AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 vs Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 and Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX are two high-end mobile processors that trade blows across a wide range of workloads, but the data shows a clear overall edge for Intel. In the head-to-head benchmark set, Intel wins 13 of 17 tests, and its average benchmark score of 76,024 sits 1% above AMD’s 75,265. However, the AMD chip is not without its own decisive victories, particularly in integer-heavy and compression tasks. This analysis breaks down the architectural differences, per-workload strengths, and specification gaps that separate the two.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher single-thread performance?

A: Intel wins every single-core test. In Cinebench R23 single-core, Intel scores 6,777 against AMD’s 6,385, a 5.8% advantage. PassMark single-thread shows a larger gap: Intel at 4,727 versus AMD’s 4,123, a 12.8% lead.

Q: How do the core and thread counts compare?

A: Intel has 24 physical cores and 24 threads, while AMD has 16 cores and 32 threads. Intel’s higher core count does not translate into more threads; AMD’s simultaneous multithreading gives it 32 threads, but Intel still wins most multi-threaded benchmarks.

Q: Which CPU offers faster memory bandwidth?

A: AMD supports quad-channel LPDDR5X with 256.0 GB/s bandwidth, while Intel uses dual-channel DDR5 with 102.4 GB/s. AMD’s memory subsystem is over twice as wide on paper, yet Intel still takes the majority of compute wins.

Q: What is the largest margin of victory for each side?

A: AMD’s biggest win is in PassMark integer math, where it scores 195,223 against Intel’s 156,314, a 24.9% advantage. Intel’s largest win is in floating-point math, scoring 193,324 versus AMD’s 123,833, a 35.9% lead.

Q: Which CPU has more L3 cache?

A: AMD has 64 MB of shared L3 cache, while Intel has 36 MB. Despite this larger cache, AMD loses most cache-sensitive tests, suggesting other factors dominate.

Q: Are both processors unlocked for overclocking?

A: No. Intel has an unlocked multiplier, while AMD’s multiplier is locked. This gives Intel an overclocking capability that AMD lacks, though both are mobile parts with a 55 W TDP.

Architecture Differences

The two chips are built on different process nodes and microarchitectures. AMD uses a 4 nm process from TSMC with the Zen 5 architecture (codenamed Strix Halo), while Intel uses a 3 nm TSMC process with the Arrow Lake architecture (Arrow Lake-HX). Intel’s die is significantly larger at 243 mm² and packs 17,800 million transistors; AMD’s die size is listed as 2x 70.6 mm², with no transistor count given.

Core layouts diverge sharply. AMD offers 16 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 3.00 GHz and boost of 5.10 GHz. Intel provides 24 cores and 24 threads (no hyperthreading), with a lower base of 2.70 GHz but a higher boost of 5.40 GHz. Cache hierarchies also differ: AMD has 80 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 per core, plus 64 MB shared L3; Intel has 192 KB L1 and 3 MB L2 per core, but only 36 MB shared L3.

Memory support is a major differentiator. AMD uses quad-channel LPDDR5X with 256.0 GB/s bandwidth and supports ECC memory. Intel uses dual-channel DDR5 with 102.4 GB/s bandwidth and no ECC. PCIe connectivity also differs: AMD provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while Intel offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes. Integrated graphics are distinct as well: AMD’s Radeon 8060S versus Intel’s Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. Intel’s multiplier is unlocked; AMD’s is not. Both are mobile parts with a 55 W TDP, but they use different sockets (AMD FP11 vs Intel BGA 2114) and were released within a week of each other in January 2025.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark results split into clear categories. AMD dominates integer-heavy tasks: it wins PassMark integer math by 24.9%, data compression by 6.2%, extended instructions by 11.1%, and physics by 2.1%. These workloads benefit from AMD’s wider memory bus and larger cache, as well as its higher thread count.

Intel takes the rest. It wins every Cinebench test (R15, R20, R23) in both single- and multi-core, with consistent 5.8% margins. It also wins PassMark multithread (5.8%), single-thread (12.8%), random string sorting (3.7%), data encryption (29%), find prime numbers (34.8%), and floating-point math (35.9%). Intel’s higher boost clock and superior floating-point execution give it a strong lead in rendering, encryption, and scientific workloads.

In summary, AMD is the better choice for integer-heavy data processing, compression, and physics simulations. Intel is the pick for general multi-threaded rendering, single-thread responsiveness, encryption, and any workload that relies heavily on floating-point arithmetic.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 | Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX |

|---------------|------------------------|---------------------------|

| Cores | 16 | 24 |

| Threads | 32 | 24 |

| Base clock | 3.00 GHz | 2.70 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.10 GHz | 5.40 GHz |

| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Transistors | Not listed | 17,800 million |

| Die size | 2x 70.6 mm² | 243 mm² |

| L1 cache | 80 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 cache | 1 MB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

| L3 cache | 64 MB (shared) | 36 MB (shared) |

| Memory support | LPDDR5X | DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 256.0 GB/s | 102.4 GB/s |

| ECC memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 16 lanes | Gen 5, 20 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | Radeon 8060S | Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | Yes |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP11 | Intel BGA 2114 |

| Release date | 2025-01-05 | 2025-01-12 |

| Part number | 100-000001099 | SRVFK |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The head-to-head data reveals a consistent pattern. Intel wins all six Cinebench tests by exactly 5.8%: R15 multi-core (4,839 vs 4,558), R15 single-core (683 vs 643), R20 multi-core (20,163 vs 18,995), R20 single-core (2,846 vs 2,681), R23 multi-core (48,008 vs 45,228), and R23 single-core (6,777 vs 6,385). This uniformity suggests a steady architectural advantage in rendering workloads.

PassMark results show more variance. Intel’s biggest wins come in floating-point math (193,324 vs 123,833, a 35.9% lead), find prime numbers (457 vs 298, 34.8%), and data encryption (48,016 vs 34,086, 29%). Intel also wins multithread (56,415 vs 53,137, 5.8%), single-thread (4,727 vs 4,123, 12.8%), and random string sorting (75,710 vs 72,894, 3.7%).

AMD counters with a decisive 24.9% win in integer math (195,223 vs 156,314), an 11.1% win in extended instructions (52,958 vs 47,687), a 6.2% win in data compression (656,891 vs 618,338), and a narrow 2.1% win in physics (3,448 vs 3,377). These four victories show AMD’s strength in integer-heavy and compression workloads, but they are outweighed by Intel’s broader dominance across the other 13 tests.

The Verdict

The data points to Intel as the overall winner. With a higher average benchmark score (76,024 vs 75,265, a 1% margin) and a 13-4 win record in head-to-head tests, the Core Ultra 9 275HX is the more consistent performer across a wide range of tasks. Its 5.8% lead in every Cinebench test makes it the clear choice for rendering and video encoding, while its massive 35.9% advantage in floating-point math and 29% lead in encryption solidify its position for scientific and security workloads.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max+ 395 is not without merit. It wins integer math by 24.9% and data compression by 6.2%, making it a strong option for database processing, file compression, and other integer-bound applications. Its physics win (2.1%) also hints at suitability for certain simulation tasks. However, these victories are narrower and fewer than Intel’s, and AMD’s overall score is lower.

For buyers who need a mobile CPU for general-purpose computing, rendering, or single-thread responsiveness, the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX is the safer pick. For workloads specifically dominated by integer math and compression, the AMD chip offers a measurable advantage, but it comes with sacrifices in floating-point performance and overall benchmark leadership. The verdict is clear: Intel wins the majority of tests and the overall score, while AMD claims a specialized niche.