AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 vs Intel Core 3 304 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core 3 304 is the only processor in this comparison with recorded benchmark data. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no benchmark entries in the database, so no direct head-to-head measurements exist. The available data for the Intel Core 3 304 comes from Cinebench and Passmark tests.

In Cinebench R23 multicore, the Intel Core 3 304 records a score of 5263. Its single-core R23 score is 1765. The R20 run shows 4160 multicore and 587 single-core, while R15 delivers 849 multicore and 264 single-core. These scores place the Intel part at the 68th percentile among all CPUs in the database.

Passmark results for the Intel Core 3 304 show a multithread score of 11625 and a single-thread score of 3614. The data compression test records 114775, data encryption reaches 8501, extended instructions hit 9686, and prime number finding scores 68. Floating point math produces 29722, integer math 24640, physics 868, and random string sorting 13659. The average benchmark score is 13745.

Nearest rival comparisons for the Intel Core 3 304 show it sits within a narrow band. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX averages 13786, which is 0.3 percent higher. The Intel Core i7-8750H averages 13868, 0.9 percent higher. The Intel Core 5 120UL averages 13594, 1.1 percent lower. The AMD EPYC 7443 averages 13936, 1.4 percent higher. This indicates the Core 3 304 performs in the same class as server and older high-end workstation parts, despite its mobile market segment.

FAQ

Q: How does the Intel Core 3 304 compare to its nearest rivals in average score?

A: The Core 3 304 averages 13745. It trails the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX by 0.3 percent, the Intel Core i7-8750H by 0.9 percent, and the AMD EPYC 7443 by 1.4 percent. It leads the Intel Core 5 120UL by 1.1 percent.

Q: What is the production status of both processors?

A: Both the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 and the Intel Core 3 304 are listed as Active in the database.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports LPDDR5X only, while the Intel Core 3 304 supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X.

Q: Do these processors support ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 304 does not support ECC memory.

Q: What are the release dates for these processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 released on 2026-05-19. The Intel Core 3 304 released on 2026-04-15, roughly one month earlier.

Q: What socket does each processor use?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 uses AMD Socket FP11. The Intel Core 3 304 uses Intel BGA 1516.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different manufacturers and use fundamentally different designs. AMD builds the Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 on a 4 nm process at TSMC, using the Gorgon Halo codename with Zen 5 generation architecture. Intel builds the Core 3 304 on a 3 nm process at its own foundry, using the Wildcat Lake codename with Core 3 generation architecture.

Core counts differ significantly. The AMD part has 12 cores and 24 threads. The Intel part has 5 cores and 5 threads, meaning it lacks simultaneous multithreading entirely. Clock speeds reflect different design targets: AMD runs at 3.20 GHz base and 5.00 GHz boost, Intel runs at 1.50 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost. Thermal design power also diverges sharply, with AMD at 55 watts and Intel at 15 watts.

Cache layouts are entirely different. The AMD processor provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 total, 2.5 MB of L2, and 6 MB of shared L3. The AMD die size is 2x 70.6 mm², while Intel does not list a die size.

Memory architecture is a major differentiator. AMD uses quad-channel LPDDR5X with 273.1 GB/s bandwidth. Intel uses single-channel DDR5 or LPDDR5X with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. The AMD memory subsystem delivers roughly 4.6 times the bandwidth of the Intel part, based on the recorded figures.

PCIe connectivity also differs. AMD provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes from the CPU. Intel provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics differ as well: AMD uses the Radeon 8050S, Intel uses Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core.

Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier. The AMD part number is 100-000002141, and the Intel part number is SAE3K. The Intel processor has a launch MSRP of $309, while the AMD processor has no launch MSRP recorded.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split by workload type and power envelope. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 offers 12 cores, 24 threads, a 5.00 GHz boost clock, 64 MB of L3 cache, quad-channel memory at 273.1 GB/s, and ECC support. These specifications position it for heavy parallel workloads, large data sets, and memory-bandwidth-intensive tasks. The Intel Core 3 304 offers 5 cores, no multithreading, a 4.30 GHz boost clock, a 15 watt TDP, and a 68th percentile ranking in the database. Its measured scores place it in the same performance class as workstation and server processors, but with far fewer threads.

The Intel part is the only one with actual benchmark measurements in the database, so direct performance comparisons are impossible. The recorded data for the Core 3 304 shows it can hold its own against much larger processors in average score, with deltas under 1.5 percent in either direction against four established parts. The AMD part has no recorded benchmarks, so the database cannot confirm its performance at this time.

The 15 watt TDP of the Intel part is notable. It delivers competitive average scores while consuming far less power than the 55 watt AMD design. The AMD part compensates with 24 threads and a much wider memory bus, which are characteristics that typically matter for rendering, compilation, and scientific computing. The Intel part is better suited to lightweight mobile systems where the 15 watt envelope and 59.7 GB/s single-channel memory are acceptable.

Specification Differences

| Field | AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 | Intel Core 3 304 |

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

| Cores | 12 | 5 |

| Threads | 24 | 5 |

| Base clock | 3.20 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost clock | 5.00 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP11 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Codename | Gorgon Halo | Wildcat Lake |

| Generation | Ryzen AI Max PRO (Zen 5) | Core 3 (Wildcat Lake) |

| Process node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die size | 2x 70.6 mm² | Not listed |

| L1 cache | 80 KB per core | 192 KB |

| L2 cache | 1 MB per core | 2.5 MB |

| L3 cache | 64 MB | 6 MB shared |

| Memory support | LPDDR5X | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory bus | Quad-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 273.1 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| ECC memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 16 lanes | Gen 4, 6 lanes |

| Integrated graphics | Radeon 8050S | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) |

| Market segment | Mobile | Mobile |

| Production status | Active | Active |

| Release date | 2026-05-19 | 2026-04-15 |

| Launch MSRP | Not listed | $309 |

| Multiplier unlocked | No | No |

| Part number | 100-000002141 | SAE3K |

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 wins on thread count, delivering 24 threads against the Intel part's 5. It wins on cache capacity, with 64 MB of L3 versus 6 MB. It wins on memory bandwidth by a wide margin, 273.1 GB/s versus 59.7 GB/s. It wins on PCIe lane count, 16 versus 6. It supports ECC memory, which the Intel part does not. It has a higher base clock and a higher boost clock. Its Radeon 8050S integrated graphics likely provide more compute capability than the Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe, though no benchmark data confirms this.

The Intel Core 3 304 wins on power efficiency, with a 15 watt TDP versus 55 watts. It wins on process node, using 3 nm against AMD's 4 nm. It wins on availability of measured performance data, with 17 benchmark entries and a 68th percentile ranking. It has a lower launch MSRP of $309, though the AMD part has no recorded launch price. It supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the AMD part only supports LPDDR5X. It also released earlier, on 2026-04-15 versus 2026-05-19.

For workload-specific choices, the AMD part suits multi-threaded rendering, video encoding, data processing, and any task that can use 24 threads and the quad-channel memory bus. The Intel part suits single-threaded responsiveness, lightweight productivity, and systems where the 15 watt envelope matters more than raw throughput. The database shows the Intel part performing in the same average-score band as the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 3975WX, Intel Core i7-8750H, Intel Core 5 120UL, and AMD EPYC 7443, with deltas no larger than 1.4 percent. That is a strong result for a 5-core, 15 watt mobile chip. The AMD part's specification sheet suggests it should outperform the Intel part in heavily parallel scenarios, but the database currently holds no measurements to verify that expectation.