AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 vs Intel Core 7 251E Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database does not contain direct head-to-head benchmark results between the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 and the Intel Core 7 251E. The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, and the win counts for both processors are zero. This absence of comparative test data means that any direct performance comparison must be inferred from the individual benchmark scores recorded for the AMD processor and the architectural specifications of the Intel processor.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has a substantial set of recorded benchmark scores. In Cinebench R23, it scores 36,064 points in the multi-core test and 5,091 points in the single-core test. The Cinebench R20 results show 15,146 points multi-core and 2,138 points single-core. Older Cinebench R15 results record 3,635 points multi-core and 513 points single-core. PassMark tests further characterize the AMD processor: multi-thread performance scores 41,737, single-thread scores 4,028, integer math scores 146,519, floating-point math scores 90,594, extended instructions score 38,716, data encryption scores 25,097, data compression scores 487,145, physics scores 2,761, random string sorting scores 53,113, and find prime numbers scores 316.

The Intel Core 7 251E has no recorded benchmark scores in the database. Its average benchmark score is listed as zero, and its percentile versus all CPUs is 50, compared to the AMD processor's 91st percentile. The AMD processor's average benchmark score is 56,273. Without any benchmark numbers for the Intel part, the data cannot show which processor wins any specific test. The only quantitative comparison available is the percentile ranking, which places the AMD part well above the Intel part in the overall distribution of CPU performance.

The AMD processor's nearest rivals provide context for its standing. The AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX PRO 470 scores 56,306 on average, a delta of -0.1% relative to the Ryzen AI Max 390. The Intel Core i9-14900HX scores 56,004, a delta of +0.5%. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX scores 56,555, a delta of -0.5%. The Intel Core 7 253PQE scores 55,919, a delta of +0.6%. These deltas are all within one percent, indicating that the Ryzen AI Max 390 sits in a tightly contested performance band. The Intel Core 7 251E does not appear in any rival list, and no rival data exists for it.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 demonstrates clear strengths across all recorded benchmark categories. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 36,064 points indicates strong parallel processing capability for a 12-core, 24-thread part. The single-core score of 5,091 points in R23 shows competitive per-thread performance. PassMark results reinforce this: the multi-thread score of 41,737 and integer math score of 146,519 point to robust throughput in computation-heavy workloads. Data compression at 487,145 and random string sorting at 53,113 suggest strong memory subsystem and cache behavior. Physics at 2,761 and floating-point math at 90,594 cover simulation and scientific workloads. The 91st percentile ranking across all CPUs confirms that this processor performs in the upper tier of the database.

The Intel Core 7 251E cannot be assigned any benchmark wins because no scores exist for it. Its architectural features imply potential strengths: 24 cores and 32 threads, a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, and support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory. The dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth and PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes could benefit certain workloads. However, the database contains no measured outcomes to substantiate any performance advantage. The Intel part's 50th percentile ranking, combined with an average benchmark score of zero, places it at the median of the database distribution, but this ranking likely reflects incomplete data rather than actual performance parity.

The data suggests that for any user relying on recorded benchmark results, the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is the only processor with demonstrated performance. The Intel Core 7 251E remains an unknown quantity in terms of measured output. The specification sheet for Intel shows a higher core count and boost clock, but without benchmark scores, those specifications cannot be translated into performance claims.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 uses the Zen 5 architecture under the Strix Halo codename. It is manufactured on a 4 nm process node by TSMC. The die size is listed as 2x 70.6 mm², indicating a chiplet design with two dies. The processor has 12 cores and 24 threads. Cache organization includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support is limited to LPDDR5X with a quad-channel bus delivering 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is supported. PCIe connectivity is Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics are Radeon 8050S. The socket is AMD Socket FP11, and the market segment is mobile.

The Intel Core 7 251E uses the Bartlett Lake codename, with no specific architecture name listed. It is manufactured on a 10 nm process node by Intel. The die size is 257 mm², a monolithic design. The processor has 24 cores and 32 threads. Cache organization includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support includes both DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus delivering 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth. ECC memory is supported. PCIe connectivity is Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The integrated graphics are UHD Graphics 770. The socket is Intel Socket 1700, and the market segment is desktop.

