AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 vs Intel Core i9-13900K Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data presents a largely one-sided contest. The Intel Core i9-13900K wins 14 of the 15 recorded head-to-head comparisons, while the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 secures a single victory. The magnitude of Intel's advantage varies significantly by workload, but the overall trend is clear: the desktop part is substantially faster in nearly every measured category.

The most decisive Intel wins come in multi-threaded and memory-intensive tasks. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel processor scores 38,271.5 against AMD's 24,828, a 35.1% advantage. The Cinebench R15 multi-core test shows a similar gap, with Intel at 5,805.5 versus 3,918, a 32.5% lead. PassMark data encryption shows the largest delta of all: Intel's 46,609 score beats AMD's 26,027 by 44.2%. Data compression follows closely, with Intel at 793,645 versus 506,170, a 36.2% difference.

Floating-point math also favors Intel heavily. The i9-13900K scores 151,562 in PassMark floating-point math, while the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 manages 94,666, a 37.5% deficit. Integer math is similarly lopsided: 207,792 versus 148,508, a 28.5% gap. Random string sorting shows Intel ahead by 37.0%, with scores of 87,705 and 55,248 respectively. PassMark multi-threaded performance has Intel at 58,589 versus 42,912, a 26.8% lead.

Single-threaded performance also belongs to Intel, though by smaller margins. In Cinebench R23 single-core, Intel scores 2,238.5 against 1,976, an 11.7% advantage. The PassMark single-thread test shows Intel at 4,608 versus 3,967, a 13.9% lead. Cinebench R15 single-core is closer: 318 versus 303, only a 4.7% difference. PassMark extended instructions has Intel at 46,477 versus 40,888, a 12.0% gap. PassMark physics shows Intel at 3,140 versus 2,773, an 11.7% lead.

The single AMD victory comes in PassMark find prime numbers, where the Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 scores 323 against Intel's 236. That 36.9% advantage is notable, suggesting the Zen 5 architecture handles this specific mathematical workload with significantly greater efficiency. It is the only bright spot in an otherwise dominant Intel performance profile.

Looking at the aggregate benchmark averages, the two processors sit surprisingly close. The AMD part has an average benchmark score of 63,765, while Intel averages 61,766. The AMD processor places at the 93rd percentile among all CPUs, and Intel sits at the 92nd percentile. This reflects the broader benchmark database, which includes workloads beyond the head-to-head set. The nearest rivals for AMD include the Intel Core i9-13900KS (0.4% higher average score) and the AMD EPYC 7343 (0.7% lower), while Intel's closest competitors include the Core i9-13900T (0.1% higher) and Core i9-13900KF (0.1% lower).

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 uses the Zen 5 architecture on TSMC's 4 nm process, with the codename Strix Halo. It is a mobile part using the AMD Socket FP11. The Intel Core i9-13900K uses Raptor Lake architecture on Intel's 10 nm process, with the codename Raptor Lake-S, and fits the Intel Socket 1700 on desktop platforms.

Core counts differ substantially. The AMD processor has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel processor has 24 cores and 32 threads. The Intel part combines performance and efficiency cores, a hybrid design that contributes to its high thread count. The AMD part relies on 12 full Zen 5 cores with simultaneous multithreading.

Cache configurations also diverge. Both parts have 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD processor has 1 MB of L2 cache per core and 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel processor has 2 MB of L2 cache per core and 36 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD part offers more total L3 capacity, which may benefit certain workloads despite the overall performance deficit.

Clock speeds favor Intel. The i9-13900K has a base clock of 3.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.80 GHz. The Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Intel part has a higher boost ceiling, which helps explain its single-threaded advantages.

Memory support differs in both type and channel configuration. The AMD processor supports LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus and a recorded bandwidth of 256.0 GB/s. The Intel processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus, and no bandwidth figure is recorded in the database. Both parts support ECC memory.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The AMD processor provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only). The Intel processor provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes (CPU only). Intel's newer PCIe standard offers higher potential transfer rates, though the lane count is identical.

Integrated graphics show a clear split. The AMD processor includes the Radeon 8050S, while the Intel processor includes UHD Graphics 770. The Radeon solution is a more substantial integrated GPU, though the database does not include graphics benchmarks for either part.

