AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 vs Intel Arc G3 EXTREME Comparison

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 and Intel Arc G3 EXTREME represent two distinct approaches to mobile computing, with the AMD part built on the Zen 5 architecture and the Intel part using the Panther Lake platform. Benchmark data from the database shows a clear overall winner, with the AMD processor taking 13 of 15 head-to-head tests, while the Intel chip claims two victories in single-threaded workloads. The average benchmark score for the AMD part is 63765, placing it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel part averages 36699, landing in the 85th percentile.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 dominates nearly every multi-threaded and throughput-oriented test. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 24828 versus 14655 for the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME, a 69.4% advantage. The margin expands further in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where AMD leads 3918 to 2192, a 78.7% difference. PassMark integer math shows the largest gap of any test, with AMD at 148508 and Intel at 71164, a 108.7% lead. Data compression also heavily favors AMD, 506170 to 307094, a 64.8% edge, and extended instructions go to AMD by 70.2% (40888 versus 24017).

The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME wins only in PassMark single-thread tests, scoring 4293 against 3967 for AMD, a 7.6% advantage. This appears in both the passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread tests, which record identical values. This single-thread win suggests the Intel core design, despite a lower boost clock of 4.70 GHz versus 5.00 GHz for AMD, delivers higher per-core efficiency in certain workloads. The Intel part also posts a smaller loss in floating-point math, trailing by only 8.9% (86929 versus 94666), and in data encryption, where it trails by 9% (23881 versus 26027).

For workloads that scale with core count and thread count, the AMD part is the clear choice. Its 12 cores and 24 threads provide a substantial parallel advantage over the Intel part's 14 cores and 14 threads, which lack simultaneous multi-threading. The database results confirm that productivity tasks, content creation, and any multi-threaded compilation or rendering workload will favor AMD. The Intel part's single-thread win may appeal to lightly threaded applications, but the margin is modest compared to AMD's multi-core leads.

Architecture Differences

The two processors use different manufacturing processes and foundries. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 is built on a 4 nm process at TSMC, while the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME uses a 3 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The AMD part uses the Zen 5 architecture under the Strix Halo codename, while the Intel part uses the Panther Lake codename under the Arc G3 generation.

Cache layouts differ significantly. AMD provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and only 18 MB of shared L3. The larger L3 cache on the AMD part likely contributes to its strong performance in data compression and extended instruction workloads, where repeated data access patterns benefit from larger on-die storage.

Memory support also diverges. Both support LPDDR5X memory, but AMD uses a quad-channel memory bus with 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth, while Intel uses a dual-channel bus with 136.5 GB/s. This bandwidth difference of roughly 87.5% aligns with AMD's large leads in memory-sensitive tests like integer math and data compression. AMD also supports ECC memory, while the Intel part does not.

PCIe connectivity differs as well. AMD offers Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while Intel offers Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only). The newer PCIe standard on Intel provides higher per-lane bandwidth, but the lane count is substantially lower, which may limit expandability in some mobile designs. The AMD part uses the AMD Socket FP11, while the Intel part uses Intel BGA 2540. Power targets also diverge, with AMD rated at 55 watts TDP versus 25 watts for Intel, which explains some of the performance gap but also indicates higher power consumption for AMD.

The integrated graphics differ: AMD uses Radeon 8050S, while Intel uses Arc B390. Both parts have a production status of Active, with AMD releasing on January 5, 2025, and Intel releasing on May 27, 2026. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, and neither has a launch MSRP listed in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 averages 63765, which is 93% of the way to the top of all CPUs. The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME averages 36699, placing it in the 85th percentile. The AMD part's nearest rival is the Intel Core i9-13900KS at 64051, a -0.4% delta, while the Intel part's nearest rival is the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450 at 37093, a -1.1% delta.

Q: How do the two compare in single-core performance?

A: The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME wins in PassMark single-thread tests, scoring 4293 against 3967 for AMD, a 7.6% lead. However, in Cinebench R15 and R23 single-core tests, AMD leads. AMD scores 303 in Cinebench R15 single-core versus 267 for Intel, a 13.5% edge, and 1976 in Cinebench R23 single-core versus 1862, a 6.1% edge.

Q: What explains the large multi-core performance gap?

A: The AMD part has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel part has 14 cores and 14 threads. Although Intel has more physical cores, the lack of simultaneous multi-threading on the Intel part limits its parallel throughput. Additionally, AMD's quad-channel memory bus provides 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth, nearly double Intel's 136.5 GB/s, which helps feed the additional threads.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has 64 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME has 18 MB. AMD also provides 1 MB of L2 per core versus 2.5 MB per core for Intel, but the total shared cache pool is much larger on the AMD side.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for each processor?

A: The AMD part is rated at 55 watts TDP, while the Intel part is rated at 25 watts. This power difference of 30 watts aligns with the AMD part's higher performance in multi-threaded tests, but it also means the AMD processor will require more robust cooling in mobile designs.

Q: When was each processor released?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 released on January 5, 2025, and the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME released on May 27, 2026. Both are listed as Active in production status.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Intel Arc G3 EXTREME |

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

| Cores | 12 | 14 |

| Threads | 24 | 14 |

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 25 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP11 | Intel BGA 2540 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Not listed |

| Codename | Strix Halo | Panther Lake |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

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

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 64 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 256.0 GB/s | 136.5 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 16 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 8050S | Arc B390 |

| Release Date | 2025-01-05 | 2026-05-27 |

| Part Number | 100-000001421 | SA4R3 |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 comes in PassMark integer math, where it scores 148508 against 71164 for the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME, a 108.7% advantage. This test measures raw arithmetic throughput, and the combination of more threads and higher memory bandwidth gives AMD a decisive edge. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 78.7% lead for AMD (3918 versus 2192), while Cinebench R23 multi-core shows a 69.4% lead (24828 versus 14655). PassMark extended instructions follows a similar pattern, with AMD at 40888 and Intel at 24017, a 70.2% difference.

Data compression tests reflect the same trend, with AMD scoring 506170 and Intel scoring 307094, a 64.8% lead. Random string sorting goes to AMD by 48% (55248 versus 37331), and PassMark multi-thread shows AMD at 42912 versus 30659, a 40% advantage. Prime number finding favors AMD by 30.2% (323 versus 248), while physics tests show a narrower 10.3% lead (2773 versus 2515). Floating-point math sees AMD ahead by 8.9% (94666 versus 86929), and data encryption shows a 9% lead (26027 versus 23881).

The two wins for the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME come in PassMark single-thread tests, where it scores 4293 against 3967, a 7.6% lead. This result is consistent across both single-thread test entries in the database. Interestingly, in Cinebench single-core tests, AMD wins by 13.5% in R15 (303 versus 267) and by 6.1% in R23 (1976 versus 1862). The discrepancy between PassMark single-thread and Cinebench single-core suggests the two suites weight different instruction patterns, with the Intel core showing strength in PassMark's specific workload mix.

The overall score distribution places AMD in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 63765, while Intel sits in the 85th percentile with an average of 36699. The AMD part's nearest rival, the Intel Core i9-13900KS, has an average score of 64051, just 0.4% higher. The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME's nearest rival, the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 450, scores 37093, which is 1.1% higher. These percentile positions and rival deltas indicate that the AMD part competes near the top of the desktop-class mobile segment, while the Intel part sits in a solid mid-range position.