AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 vs Intel Core i5-14401E Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-14401E has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Which chip is faster in single-core Cinebench tests?

A: The Intel Core i5-14401E wins all three single-core Cinebench tests. In Cinebench R23 single-core, Intel scores 2564 versus AMD's 2212, a 13.7% advantage.

Q: What are the architectural differences between the two?

A: AMD uses Zen 5 architecture on a 4 nm TSMC process with the Strix Halo codename and quad-channel LPDDR5X memory. Intel uses Raptor Lake architecture on a 10 nm Intel process with the Raptor Lake-R codename and dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 memory.

Q: Which CPU has a better overall benchmark percentile?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 sits in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel Core i5-14401E sits in the 60th percentile.

Q: How does the AMD chip compare to its nearest rivals in average score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 has an average benchmark score of 44309, which is 0.1% behind the Intel Core i9-13950HX, 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i5-13600, 0.4% behind the Intel Core Ultra X9 388H, and 0.6% behind the AMD Ryzen 5 7500X3D.

Q: Which chip has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 boosts up to 5.00 GHz, while the Intel Core i5-14401E boosts up to 4.70 GHz.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 and Intel Core i5-14401E represent fundamentally different design philosophies. AMD's part is built on the Zen 5 architecture with the Strix Halo codename, fabricated on a 4 nm process at TSMC. Intel's chip uses Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-R codename, produced on a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The process node difference is substantial, with AMD using a smaller node that typically enables higher efficiency per transistor.

Core counts differ significantly. The AMD processor packs 8 cores and 16 threads, while Intel provides 6 cores and 12 threads. Both use per-core L1 caches of 80 KB. However, L2 cache differs: AMD allocates 1 MB per core, while Intel allocates 1.25 MB per core. L3 cache is where AMD takes a clear lead, offering 32 MB shared versus Intel's 20 MB shared. These cache configurations affect how each chip handles data-heavy workloads.

Memory architecture splits the two sharply. AMD supports LPDDR5X memory through a quad-channel interface, delivering 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5 through a dual-channel interface, with no bandwidth figure recorded in the database. The AMD chip also includes ECC memory support, as does the Intel part. PCIe capability differs as well: AMD uses Gen 4 with 16 lanes limited to the CPU, while Intel uses Gen 5 with 16 lanes limited to the CPU.

Integrated graphics present a major distinction. AMD includes Radeon 8050S graphics, while Intel includes UHD Graphics 730. The AMD solution targets more demanding visual tasks given its mobile positioning, whereas Intel's UHD Graphics 730 is a more basic desktop iGPU. The AMD chip is classified as a mobile processor with Socket FP11, while Intel is a desktop processor with Socket 1700.

Die size also differs notably. AMD's die spans 2x 70.6 mm², suggesting a chiplet design. Intel's die is a monolithic 215 mm². The AMD chip's smaller individual dies, combined with the 4 nm process, indicate a denser transistor layout. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not a supported feature for either.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database records six head-to-head Cinebench comparisons, and Intel wins all six. The margin is consistent, nearly identical across every test. In Cinebench R15 multicore, Intel scores 1830 versus AMD's 1579, a 13.7% deficit for AMD. In Cinebench R15 singlecore, Intel scores 258 versus AMD's 222, a 14% deficit.

Cinebench R20 repeats the pattern. Multicore shows Intel at 7627 versus AMD at 6583, again a 13.7% gap. Singlecore shows Intel at 1076 versus AMD at 929, also 13.7%. Cinebench R23 delivers the same result. Multicore: Intel 18161, AMD 15674, 13.7% difference. Singlecore: Intel 2564, AMD 2212, 13.7% difference.

These numbers indicate a consistent performance advantage for Intel across all tested Cinebench workloads. The absolute margins vary by test, but the percentage gap remains stable at roughly 13.7% to 14%. This suggests a uniform performance difference rather than workload-specific strengths.

The AMD processor's lower scores in these CPU-centric tests are notable given its higher core count, higher boost clock, and larger L3 cache. The Intel chip compensates with a higher base clock relative to its architecture and a different core design. The recorded data shows Intel winning all six head-to-head benchmark entries, with zero wins recorded for AMD.

Beyond the head-to-head list, the database includes additional PassMark results for AMD only. These include data compression at 406505, data encryption at 19926, extended instructions at 33873, find prime numbers at 165, floating point math at 71105, integer math at 107046, multithread at 33705, physics at 1889, random string sorting at 43725, and single thread at 4060. No comparable PassMark entries exist for Intel in the database, so a direct comparison on these metrics is not possible from the recorded data.

Specification Differences

The two processors diverge on nearly every core specification. Core count differs: AMD has 8 cores, Intel has 6. Thread count differs: AMD has 16, Intel has 12. Base clocks differ: AMD runs at 3.60 GHz, Intel at 2.50 GHz. Boost clocks differ: AMD reaches 5.00 GHz, Intel reaches 4.70 GHz.

