980X dominates in heavily parallel workloads. Its PassMark multi-thread score of 141,641 is 77.5% ahead of the P185's 31,817. The gap widens further in data compression, where the Threadripper scores 2,974,534 against 374,429, a delta of 87.4%. Data encryption shows a similar story: 157,137 versus 19,612, an 87.5% deficit for the embedded chip. Extended instruction throughput sees the Threadripper at 228,959 versus 26,544, an 88.4% gap, the largest margin in the entire benchmark set.

The P185's competitive position is strongest in single-thread performance, but even there it loses. The Threadripper 9980X scores 4,537 in PassMark single-thread testing, only 12.3% ahead of the P185's 3,977. That is the closest margin recorded between the two parts. The embedded processor's single-thread score of 3,977 places it at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database, a respectable position, but the Threadripper sits at the 99th percentile.

The use-case split is clear from the data. The Threadripper 9980X is built for throughput-heavy workloads where core count and cache scale directly with performance. The P185 is a mobile-class part with a 28 W TDP, designed for embedded systems where power envelopes and physical integration matter more than raw multi-thread output. The average benchmark score reflects the gulf: the Threadripper averages 321,753 across its benchmark suite, while the P185 averages 62,839.

The Verdict

The recorded data indicates two entirely different product categories. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is a 64-core desktop processor with a 350 W TDP, an unlocked multiplier, and a launch MSRP of $4999. It targets workloads that can consume 128 threads and 256 MB of L3 cache. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 is a 12-core mobile processor with a 28 W TDP, soldered into the AMD Socket FP8 platform, aimed at embedded deployments where the Radeon 890M integrated graphics and low power draw are primary considerations.

For multi-threaded throughput, the Threadripper 9980X is the only choice between these two. The data shows it delivers between 77.5% and 88.4% higher scores across the PassMark parallel workloads. Its nearest rivals in the database are the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX at 0.3% behind, the Intel Xeon 6781P at 2% behind, the AMD EPYC 9575F at 3.2% behind, and the AMD EPYC 9734 at 3.6% behind. It sits comfortably at the top of the desktop and workstation hierarchy.

The P185, by contrast, competes in a different neighborhood. Its nearest rivals are the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX at 0.5% ahead, the Intel Core i7-13790F at 0.4% ahead, the Intel Core Ultra 7 255HX at 0.2% ahead, and the AMD Ryzen AI 9 PRO 465 at 0.5% behind. These are all mobile or lower-power desktop parts, and the P185's average score of 62,839 sits within a narrow band of those rivals.

The verdict from the data is straightforward. Users who need maximum compute density in a desktop workstation choose the Threadripper 9980X, despite its 350 W TDP and quad-channel memory requirement. Users who need an embedded processor with integrated graphics, ECC memory support, and a 28 W power envelope choose the P185. The two share a 4 nm TSMC process node and Zen 5 architecture lineage, but they serve mutually exclusive deployment scenarios.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single benchmark gap is in PassMark extended instructions, where the Threadripper 9980X scores 228,959 against the P185's 26,544, an 88.4% difference. This test measures advanced instruction set throughput, and the 64-core part simply overwhelms the 12-core part with raw parallel execution capacity.

Data compression and floating point math both show 87.4% gaps. The Threadripper compresses data at 2,974,534 versus 374,429, and it handles floating point at 559,003 versus 70,587. Data encryption is close behind at 87.5%, with scores of 157,137 and 19,612. Integer math shows an 86.5% gap: 872,071 versus 117,832. Random string sorting is 86.1% apart at 292,083 and 40,557.

The smallest margins appear in tests that depend less on core count. PassMark physics shows the Threadripper at 8,001 versus 1,772, a 77.9% gap. Multi-threaded performance is 77.5% apart at 141,641 and 31,817. The closest result is single-thread performance, where the Threadripper's 4,537 beats the P185's 3,977 by just 12.3%. The P185's boost clock of 5.10 GHz is close to the Threadripper's 5.40 GHz, and both use the Zen 5 architecture, which explains the relatively tight single-thread margin.

The Threadripper also benefits from 256 MB of L3 cache, versus 16 MB on the P185, and 204.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth from quad-channel DDR5, versus 89.6 GB/s from dual-channel support. Those memory and cache advantages compound the core count difference in every parallel benchmark.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 64 cores and 128 threads. The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: How large is the single-thread performance gap?

A: The Threadripper 9980X scores 4,537 in PassMark single-thread testing, 12.3% ahead of the P185's 3,977. This is the closest margin in the entire head-to-head set.

Q: What is the difference in average benchmark scores?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has an average benchmark score of 321,753, while the P185 averages 62,839. The Threadripper sits at the 99th percentile of all CPUs, the P185 at the 93rd.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes. Both the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X support ECC memory.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor include?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P185 includes a Radeon 890M integrated GPU. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has no integrated graphics, listed as N/A.

Q: Which processor has higher memory bandwidth?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has 204.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth from its quad-channel DDR5 interface. The P185 has 89.6 GB/s from its dual-channel DDR5 and LPDDR5X support.

Architecture Differences

The two processors share a 4 nm TSMC manufacturing process and both use the Zen 5 architecture, but their implementations diverge sharply. The Threadripper 9980X uses the Shimada Peak codename and belongs to the Ryzen Threadripper 9000 series. It packs 66,520 million transistors across eight chiplets, each 70.6 mm² in size. The P185 uses the Gorgon Point codename and belongs to the Ryzen AI Embedded generation, which combines Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores in a single 233 mm² die.

Core configuration is the most obvious split. The Threadripper offers 64 cores and 128 threads with a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The P185 offers 12 cores and 24 threads with a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The Threadripper's TDP of 350 W reflects its desktop workstation positioning, while the P185's 28 W TDP reflects its mobile and embedded design goals.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The Threadripper carries 256 MB of L3 cache and 1 MB of L2 per core. The P185 carries 16 MB of L3 cache and 1 MB of L2 per core, with 80 KB of L1 per core versus 64 KB on the Threadripper. The Threadripper's massive L3 pool is a critical factor in its parallel benchmark dominance.

Memory and I/O also separate the two. The Threadripper uses quad-channel DDR5 with 204.8 GB/s of bandwidth and PCIe Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU. The P185 uses dual-channel DDR5 or LPDDR5X with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth and PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes. The P185 integrates a Radeon 890M GPU, while the Threadripper has no integrated graphics. The Threadripper's multiplier is unlocked for overclocking; the P185's is locked.

Socket platforms are incompatible. The Threadripper uses AMD Socket sTR5, the P185 uses AMD Socket FP8. The Threadripper was released in July 2025 and the P185 in February 2026. Both are listed as Active in production status. The Threadripper's part number is 100-000001593; the P185's part number is listed as unknown.