Power characteristics are markedly different. The AMD processor has a TDP of 55 watts, while the Intel processor has a TDP of 125 watts. The Intel part draws more than twice the power budget, which aligns with its higher performance in most tests. The AMD part's lower TDP reflects its mobile orientation and efficiency focus.

The Intel part has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the AMD part does not. The Intel processor has a launch MSRP of $589. The AMD processor has no recorded launch MSRP.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in multi-core workloads?

A: The Intel Core i9-13900K is significantly faster. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, Intel scores 38,271.5 versus 24,828 for AMD, a 35.1% advantage. Cinebench R15 multi-core shows a 32.5% lead for Intel (5,805.5 versus 3,918). PassMark multi-threaded performance favors Intel by 26.8%, with scores of 58,589 and 42,912.

Q: Does the AMD processor win any benchmark?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 wins the PassMark find prime numbers test, scoring 323 against Intel's 236, a 36.9% advantage. This is the only head-to-head benchmark where AMD comes out ahead.

Q: How do the processors compare in single-threaded performance?

A: Intel leads in all recorded single-thread tests. Cinebench R23 single-core shows Intel at 2,238.5 versus 1,976, an 11.7% lead. PassMark single-thread shows Intel at 4,608 versus 3,967, a 13.9% lead. Cinebench R15 single-core is the closest, with Intel ahead by only 4.7% (318 versus 303).

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core i9-13900K has 24 cores and 32 threads. Intel's hybrid architecture with performance and efficiency cores contributes to the higher thread count.

Q: How does memory support differ?

A: The AMD processor supports LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus and 256.0 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus. Both support ECC memory.

Q: What are the power consumption differences?

A: The AMD processor has a TDP of 55 watts, while the Intel processor has a TDP of 125 watts. Intel's higher power budget corresponds with its higher performance across most benchmarks.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear performance hierarchy. The Intel Core i9-13900K is the faster processor in 14 of 15 head-to-head comparisons, often by substantial margins. For users prioritizing raw compute performance, especially in multi-threaded tasks, rendering workloads, and data-intensive operations, the Intel part is the superior choice based on recorded benchmarks.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 offers a different trade-off. Its 55 watt TDP is less than half of Intel's 125 watt TDP, making it a far more power-efficient design. It also provides quad-channel LPDDR5X memory with 256.0 GB/s bandwidth, which could matter in certain memory-sensitive applications. The AMD part wins the prime number computation test, indicating architectural strengths in specific mathematical workloads.

The aggregate benchmark scores tell a nuanced story. AMD's average score of 63,765 edges Intel's 61,766, and both sit at the 93rd and 92nd percentiles respectively. This suggests that across a broader benchmark suite, the two processors are closer than the head-to-head results imply. The AMD part benefits from its large 64 MB L3 cache and efficient Zen 5 cores in some database workloads.

For desktop users building a high-performance system with an unlocked multiplier, the Intel Core i9-13900K is the data-backed choice. Its 5.80 GHz boost clock, 24 cores, and 32 threads deliver decisive wins in rendering, encryption, and math-heavy tasks. The 125 watt TDP is a consideration, but the performance gains justify the power budget for most compute-focused scenarios.

For users prioritizing power efficiency, mobile form factors, or the integrated Radeon 8050S graphics, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 presents a compelling alternative. Its 55 watt TDP and quad-channel memory bandwidth are significant advantages in constrained environments. The single-core performance gap is modest, and the prime number test win shows that AMD's architecture has specific strengths.

The choice ultimately depends on workload priorities. The Intel processor dominates most measured categories, but the AMD processor offers superior efficiency and a different memory architecture. Benchmark data alone cannot determine which is "better" without knowing the target use case.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 390 | Intel Core i9-13900K |

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

| Cores | 12 | 24 |

| Threads | 24 | 32 |

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 3.00 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.00 GHz | 5.80 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 125 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP11 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Raptor Lake |

| Codename | Strix Halo | Raptor Lake-S |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 257 mm² |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

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

| Memory Support | LPDDR5X | DDR4, DDR5 |

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

| Memory Bandwidth | 256.0 GB/s | Not recorded |

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

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 8050S | UHD Graphics 770 |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Release Date | 2025-01-05 | 2022-09-26 |

| Launch MSRP | Not recorded | $589 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Part Number | 100-000001421 | SRMBH |