AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 vs Intel Core 7 250H Comparison

AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 and Intel Core 7 250H are both mobile processors aimed at different performance profiles. The recorded data shows a clear split: AMD dominates in multi-threaded and data-intensive workloads, while Intel holds a narrow edge in single-threaded tests. This analysis breaks down where each processor wins, what the benchmarks reveal, and how their architectural choices explain the results.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark results indicate a decisive advantage for the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 across nearly all measured categories. Out of 11 head-to-head tests, AMD wins 9, with Intel taking only 2. The wins for AMD are not marginal; they are substantial across the board. For example, in data compression, AMD scores 554760 against Intel's 303269, a delta of 82.9%. In extended instructions, AMD's 45666 dwarfs Intel's 17318, a 163.7% difference. The largest gap appears in prime number finding, where AMD's 320 score is 201.9% higher than Intel's 106.

The Intel Core 7 250H wins specifically in single-threaded performance. It scores 4148 in the PassMark single-thread test, compared to AMD's 3927, a 5.3% advantage. This is the only category where Intel shows superiority, and it appears twice in the data (once as passmark_single_thread and once as passmark_singlethread, both with identical scores). This suggests Intel's higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz, compared to AMD's 5.00 GHz, contributes to faster execution of lightweight, single-core tasks.

Beyond the head-to-head wins, the overall average benchmark scores reinforce the split. AMD's average benchmark score is 90541, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs. Intel's average is 35728, placing it in the 85th percentile. This is a massive gulf in overall performance, indicating that AMD's processor is in a different class entirely for most workloads.

The Verdict

Based on the recorded data, the AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is the superior processor for any task that benefits from parallel processing or heavy data manipulation. Its wins in multithread (45231 vs 27030), floating point math (99548 vs 65094), and integer math (152414 vs 99100) show it handles complex computational loads with far greater efficiency. The 67.3% advantage in multithread performance alone makes it the clear choice for rendering, scientific computing, and content creation.

The Intel Core 7 250H, however, is not without merit. Its 5.3% lead in single-thread performance suggests it may respond faster in applications that rely on a single core, such as older games or certain legacy software. The data also shows Intel has a higher boost clock (5.40 GHz vs 5.00 GHz), which likely explains this edge. For users whose primary workload is single-threaded, Intel offers a slight, but measurable, advantage.

The overall percentile rankings are telling. AMD's 96th percentile vs Intel's 85th percentile means AMD outperforms a larger fraction of the CPU market. The nearest rivals for AMD include the Intel Xeon 654 (with a delta of -0.2%) and the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (delta -0.7%), indicating it trades blows with high-end workstation and mobile parts. Intel's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 (delta 0%) and the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (delta 0.2%), placing it in a more mainstream performance tier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking wins for AMD come in the extended instructions test. AMD scores 45666, which is 163.7% higher than Intel's 17318. This indicates AMD's architecture handles advanced instruction sets, such as AVX-512 or similar, far more effectively. Similarly, the prime number test shows a 201.9% advantage for AMD (320 vs 106), a clear sign of superior integer arithmetic execution.

In data compression, AMD's 554760 is 82.9% ahead of Intel's 303269. This is a practical workload that benefits from high memory bandwidth and efficient multi-core scaling. AMD also leads in random string sorting by 74.3% (59487 vs 34136), another memory-heavy task. Data encryption shows a 52.6% advantage for AMD (27784 vs 18206), further confirming its strength in cryptographic and data integrity operations.

Floating point and integer math scores follow the same trend. AMD leads floating point math by 52.9% (99548 vs 65094) and integer math by 53.8% (152414 vs 99100). The physics test, often used for gaming simulations, shows AMD ahead by 58.3% (2887 vs 1824). The multithread test, a general measure of parallel performance, shows AMD at 45231 versus Intel's 27030, a 67.3% margin.

The sole Intel victory is in single-thread performance. Intel's 4148 is 5.3% higher than AMD's 3927. This is a consistent result across both single-thread test entries in the database. While this does not offset AMD's overwhelming multi-core lead, it does show Intel's design priorities. The higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz appears to deliver real-world benefits in single-core responsive tasks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster for multi-threaded workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 392 is significantly faster. It scores 45231 in the PassMark multithread test versus Intel's 27030, a 67.3% advantage. AMD also wins all other multi-core-oriented tests, including data compression (554760 vs 303269) and floating point math (99548 vs 65094).

