AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

The Verdict

The benchmark data delivers a decisive outcome: the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 wins all 17 recorded head-to-head comparisons against the Intel Core 5 221TE. The AMD part holds an average benchmark score of 43326 versus 17860 for the Intel chip, placing the Ryzen at the 88th percentile of all CPUs while the Core 5 sits at the 71st percentile. The AMD processor's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen AI 9 465 with an average score of 43431, just 0.2% higher, and the Intel Core Ultra 9 386H trails by 0.3%. The Intel Core 5 221TE competes in a much lower performance tier, with its closest rival, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT, scoring 17891, a 0.2% advantage for the AMD chip.

For multi-threaded workloads, the Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 delivers 151.4% higher Cinebench R23 multi-core scores. The single-core gap is equally stark at 151.4%. The Ryzen's advantage extends to every PassMark subtest, with the smallest margin being 75.1% in physics processing and the largest reaching 225.7% in extended instructions. The Intel Core 5 221TE, with a 10-core, 16-thread configuration, cannot offset the architectural and memory advantages of the AMD Strix Halo part. Data indicates the Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 is the clear choice for any workload where processing throughput matters. The Intel part, with its launch MSRP of $232, occupies a lower performance class, and the recorded data shows no scenario where it outperforms the AMD processor.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 averages 43326 points, while the Intel Core 5 221TE averages 17860 points, a difference of 25466 points.

Q: How large is the multi-core performance gap in Cinebench R23?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 scores 28424 in Cinebench R23 multi-core versus 11305 for the Intel Core 5 221TE, which is a 151.4% advantage for the AMD part.

Q: Do the two processors use different memory configurations?

A: Yes. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 uses LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus and 256.0 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 is built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses a 10 nm process at Intel.

Q: Which processor has the higher single-thread PassMark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 scores 3995 in PassMark single-thread tests, while the Intel Core 5 221TE scores 1734, giving the AMD part a 130.4% lead.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 and the Intel Core 5 221TE support ECC memory.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 uses the Zen 5 architecture under the Strix Halo codename, fabricated on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core 5 221TE belongs to the Bartlett Lake family on a 10 nm Intel process with a die size of 215 mm². These process differences directly correlate with the power and performance characteristics seen in the benchmark results.

The AMD processor implements 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Intel part offers 10 cores and 16 threads but operates at a much lower base clock of 1.80 GHz, with the same 5.00 GHz boost ceiling. Despite having two additional cores, the Intel chip cannot match the AMD part's throughput, as the Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 28424 for AMD versus 11305 for Intel demonstrates.

Cache hierarchies differ in the L2 and L3 segments. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD part has 1 MB of L2 per core and 32 MB of shared L3. The Intel processor uses 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 24 MB of shared L3. The larger shared L3 on the AMD side contributes to its substantial lead in PassMark data compression, where it scores 379448 versus 156682 for Intel.

Memory architecture creates a major separation. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 supports LPDDR5X over a quad-channel bus, delivering 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel Core 5 221TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, limited to 76.8 GB/s. This 3.3x bandwidth advantage for the AMD part is reflected across memory-sensitive workloads like random string sorting, where AMD scores 40784 versus 16929 for Intel.

The integrated graphics also differ. AMD pairs the Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 with the Radeon 8050S, while Intel uses UHD Graphics 730. PCIe connectivity favors Intel with Gen 5 and 16 lanes, while AMD uses Gen 4 with 16 lanes. Both processors use different sockets: AMD Socket FP11 for the Ryzen part and Intel Socket 1700 for the Core 5.

Specification Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 and Intel Core 5 221TE diverge across nearly every specification field. The AMD part has 8 cores and 16 threads with a 3.60 GHz base clock and 5.00 GHz boost. The Intel part has 10 cores and 16 threads with a 1.80 GHz base clock and 5.00 GHz boost. The AMD processor has a 55 W TDP versus 45 W for Intel.

Memory support separates the two clearly. AMD uses LPDDR5X with a quad-channel bus and 256.0 GB/s bandwidth. Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory.

The cache layouts differ in L2 and L3. AMD provides 1 MB of L2 per core and 32 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 1.25 MB of L2 per core and 24 MB of shared L3. L1 cache is identical at 80 KB per core.

Manufacturing details differ by foundry and node. AMD uses TSMC at 4 nm. Intel uses its own foundry at 10 nm. The Intel die measures 215 mm². No die size is recorded for the AMD part.

Connectivity shows one Intel advantage: PCIe Gen 5 with 16 lanes versus PCIe Gen 4 with 16 lanes for AMD. The integrated graphics are Radeon 8050S for AMD and UHD Graphics 730 for Intel. The AMD part targets the Mobile market segment, while the Intel part targets Desktop. The AMD processor uses AMD Socket FP11, and the Intel processor uses Intel Socket 1700.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 was released on 2025-01-05, and the Intel Core 5 221TE followed on 2025-01-12. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $232; no launch MSRP is recorded for the AMD part.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded head-to-head data shows AMD winning every benchmark in the comparison set. The widest margin appears in PassMark extended instructions, where the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 scores 31442 against 9655 for the Intel Core 5 221TE, a 225.7% advantage. This result indicates a major gap in vector and SIMD workload handling.

Cinebench tests show consistent leads of roughly 151% across the board. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, AMD scores 2865 versus 1139 for Intel, a 151.5% lead. Single-core R15 shows 404 versus 160, also 151.5%. The R20 suite gives AMD 11938 multi-core and 1685 single-core, against Intel's 4748 and 670, for leads of 151.4% and 151.5% respectively. Cinebench R23 confirms the pattern: AMD scores 28424 multi-core and 4012 single-core, versus 11305 and 1596 for Intel, both at 151.4% deltas.

PassMark integer math gives AMD 105056 versus 42303 for Intel, a 148.3% lead. Floating point math shows AMD at 69580 versus 31661, a 119.8% margin. Prime number finding favors AMD 157 to 59, a 166.1% lead. Data compression results show AMD at 379448 versus 156682, a 142.2% edge. Data encryption gives AMD 18978 versus 8963, a 111.7% lead.

The smallest recorded margin is in PassMark physics, where AMD scores 1711 against 977 for Intel, a 75.1% advantage. Even this narrowest gap remains substantial. PassMark multithread scores are 32075 for AMD versus 13301 for Intel, a 141.1% lead. Random string sorting shows 40784 versus 16929, a 140.9% margin. PassMark single-thread results are 3995 versus 1734, a 130.4% lead.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 wins in every recorded category. The largest advantages appear in extended instructions (225.7%), prime number finding (166.1%), and Cinebench single-core tests (152.5%). These results indicate that the AMD processor is best suited for scientific computing, encryption workloads, and any application that depends on high single-thread responsiveness.

The Intel Core 5 221TE does not record a single benchmark win in the database. Its closest relative performance appears in PassMark physics at a 75.1% deficit, meaning even its most competitive area leaves it far behind the AMD part. The Intel processor's 10-core configuration and dual-channel memory simply cannot compensate for the lower base clock and older process node.

For users running multi-threaded rendering, the AMD part scores 28424 in Cinebench R23 multi-core, which places it far above the Intel part's 11305. For memory-heavy tasks like data compression and string sorting, the AMD processor's 256.0 GB/s memory bandwidth versus 76.8 GB/s for Intel drives leads of 142.2% and 140.9% respectively. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 385 is the processor of choice for every workload category present in the recorded data.