AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 and the Intel Core 5 221TE occupy different corners of the processor market, and the benchmark data reflects that divide clearly. The Ryzen AI Max+ 392, a 12-core mobile part built on Zen 5, delivers results that place it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Intel Core 5 221TE, a 10-core desktop chip based on Bartlett Lake, sits in the 71st percentile. Across every recorded head-to-head benchmark, the AMD part wins, often by a wide margin, while the Intel part counters with a lower power envelope and a different platform strategy.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest single victory for the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 comes in the PassMark extended instructions test, where it scores 45,666 against the Intel Core 5 221TE's 9,655. That is a 373% advantage, indicating a substantial lead in workloads that use advanced instruction sets such as AVX-512 or similar extensions. The data also shows a 442.4% lead in the find prime numbers test, with scores of 320 versus 59, a result that underscores the AMD part's per-core efficiency in integer-heavy loops.

In integer math, the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 scores 152,414, while the Intel Core 5 221TE manages 42,303, a difference of 260.3%. Floating-point math follows a similar pattern: 99,548 versus 31,661, a 214.4% lead. These two results indicate that the AMD processor handles both general arithmetic and scientific calculations with far more throughput, likely due to its larger thread count and higher base clock.

Data compression favors the AMD part by 254.1%, with scores of 554,760 versus 156,682. This test is sensitive to memory bandwidth and cache size, and the Ryzen AI Max+ 392 brings 64 MB of shared L3 cache alongside quad-channel LPDDR5X memory, which the Intel chip lacks. Random string sorting also shows a 251.4% gap, with 59,487 versus 16,929, reinforcing the same pattern of memory and cache advantages.

The multithreaded PassMark score, which captures overall parallel performance, gives the AMD part 45,231 against 13,301 for the Intel part, a 240.1% difference. Data encryption shows a 210% lead for AMD, with 27,784 versus 8,963. The physics test, often used as a proxy for gaming simulation workloads, shows a 195.5% gap, with scores of 2,887 versus 977.

Even in single-threaded performance, where Intel parts often compete well, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 leads by 126.5%. Its single-thread score of 3,927 compares to 1,734 for the Intel Core 5 221TE. This result is notable because the Intel chip's boost clock is listed as 5.00 GHz, identical to the AMD part's boost clock, yet the AMD architecture delivers more than double the single-thread score. The data shows a clear architectural efficiency advantage for Zen 5, not just a raw clock speed difference.

The Intel Core 5 221TE has no wins in any of the 11 recorded head-to-head benchmarks. The AMD part wins all 11, with no close calls. The smallest margin is in the physics test at 195.5%, which still represents a near-tripling of performance. For context, the AMD part's average benchmark score is 90,541, placing it near the Intel Xeon 654 at 90,717 (a 0.2% gap) and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX at 91,199 (a 0.7% gap). The Intel Core 5 221TE's average score is 17,860, placing it near the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17,891 (a 0.2% gap) and the Intel Core 5 120U at 17,898 (a 0.2% gap). These nearest rival comparisons show that the Intel part competes with older mid-range desktop chips, while the AMD part sits in workstation-class territory.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has an average benchmark score of 90,541, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has an average score of 17,860. That is a difference of roughly five times, with the AMD part scoring in the 96th percentile of all CPUs versus the 71st percentile for the Intel part.

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

A: No. In the 11 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 wins all of them. The Intel part's closest result is in the physics test, where it trails by 195.5%.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 uses quad-channel LPDDR5X memory with a bandwidth of 256.0 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses dual-channel DDR4 or DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s. The AMD part offers more than three times the memory bandwidth.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 10 cores and 16 threads. The AMD part provides 2 more cores and 8 more threads.

Q: What are the base clock speeds?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has a base clock of 1.80 GHz. Both parts list a boost clock of 5.00 GHz.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part has nearly three times the L3 capacity.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 uses a Zen 5 architecture on a 4 nm process node, manufactured by TSMC. Its codename is Strix Halo, and it belongs to the Ryzen AI Max generation. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses a Bartlett Lake codename, built on a 10 nm process node by Intel. The process node difference is substantial: 4 nm versus 10 nm, which explains much of the efficiency and performance gap.

The AMD part has a die size listed as 2x 70.6 mm², indicating a chiplet design with two compute dies. The Intel part has a monolithic die of 215 mm². The AMD part also supports ECC memory, as does the Intel part, but the memory types differ: the AMD part uses LPDDR5X, while the Intel part supports both DDR4 and DDR5. The AMD part's quad-channel memory bus doubles the Intel part's dual-channel bus, and the bandwidth figures reflect that: 256.0 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s.

Cache layouts also diverge. Both parts have 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD part has 1 MB of L2 per core, while the Intel part has 1.25 MB of L2 per core, a slight Intel advantage. However, the AMD part's shared L3 cache is 64 MB, compared to the Intel part's 24 MB, a 40 MB difference in favor of AMD.