The architectural differences are substantial. The AMD part uses a smaller process node (4 nm versus 10 nm), a chiplet design with two dies, and significantly higher memory bandwidth (256.0 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s). The Intel part has more cores (24 versus 12) and threads (32 versus 24), a larger L2 cache per core (2 MB versus 1 MB), and newer PCIe generation (Gen 5 versus Gen 4). The L3 cache favors AMD with 64 MB shared versus Intel's 36 MB shared. The memory bus width favors AMD with quad-channel versus Intel's dual-channel. The Intel part supports both DDR4 and DDR5, while the AMD part is limited to LPDDR5X. These differences suggest divergent design priorities: AMD emphasizes memory bandwidth and power efficiency, while Intel emphasizes core count and raw clock speed.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across multiple specification fields. Core count: AMD has 12 cores, Intel has 24. Thread count: AMD has 24 threads, Intel has 32. Base clock: AMD runs at 3.20 GHz, Intel at 2.10 GHz. Boost clock: AMD reaches 5.00 GHz, Intel reaches 5.60 GHz. TDP: AMD is rated at 55 watts, Intel at 65 watts. Socket: AMD uses Socket FP11, Intel uses Socket 1700. Process node: AMD uses 4 nm from TSMC, Intel uses 10 nm from its own foundry. Die size: AMD has 2x 70.6 mm², Intel has 257 mm². L2 cache per core: AMD has 1 MB, Intel has 2 MB. L3 cache: AMD has 64 MB shared, Intel has 36 MB shared. Memory support: AMD uses LPDDR5X, Intel uses DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bus: AMD uses quad-channel, Intel uses dual-channel. Memory bandwidth: AMD delivers 256.0 GB/s, Intel delivers 89.6 GB/s. PCIe: AMD uses Gen 4, Intel uses Gen 5, both with 16 lanes. Integrated graphics: AMD has Radeon 8050S, Intel has UHD Graphics 770. Market segment: AMD targets mobile, Intel targets desktop. Release dates: AMD launched January 5, 2025, Intel launched January 12, 2025. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $384, while the AMD part has no launch MSRP listed. Both processors support ECC memory, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has 24 cores and 32 threads, while the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has 12 cores and 24 threads.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 delivers 256.0 GB/s over a quad-channel LPDDR5X bus. The Intel Core 7 251E delivers 89.6 GB/s over a dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 bus.

Q: How do the benchmark scores compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has extensive benchmark scores, including a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 36,064 and a single-core score of 5,091. The Intel Core 7 251E has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, with an average benchmark score of zero.

Q: What is the percentile ranking for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 ranks in the 91st percentile versus all CPUs. The Intel Core 7 251E ranks in the 50th percentile.

Q: What integrated graphics does each processor use?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 uses Radeon 8050S graphics. The Intel Core 7 251E uses UHD Graphics 770.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 251E has a boost clock of 5.60 GHz, compared to the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390's boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

The Verdict

The data presents an unusual situation. The AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 has a complete benchmark profile, while the Intel Core 7 251E has none. For any performance comparison, the AMD processor is the only one with measured results. Its 91st percentile ranking and average benchmark score of 56,273 place it among strong performers in the database. The nearest rivals, all within 0.6% of its average score, confirm that it competes with high-end processors like the Intel Core i9-14900HX and AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3955WX.

The Intel Core 7 251E offers specifications that could be advantageous in specific scenarios. Its 24 cores and 32 threads provide higher parallelism than the AMD part's 12 cores and 24 threads. The 5.60 GHz boost clock exceeds the AMD part's 5.00 GHz. The support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory offers flexibility in system building. The PCIe Gen 5 interface provides newer connectivity compared to AMD's Gen 4. These are all theoretical advantages, however, as the database contains no benchmark results to confirm how they translate into performance.

The AMD part's architectural choices, including a 4 nm process node, 64 MB of L3 cache, and 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth, are reflected in its recorded scores. The Intel part's 10 nm process node and 36 MB of L3 cache cannot be validated against any measured output. The launch MSRP of $384 for the Intel part provides a pricing anchor, but no comparable figure exists for the AMD part.

For users who rely on benchmark data, the AMD Ryzen AI Max 390 is the defensible choice. Its scores across Cinebench and PassMark tests demonstrate capability in multi-threaded, single-threaded, and specialized workloads. The Intel Core 7 251E, based on the available data, is a processor whose specifications suggest potential but whose performance remains unverified. The 50th percentile ranking for the Intel part, likely a placeholder given the zero average score, does not support any performance claim. The verdict from the data is clear: the AMD processor has proven performance, while the Intel processor has only specifications.