AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and Intel Core 5 221TE occupy entirely different performance tiers. Across all 17 recorded benchmark comparisons, the AMD part claims victory, with the Intel processor failing to win a single test. The average benchmark score for the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is 56,273, placing it in the 91st percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel Core 5 221TE averages 17,860, sitting in the 71st percentile. The data confirms a decisive, category-level gap: the AMD processor delivers roughly 3.2 times the aggregate performance of the Intel part.

The Verdict

The recorded data directs each processor to a distinct user profile. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is the choice for workloads demanding maximum throughput. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 (0.1% higher average score), the Intel Core i9-14900HX (0.5% lower), and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX (0.5% higher). This places the Ryzen AI Max 390 in flagship mobile territory, competing with high-end desktop and laptop parts.

The Intel Core 5 221TE, by contrast, sits among more modest competitors. Its nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT (0.2% lower), the Intel Core 5 120U (0.2% lower), and the Intel Core 7 350 (0.5% higher). This is a mid-range desktop processor, adequate for standard computing tasks but not designed for intensive parallel workloads. The benchmark results show no scenario where the Intel part matches the AMD processor, so the verdict is straightforward: the Ryzen AI Max 390 for performance, the Core 5 221TE for a lower-power desktop setup with basic needs.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge fundamentally in manufacturing and design. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 uses a 4 nm process from TSMC, with a die size of 2x 70.6 mm². Its architecture is Zen 5 under the Strix Halo codename, configured with 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses a 10 nm process from Intel, with a die size of 215 mm². Its architecture is not specified, but it carries the Bartlett Lake codename, offering 10 cores and 16 threads.

Cache configurations differ significantly. The AMD part provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part also has 80 KB of L1 per core but increases L2 to 1.25 MB per core, while reducing shared L3 to 24 MB. The larger L3 pool on the AMD processor supports its higher multi-threaded throughput.

Memory architecture further separates the two. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 supports LPDDR5X memory over a quad-channel bus, yielding 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, yielding 76.8 GB/s. That is a 3.3 times bandwidth advantage for the AMD part. Both processors support ECC memory. The AMD part uses AMD Socket FP11, while the Intel part uses Intel Socket 1700. The AMD processor integrates Radeon 8050S graphics, while the Intel part uses UHD Graphics 730. The AMD part is a mobile segment chip, the Intel part is a desktop segment chip.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench results show a consistent and massive lead for the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD scores 3,635 against 1,139 for Intel, a 219.1% advantage. Single-core R15 shows 513 against 160, a 220.6% lead. Cinebench R20 multi-core repeats the pattern: 15,146 versus 4,748, a 219% gap. Single-core R20 is 2,138 versus 670, again 219.1%. Cinebench R23 multi-core delivers 36,064 versus 11,305, a 219% difference, and single-core R23 gives 5,091 versus 1,596, a 219% margin. The AMD processor more than triples the Intel score in every Cinebench test.

PassMark results reinforce the dominance, though with varying margins. The largest single gap appears in PassMark find prime numbers: AMD scores 316, Intel scores 59, a 435.6% difference. Extended instructions show a 301% lead for AMD (38,716 versus 9,655). Integer math follows at 246.4% (146,519 versus 42,303). Multi-threaded performance shows 41,737 versus 13,301, a 213.8% gap. Data compression delivers 487,145 versus 156,682, a 210.9% lead. Floating-point math shows 90,594 versus 31,661, a 186.1% difference. Data encryption shows 25,097 versus 8,963, an 180% gap. Physics tests give 2,761 versus 977, a 182.6% lead. Random string sorting shows 53,113 versus 16,929, a 213.7% gap. The smallest margin is in single-threaded PassMark, where AMD scores 4,028 versus 1,734, a 132.3% advantage. Even the narrowest recorded gap remains a doubling of performance.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads.

Q: How much L3 cache does each processor have?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 delivers 256.0 GB/s over a quad-channel LPDDR5X bus. The Intel Core 5 221TE delivers 76.8 GB/s over a dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 bus.

Q: Which processor has a higher single-core score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 leads in every single-core test. In Cinebench R23 single-core, it scores 5,091 versus 1,596 for the Intel part, a 219% advantage.

Q: Does the Intel Core 5 221TE win any benchmark?

A: No. Across all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 wins every test. The Intel part records zero wins.

Q: What is the process node for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 uses a 4 nm process from TSMC. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses a 10 nm process from Intel.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 wins in every measurable category from the database. Its most decisive victories are in prime number finding (435.6% ahead), extended instruction throughput (301% ahead), and integer math (246.4% ahead). These results indicate a processor that excels at scientific computation, encryption, and heavily threaded compilation or rendering tasks. The 64 MB L3 cache and 256.0 GB/s memory bandwidth support large working sets without stalling. The 24 threads allow parallel workloads to scale effectively. The 91st percentile ranking confirms it belongs in high-end mobile workstations.

The Intel Core 5 221TE has no benchmark wins, but its profile still suits a specific role. With a 45 W TDP versus 55 W for the AMD part, it fits into lower-power desktop builds. The dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support and 24 MB L3 cache handle everyday applications. Its 71st percentile ranking places it above the median CPU, so it is not a weak performer in absolute terms. It simply faces an opponent that triples its output in most tests. For users with modest computing needs, the Intel part provides adequate performance with a smaller thermal envelope. The data does not support any scenario where the Intel part outperforms the AMD part, so its advantage is limited to lower power draw and a different socket platform.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field. Core count: AMD has 12 cores, Intel has 10. Threads: AMD has 24, Intel has 16. Base clock: AMD runs at 3.20 GHz, Intel at 1.80 GHz. Boost clock: both reach 5.00 GHz. TDP: AMD is 55 W, Intel is 45 W. Socket: AMD uses FP11, Intel uses Socket 1700. Process node: AMD uses 4 nm, Intel uses 10 nm. Die size: AMD uses 2x 70.6 mm², Intel uses 215 mm². L2 cache: AMD has 1 MB per core, Intel has 1.25 MB per core. L3 cache: AMD has 64 MB shared, Intel has 24 MB shared. Memory support: AMD uses LPDDR5X, Intel uses DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bus: AMD is quad-channel, Intel is dual-channel. Memory bandwidth: AMD is 256.0 GB/s, Intel is 76.8 GB/s. PCIe: AMD is Gen 4 with 16 lanes, Intel is Gen 5 with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics: AMD has Radeon 8050S, Intel has UHD Graphics 730. Market segment: AMD is mobile, Intel is desktop. Release date: AMD launched on 2025-01-05, Intel on 2025-01-12. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $232. The AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP. Both have locked multipliers and active production status.