AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 vs Intel Core 7 251TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear split between the two processors across the benchmark suite. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 wins 12 of the 15 head-to-head comparisons, while the Intel Core 7 251TE takes 3 wins. The magnitude of the victories, however, tells a more nuanced story than the raw win count.

The AMD part delivers its largest advantages in specialized compute workloads. In PassMark extended instructions, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 scores 40888 against 16974 for the Intel Core 7 251TE, a 140.9% advantage. Prime number finding shows a similar pattern, with AMD leading 323 to 140, a 130.7% delta. Data compression results place AMD at 506170 versus 334399, a 51.4% lead. These three tests represent the most lopsided outcomes in the entire comparison.

Multi-threaded performance generally favors AMD, though not uniformly. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 scores 3918 against 2572, a 52.3% advantage. PassMark multithread shows 42912 versus 30022, a 42.9% lead, and PassMark physics delivers 2773 against 1938, a 43.1% delta. Random string sorting adds another AMD win at 55248 versus 39643, a 39.4% margin. The data encryption test results in a narrower 17.4% win for AMD (26027 versus 22176), while integer math shows an 18.1% lead (148508 versus 125739) and floating point math a 10.6% edge (94666 versus 85607).

The Intel Core 7 251TE takes its wins in Cinebench single-core tests, where its advantage is substantial. In Cinebench R23 single-core, Intel scores 3602 against 1976, a 45.1% lead. Cinebench R15 single-core shows 362 versus 303, a 16.3% margin. The third Intel win comes in Cinebench R23 multi-core, where Intel scores 25518 against 24828, a 2.7% edge. This multi-core result is notable because it contradicts the broader multi-threaded trend seen in PassMark tests.

PassMark single-thread results tell a different story than Cinebench single-core. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 wins PassMark single-thread with 3967 versus 3568, an 11.2% advantage. The discrepancy between Cinebench single-core and PassMark single-thread outcomes suggests the two processors handle single-threaded workloads differently depending on the instruction mix and workload characteristics.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 establishes dominance in workloads that stress parallel execution and data manipulation. Data compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime number calculation, integer math, floating point math, multithread, and physics all fall to AMD with margins ranging from 10.6% to 140.9%. Random string sorting, another data-intensive operation, also goes to AMD at 39.4%. The pattern points to a processor that sustains high throughput across diverse computational tasks.

The Intel Core 7 251TE wins specifically in Cinebench single-core tests, with its R23 single-core lead of 45.1% being the second-largest margin in the entire comparison. The Intel part also edges out AMD in Cinebench R23 multi-core by 2.7%, a narrow result that suggests the Intel architecture can compete in certain rendering workloads despite losing most other multi-threaded tests.

The PassMark single-thread result complicates the picture. AMD leads by 11.2% in that test, meaning the Intel advantage is not universal across all single-threaded scenarios. Users running Cinebench-style rendering tasks would see Intel advantages, while those running the PassMark single-thread suite would see AMD ahead. The data does not support a blanket claim of single-thread superiority for either part.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses the Zen 5 architecture on the Strix Halo codename, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core 7 251TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm process at Intel. The manufacturing node difference is substantial, with AMD employing a more advanced process.

Core counts differ sharply. The AMD part has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel part has 24 cores and 32 threads. Despite having half the core count, the AMD processor wins most multi-threaded tests, indicating higher per-core throughput in parallel workloads.

Cache hierarchies show different approaches. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD part has 1 MB of L2 cache per core and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part has 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. AMD's larger L3 cache likely contributes to its data-intensive workload advantages.

Memory architecture differs significantly. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 supports LPDDR5X memory over a quad-channel bus with 256.0 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel Core 7 251TE supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus with 89.6 GB/s of bandwidth. AMD's memory bandwidth advantage is substantial and likely feeds its data compression and encryption performance.

The socket and platform targets differ. AMD uses Socket FP11, while Intel uses Socket 1700. AMD lists its market segment as Mobile, while Intel lists Desktop. The Intel part has a die size of 215 mm², while the AMD die size is not recorded.