PCIe support differs as well. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 offers PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 5 221TE offers PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only), a newer standard with higher per-lane bandwidth. The integrated graphics differ: the AMD part uses a Radeon 8060S, while the Intel part uses UHD Graphics 730. The AMD part also has a higher TDP at 55 watts, compared to 45 watts for the Intel part, though both remain within mobile or low-power desktop ranges.

The AMD part uses AMD Socket FP11, while the Intel part uses Intel Socket 1700. The AMD part's release date is recorded as 2026-01-05, while the Intel part's release date is 2025-01-12, indicating the AMD part is a newer design. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $232, while the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split between these two processors. The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is a high-performance mobile processor that competes with workstation-class chips like the Intel Xeon 654 and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX, based on its nearest rival comparisons. Its average benchmark score of 90,541 places it in the 96th percentile, and its 12 cores with 24 threads, combined with 64 MB of L3 cache and 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth, make it suitable for heavy parallel workloads, data compression, encryption, and floating-point math.

The Intel Core 5 221TE is a desktop processor with a more modest profile. Its average score of 17,860 places it in the 71st percentile, near older mid-range parts like the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and the Intel Core 5 120U. Its 10 cores and 16 threads, 24 MB of L3 cache, and 76.8 GB/s of memory bandwidth position it for lighter tasks. It offers PCIe Gen 5 support, which the AMD part does not, and its 45 watt TDP is lower than the AMD part's 55 watts. Its launch MSRP is $232.

The recorded data does not show any scenario where the Intel part outperforms the AMD part. Every benchmark, from single-thread to multithread, from integer math to data compression, favors the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392. The Intel part's advantages are limited to platform features: a newer PCIe standard, dual memory type support (DDR4 and DDR5), and a lower TDP. For users who prioritize raw compute performance, the AMD part is the clear choice. For those who need PCIe Gen 5 or a lower power draw, the Intel part offers those specific features, but with a significant performance penalty.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors, based on the recorded data:

• Cores: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 12, Intel Core 5 221TE has 10.
• Threads: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 24, Intel Core 5 221TE has 16.
• Base clock: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 3.20 GHz, Intel Core 5 221TE is 1.80 GHz.
• TDP: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 55 watts, Intel Core 5 221TE is 45 watts.
• Socket: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 uses AMD Socket FP11, Intel Core 5 221TE uses Intel Socket 1700.
• Codename: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is Strix Halo, Intel Core 5 221TE is Bartlett Lake.
• Process node: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 4 nm, Intel Core 5 221TE is 10 nm.
• Foundry: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 uses TSMC, Intel Core 5 221TE uses Intel.
• Die size: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 2x 70.6 mm², Intel Core 5 221TE is 215 mm².
• L2 cache per core: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 1 MB, Intel Core 5 221TE has 1.25 MB.
• L3 cache: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has 64 MB shared, Intel Core 5 221TE has 24 MB shared.
• Memory support: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 uses LPDDR5X, Intel Core 5 221TE uses DDR4 and DDR5.
• Memory bus: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is quad-channel, Intel Core 5 221TE is dual-channel.
• Memory bandwidth: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 256.0 GB/s, Intel Core 5 221TE is 76.8 GB/s.
• PCIe: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is Gen 4 with 16 lanes, Intel Core 5 221TE is Gen 5 with 16 lanes.
• Integrated graphics: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has Radeon 8060S, Intel Core 5 221TE has UHD Graphics 730.
• Market segment: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is Mobile, Intel Core 5 221TE is Desktop.
• Release date: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 2026-01-05, Intel Core 5 221TE is 2025-01-12.
• Launch MSRP: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 has none recorded, Intel Core 5 221TE is $232.
• Part number: AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is 100-000001979, Intel Core 5 221TE is SRVQS.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 wins in every recorded performance category. Its strongest margins come in extended instructions (373% ahead), find prime numbers (442.4% ahead), and integer math (260.3% ahead). These results point to use cases involving scientific computing, data analysis, and any workload that benefits from wide vector units and high memory bandwidth. The 64 MB L3 cache and 256.0 GB/s memory bandwidth also make it strong for data compression, as shown by its 554,760 score in that test, and for encryption tasks.

The Intel Core 5 221TE has no benchmark wins, but its specification sheet reveals where it can be the practical choice. Its 45 watt TDP is lower than the AMD part's 55 watts, which can matter in thermally constrained desktop builds. Its support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory provides flexibility for upgrades, and its PCIe Gen 5 interface offers newer connectivity for storage or graphics cards. Its 10 nm process node and monolithic 215 mm² die suggest a simpler, possibly lower-cost manufacturing approach, though the database does not record pricing beyond the $232 launch MSRP.

For a builder assembling a desktop system with an existing LGA1700 motherboard, the Intel Core 5 221TE fits that ecosystem. For a mobile workstation or a compact system that needs maximum compute density, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 delivers far more performance per benchmark result, with a 96th percentile standing. The Intel part's 71st percentile places it in a different class, closer to entry-level and mid-range desktop chips. The data does not suggest any task where the Intel part is faster; it only offers platform-specific features at a lower power draw.