Q: Does the Intel Core 7 250H have any advantages?

A: Yes, in single-threaded performance. Intel scores 4148 compared to AMD's 3927, a 5.3% lead. This is the only benchmark category where Intel wins, indicating better performance in tasks that rely on a single core.

Q: How do their overall benchmark scores compare?

A: AMD's average benchmark score is 90541, placing it in the 96th percentile of all CPUs. Intel's average is 35728, placing it in the 85th percentile. This indicates AMD is a much higher-performing processor overall.

Q: What are the nearest rivals for each processor?

A: For AMD, the nearest rivals are the Intel Xeon 654 (delta -0.2%), AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX (delta -0.7%), Intel Xeon w7-2575X (delta 2.7%), and Intel Xeon 6736P (delta 3%). For Intel, the nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 (delta 0%), Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (delta 0.2%), AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 (delta -0.2%), and AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (delta -0.5%).

Q: What is the difference in their memory configurations?

A: AMD supports LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus and a bandwidth of 256.0 GB/s. Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus, and no bandwidth figure is recorded in the database.

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: Intel has more cores (14 vs 12) but fewer threads (20 vs 24). AMD's 12 cores and 24 threads indicate it uses simultaneous multithreading, while Intel's 14 cores and 20 threads suggest a hybrid design with fewer threads than cores.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. AMD uses the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Strix Halo, manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC. Intel uses the Raptor Lake architecture, codenamed Raptor Lake-H, manufactured on a 10 nm process at Intel. This process difference is significant, as the smaller 4 nm node allows AMD to pack more transistors and potentially achieve higher efficiency.

AMD's cache layout is notable. It has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. Intel also has 80 KB of L1 per core, but doubles L2 to 2 MB per core, while reducing shared L3 to 24 MB. This means AMD has far more total cache, particularly L3, which is crucial for large datasets. AMD's die size is recorded as 2x 70.6 mm², while Intel's die size is not recorded.

The memory systems differ substantially. AMD uses LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus, achieving a memory bandwidth of 256.0 GB/s. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5, but only uses a dual-channel bus, with no bandwidth figure recorded. The quad-channel configuration gives AMD a massive advantage in memory-intensive workloads, which is reflected in its wins in data compression and random string sorting.

PCIe support also differs. AMD provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while Intel provides Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The newer Gen 5 standard offers higher per-lane bandwidth, but AMD's greater lane count may be more useful for multi-device configurations. AMD also supports ECC memory, while Intel does not, which is a feature for data integrity in professional or server-like environments.

The integrated graphics differ as well. AMD uses the Radeon 8060S, while Intel uses Iris Xe Graphics 96EU. No benchmark scores are provided for these iGPUs, but the architectural differences suggest AMD's offering is more powerful given the processor's overall performance profile.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts differ, with Intel offering 14 cores and 20 threads versus AMD's 12 cores and 24 threads. AMD's base clock is 3.20 GHz, higher than Intel's 2.50 GHz. However, Intel's boost clock is 5.40 GHz, higher than AMD's 5.00 GHz. This explains Intel's single-thread win, as it can reach a higher peak frequency.

The TDP also differs. AMD has a TDP of 55 watts, while Intel has a TDP of 45 watts. This indicates AMD draws more power, which likely contributes to its higher multi-core performance. The sockets are different: AMD uses AMD Socket FP11, while Intel uses Intel BGA 1744.

Process node and foundry are critical differences. AMD uses a 4 nm process at TSMC, while Intel uses a 10 nm process at its own foundry. This is a major architectural distinction, as the smaller process node typically allows for better performance per watt and higher transistor density.

Memory support is another key difference. AMD supports LPDDR5X with a quad-channel bus and 256.0 GB/s bandwidth, while Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus. AMD also has ECC memory support, which Intel lacks. PCIe support differs: AMD offers Gen 4 with 16 lanes, Intel offers Gen 5 with 8 lanes.

The release dates are close, with AMD released on 2026-01-05 and Intel on 2024-12-17. Intel has a recorded launch MSRP of $502, while AMD has no launch MSRP in the database. Both processors are marked as active in production and have locked multipliers.