Specification Differences

Clock speeds favor Intel. The Intel Core 7 251TE has a base clock of 1.40 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. Intel's higher boost clock aligns with its Cinebench single-core wins, while AMD's higher base clock suggests sustained performance at lower frequencies.

Power targets differ, with AMD rated at 55 W TDP and Intel at 45 W TDP. The AMD part consumes more power while delivering higher throughput in most tests. PCIe support also differs: Intel provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes, while AMD provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Intel's newer PCIe generation offers higher potential bandwidth for expansion devices.

Integrated graphics differ between the parts. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses Radeon 8050S, while the Intel Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The release dates are close, with AMD on 2025-01-05 and Intel on 2025-01-12. The Intel part has a recorded launch MSRP of $384. Both processors support ECC memory and both are locked (multiplier not unlocked). The Intel part has a recorded die size of 215 mm²; the AMD die size is not recorded in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has an average benchmark score of 63765, while the Intel Core 7 251TE scores 41650. AMD also ranks at the 93rd percentile versus all CPUs, compared to Intel's 88th percentile.

Q: How do the two compare in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The Intel Core 7 251TE wins Cinebench R23 multi-core with a score of 25518 against 24828 for the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390, a 2.7% advantage. This is the only multi-core test in the head-to-head set that Intel wins.

Q: What are the nearest rivals for each processor in the database?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 sits near the Intel Core i9-13900KS (0.4% below), the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450G (0.7% above), the AMD EPYC 7343 (0.7% below), and the Intel Core Ultra 7 265HX (0.9% above). The Intel Core 7 251TE sits near the Intel Core Ultra 7 265H (0.1% above), the Intel Core i7-14650HX (0.2% above), the Intel Core i7-12850HX (0.3% below), and the Intel Core i7-14700T (0.6% below).

Q: Which processor supports more memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 supports 256.0 GB/s over a quad-channel LPDDR5X bus. The Intel Core 7 251TE supports 89.6 GB/s over a dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 bus. AMD's bandwidth is nearly three times higher.

Q: What is the core and thread configuration of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 7 251TE has 24 cores and 32 threads. Intel has double the core count but only one-third more threads.

Q: How do the integrated graphics differ?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses Radeon 8050S graphics, while the Intel Core 7 251TE uses UHD Graphics 770. The database does not record benchmark scores for either integrated GPU.

The Verdict

The benchmark data supports a clear performance hierarchy. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 wins 12 of 15 head-to-head tests and holds a 53% higher average benchmark score (63765 versus 41650). Its advantages in data compression, encryption, extended instructions, and prime number calculation range from 17.4% to 140.9%, indicating strong performance in compute-intensive and data-heavy workloads. The 93rd percentile ranking versus all CPUs places it ahead of the Intel part's 88th percentile.

The Intel Core 7 251TE justifies its inclusion for specific use cases. Its Cinebench R23 single-core score of 3602 beats AMD's 1976 by 45.1%, and its Cinebench R15 single-core result of 362 beats AMD's 303 by 16.3%. The narrow Cinebench R23 multi-core win of 2.7% shows Intel can hold its own in rendering workloads. These results come from a 24-core processor with a 5.40 GHz boost clock and 45 W TDP.

The architecture data explains the performance split. AMD's 4 nm Zen 5 design with 64 MB of L3 cache and 256.0 GB/s of memory bandwidth delivers high throughput in parallel and data-intensive tasks. Intel's 10 nm Bartlett Lake design with 36 MB of L3 cache and 89.6 GB/s of memory bandwidth relies on higher clock speeds and more cores to compete. The single-core Cinebench results show Intel's clock advantage matters in that specific workload, while the PassMark single-thread result shows AMD's architecture wins in other single-threaded scenarios.

Users prioritizing data compression, encryption, extended instruction workloads, or general multi-threaded throughput should select the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 based on the recorded margins. Users focused on Cinebench rendering workloads, particularly single-core rendering, should select the Intel Core 7 251TE. The Intel part also offers PCIe Gen 5 support and a desktop platform, while AMD targets mobile with PCIe Gen 4. Both processors support ECC memory, both are production-active, and both were released in January 2025.