AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 vs Intel Core 3 100U Comparison

The Verdict

The recorded data positions the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 and Intel Core 3 100U in entirely different performance classes. The AMD part delivers 12 cores, 24 threads, a 5.00 GHz boost clock, and 64 MB of L3 cache, while the Intel part operates with 6 cores, 8 threads, a 4.70 GHz boost clock, and 10 MB of shared L3 cache. Benchmark results for the Intel Core 3 100U place it at the 70th percentile among all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 16148. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 sits at the 50th percentile, though its benchmark array is empty in the database, meaning its average score is recorded as 0 with no direct test results available.

The Intel Core 3 100U has a recorded launch MSRP of $426. The AMD part has no launch MSRP recorded. The data shows the Intel processor is a finished, measured product with 17 benchmark entries, while the AMD processor has no recorded test results. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 is the stronger choice for multi-threaded workloads based on its core and thread counts, larger cache, higher boost clock, and quad-channel memory support. The Intel Core 3 100U is the choice for low-power mobile deployments, given its 15 W TDP compared to the AMD part's 55 W TDP. Users who need the fastest single-core response from the data available should look at the Intel part, as its single-core Cinebench R23 score of 1499 is the only recorded single-thread measurement between the two.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses the Gorgon Halo codename and belongs to the Ryzen AI Max PRO generation built on Zen 5. It is manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC, with a die size listed as 2x 70.6 mm². The Intel Core 3 100U uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-U codename, built on a 10 nm process at Intel. The AMD part has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel part has 6 cores and 8 threads. Both processors use 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the L2 cache differs: the AMD part has 1 MB per core, and the Intel part has 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache difference is substantial, with the AMD part holding 64 MB compared to the Intel part's 10 MB shared L3.

Memory architecture separates the two sharply. The AMD processor supports LPDDR5X through a quad-channel memory bus, delivering a recorded memory bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s. The Intel processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 through a dual-channel memory bus, with no memory bandwidth figure recorded. ECC memory is supported on the AMD part, but not on the Intel part. PCI Express connectivity also differs: the AMD part provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel part provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics differ as well, with the AMD part using a Radeon 8050S and the Intel part using UHD Graphics 64EU.

The AMD part uses the AMD Socket FP11, while the Intel part uses Intel BGA 1744. The production status for both is Active. The AMD part was released on 2026-05-19, and the Intel part was released on 2024-01-07. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The part numbers are 100-000002141 for AMD and SRMYL for Intel.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database includes benchmark results only for the Intel Core 3 100U. No benchmark scores are recorded for the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490. The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, and the wins counters for both processors are set to 0. The analysis must therefore rely on the Intel part's recorded scores and the architectural specifications of the AMD part.

The Intel Core 3 100U records a Cinebench R23 multicore score of 10624 and a single-core score of 1499. Its Cinebench R20 multicore score is 4462, with a single-core score of 629. In Cinebench R15, the multicore score is 1070, and the single-core score is 150. PassMark results for the Intel part include a multithread score of 12522, a single-thread score of 3506, and an average benchmark score of 16148. The nearest rivals in the database for the Intel part are the Intel Core i7-10850H with an average score of 16204 and a delta of -0.3%, the Intel Core i5-10600KF with an average score of 16228 and a delta of -0.5%, the Intel Core i7-1260U with an average score of 16320 and a delta of -1.1%, and the AMD Ryzen 5 4600H with an average score of 16341 and a delta of -1.2%. These deltas indicate the Intel Core 3 100U trails each of these four rivals by less than 1.2% in average benchmark score.

The AMD part has no recorded scores, so no direct percentage comparison can be made from the database. The architectural data suggests the AMD part would dominate multi-threaded workloads: it has twice the core count, three times the threads, and 6.4 times the L3 cache. The quad-channel memory bus at 273.1 GB/s compared to the Intel part's dual-channel bus with no recorded bandwidth further separates the two in memory-intensive tasks.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in every major specification category recorded in the database. Core count: 12 for AMD versus 6 for Intel. Thread count: 24 versus 8. Base clock: 3.20 GHz for AMD versus 1.20 GHz for Intel. Boost clock: 5.00 GHz versus 4.70 GHz. TDP: 55 W versus 15 W. Socket: AMD Socket FP11 versus Intel BGA 1744. Process node: 4 nm versus 10 nm. Foundry: TSMC versus Intel. L2 cache: 1 MB per core versus 1.25 MB per core. L3 cache: 64 MB versus 10 MB shared. Memory support: LPDDR5X versus DDR4 and DDR5. Memory bus: quad-channel versus dual-channel. Memory bandwidth: 273.1 GB/s versus no recorded value. ECC memory: supported versus not supported. PCIe lanes: 16 versus 8. Integrated graphics: Radeon 8050S versus UHD Graphics 64EU. Release date: 2026-05-19 versus 2024-01-07. Launch MSRP: none recorded for AMD versus $426 for Intel. Average benchmark score: 0 versus 16148. Percentile: 50 versus 70.

The die size for the AMD part is recorded as 2x 70.6 mm², and no die size is recorded for the Intel part. The Intel part has a recorded average benchmark score of 16148, while the AMD part's average is 0 because no benchmarks are recorded.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel Core 3 100U has 6 cores and 8 threads.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has a TDP of 55 W. The Intel Core 3 100U has a TDP of 15 W.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Intel Core 3 100U has a boost clock of 4.70 GHz.

Q: What memory types do the two processors support?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports LPDDR5X. The Intel Core 3 100U supports DDR4 and DDR5.

Q: Does the AMD processor support ECC memory?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 100U does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the recorded launch MSRP for the Intel Core 3 100U?

A: The Intel Core 3 100U has a recorded launch MSRP of $426. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no launch MSRP recorded.

Q: How does the Intel Core 3 100U compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Intel Core 3 100U has an average benchmark score of 16148. It trails the Intel Core i7-10850H by -0.3%, the Intel Core i5-10600KF by -0.5%, the Intel Core i7-1260U by -1.1%, and the AMD Ryzen 5 4600H by -1.2%.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 wins on raw multi-threaded capability by specification. Its 12 cores and 24 threads double the core count and triple the thread count of the Intel Core 3 100U. The 64 MB L3 cache versus 10 MB provides a large advantage for workloads that repeatedly access a sizable working set. The quad-channel LPDDR5X memory bus with 273.1 GB/s of bandwidth positions the AMD part for memory-bound tasks such as large data processing and integrated graphics workloads. The Radeon 8050S integrated graphics and 55 W TDP indicate a design aimed at sustained performance in a mobile segment, though no benchmark scores are recorded to confirm its measured speed. The 5.00 GHz boost clock gives it the highest clock speed in this comparison.

The Intel Core 3 100U wins on efficiency and measured single-thread results. Its 15 W TDP is dramatically lower than the AMD part's 55 W, making it the clear choice for fanless or ultra-portable designs where power draw matters. The recorded Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1499 and PassMark single-thread score of 3506 provide verified single-thread performance, which the AMD part lacks in the database. The Intel part's 70th percentile ranking among all CPUs, compared to the AMD part's 50th percentile, reflects a measured standing in the database, though the AMD percentile is based on no recorded benchmarks. The Intel part's launch MSRP of $426 is the only price data available, and its nearest rivals all sit within 1.2% of its average score, showing it competes closely with established mid-range mobile and desktop processors from prior generations.

For users choosing between these two, the data points in two directions. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 is the choice for multi-threaded and memory-intensive mobile work, based on core count, cache size, memory bandwidth, and clock speed. The Intel Core 3 100U is the choice for low-power mobile systems with verified single-thread performance and a measured benchmark profile.