Thermal design power differs: AMD is rated at 55 W, Intel at 65 W. Socket types differ completely: AMD uses Socket FP11, Intel uses Socket 1700. Process nodes differ: AMD uses 4 nm from TSMC, Intel uses 10 nm from its own foundry. Die size differs: AMD uses 2x 70.6 mm², Intel uses 215 mm².

Cache configurations differ in L2 and L3. Both have 80 KB L1 per core. AMD has 1 MB L2 per core, Intel has 1.25 MB per core. AMD has 32 MB shared L3, Intel has 20 MB shared L3. Memory support differs: AMD uses LPDDR5X, Intel uses DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bus width differs: AMD is quad-channel, Intel is dual-channel.

Memory bandwidth is recorded only for AMD at 256.0 GB/s; no figure exists for Intel. Both support ECC memory. PCIe generations differ: AMD uses Gen 4, Intel uses Gen 5, both with 16 CPU-only lanes. Integrated graphics differ: AMD uses Radeon 8050S, Intel uses UHD Graphics 730.

Market segments differ: AMD is mobile, Intel is desktop. Release dates differ: AMD released on 2025-01-05, Intel on 2024-06-30. Part numbers differ: AMD is 100-000001424, Intel is Q49JSRNJS. Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP. Both are active in production and both have locked multipliers.

The Verdict

The benchmark data points to Intel as the stronger performer in CPU-bound rendering tests. The Intel Core i5-14401E wins all six recorded head-to-head comparisons, with a consistent 13.7% to 14% lead in both single-core and multi-core Cinebench workloads. This margin applies across R15, R20, and R23 versions, indicating a stable advantage that does not fade under different test loads.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 cannot overcome this gap despite its higher core count, higher boost clock, larger L3 cache, and smaller process node. The recorded data shows Intel's architecture delivering better raw Cinebench performance in this direct matchup. The AMD chip's 8 cores and 16 threads do not translate into a win over Intel's 6 cores and 12 threads in any of the six tests.

However, the overall picture is not one-sided. The AMD chip holds an 88th percentile ranking among all CPUs, compared to Intel's 60th percentile. The AMD average benchmark score of 44309 places it in the company of high-end parts like the Intel Core i9-13950HX and Intel Core i5-13600, within a narrow 0.6% band. The Intel Core i5-14401E's average score of 5253 places it near the Intel Xeon E5-2699A v4 and Intel Core i7-11700B, a much lower performance tier.

These two datasets measure different things. The head-to-head Cinebench results are direct comparisons on identical workloads. The average benchmark scores and percentiles reflect broader performance across the database's full test suite. The AMD chip's higher percentile and average score suggest it performs strongly across a wider range of tasks, even though it loses specifically on Cinebench.

For users prioritizing Cinebench-style rendering workloads, the Intel Core i5-14401E is the clear choice based on the head-to-head data. For users looking at overall CPU capability as measured by the database's percentile system, the AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 ranks much higher. The correct pick depends on which set of recorded measurements matters more for the intended use.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-14401E wins in every recorded head-to-head benchmark. All six Cinebench tests, spanning R15, R20, and R23 with both single-core and multi-core variants, favor Intel. The margins range from 13.7% to 14%, with no test showing AMD ahead. This makes Intel the stronger choice for Cinebench-based rendering and CPU stress workloads.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 385 wins in overall database ranking. Its 88th percentile versus Intel's 60th percentile indicates a much stronger position relative to all CPUs in the database. Its average benchmark score of 44309 vastly exceeds Intel's 5253, although these figures come from different benchmark sets, so they are not directly comparable.

AMD also wins on memory bandwidth. The recorded 256.0 GB/s for the quad-channel LPDDR5X interface is a significant asset for memory-intensive tasks, though no equivalent figure exists for Intel. AMD's larger L3 cache of 32 MB versus Intel's 20 MB could benefit workloads that repeatedly access shared data. AMD's smaller process node of 4 nm versus Intel's 10 nm suggests better transistor density, which may influence efficiency in ways not captured by the recorded benchmarks.

Intel wins on PCIe generation, offering Gen 5 versus AMD's Gen 4, both with 16 CPU-only lanes. Intel also offers a higher base clock of 2.50 GHz versus AMD's 3.60 GHz, though AMD's boost clock of 5.00 GHz exceeds Intel's 4.70 GHz. Intel's L2 cache of 1.25 MB per core exceeds AMD's 1 MB per core.

The use-case split is straightforward from the data. Choose Intel for Cinebench-style multi-threaded rendering and single-core responsiveness, as demonstrated by its 13.7% lead in all recorded head-to-head tests. Choose AMD for overall CPU ranking, memory bandwidth, and larger shared cache, as indicated by its 88th percentile and 32 MB L3. For workloads not covered by the Cinebench head-to-head set, the AMD chip's broader benchmark profile suggests it holds its own in other areas, but the recorded head-to-head data only confirms Intel's dominance in Cinebench.