AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 vs Intel Core 7 250H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 and the Intel Core 7 250H. However, the recorded data for the Intel Core 7 250H provides a comprehensive performance profile, while the AMD part currently has no benchmark scores listed. This absence of direct comparison data means the analysis must rely on the Intel processor's measured results and the architectural specifications of both chips.

The Intel Core 7 250H delivers strong multi-threaded performance in the database. Its Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 3147 and Cinebench R20 multi-core score of 9697 indicate solid throughput for heavily threaded workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 16561 further confirms this trend, placing the processor in the upper tier of mobile CPUs based on its 85th percentile ranking against all CPUs in the database.

Single-thread performance for the Intel part is equally notable. The Cinebench R15 single-core score of 298, Cinebench R20 single-core score of 1368, and Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1931 demonstrate consistent per-core efficiency. The PassMark single-thread score of 4148 and the PassMark singlethread score of 4148 (both recorded separately) reinforce this assessment.

The synthetic workload results from PassMark paint a detailed picture of the Intel processor's capabilities. The integer math score of 99100 and floating point math score of 65094 show robust arithmetic processing. Data compression at 303269 and random string sorting at 34136 indicate strong memory and cache handling. Encryption at 18206 and extended instructions at 17318 reflect modern instruction set support. The find prime numbers score of 106 appears low, but this is likely a narrow subtest rather than an overall indicator.

The average benchmark score for the Intel Core 7 250H is 35728, placing it at the 85th percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 (average score 35719, 0% delta), Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (average score 35670, 0.2% delta), AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 (average score 35802, -0.2% delta), and AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (average score 35909, -0.5% delta). These tight deltas, all within 0.5 percentage points, indicate that the Intel Core 7 250H sits in a highly competitive performance band.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the data, the Intel Core 7 250H wins in every category where benchmark results exist. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no recorded scores in the database, so no direct wins can be assigned to it from measurements. The wins count (0 for A, 0 for B) in the head-to-head section reflects the absence of direct comparison benchmarks, not a tie in performance.

For the Intel part, the strongest results appear in multi-threaded rendering and synthetic math workloads. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 16561 and PassMark multithread score of 27030 suggest it handles parallel tasks efficiently. The PassMark physics score of 1824 indicates solid simulation performance. The data compression score of 303269 is particularly strong, suggesting excellent memory bandwidth utilization for its dual-channel configuration.

The AMD part's architectural specifications suggest potential strengths in memory-intensive workloads. Its quad-channel LPDDR5X memory configuration with 273.1 GB/s bandwidth dwarfs the Intel part's dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support, though no memory bandwidth figure is recorded for the Intel side. The AMD chip's 64 MB shared L3 cache (versus 24 MB shared on Intel) could provide an advantage in cache-sensitive applications, but without benchmark data, this remains speculative.

The Intel processor's 85th percentile ranking against all CPUs indicates it outperforms the vast majority of processors in the database. Its nearest rivals, all within 0.5% delta, show that the competitive field is extremely tight at this performance level.

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 architecture. It is manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC, with a die size of 2x 70.6 mm². The Intel Core 7 250H uses the Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-H codename, belonging to the Core 7 (Raptor Lake Refresh) generation. It is built on a 10 nm process at Intel.

The core configurations differ significantly. The AMD chip has 12 cores and 24 threads, while the Intel chip has 14 cores and 20 threads. This means the AMD part relies on simultaneous multithreading across all 12 cores to reach 24 threads, whereas the Intel part uses a mix of performance and efficiency cores, with 14 physical cores producing only 20 threads. The AMD approach provides more logical processors, while the Intel approach offers more physical cores.

Cache hierarchies diverge substantially. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD part has 1 MB of L2 cache per core, while the Intel part has 2 MB per core. The L3 cache differs dramatically: AMD provides 64 MB while Intel provides 24 MB shared. This 40 MB difference in L3 capacity could significantly impact workloads with large working sets.

Process node advantages favor AMD. The 4 nm TSMC process is more advanced than Intel's 10 nm node, potentially allowing higher transistor density and better power efficiency. However, the Intel part operates with a 45 W TDP versus 55 W for AMD, suggesting the Intel chip may run cooler or more efficiently in sustained workloads.

Memory architecture differs completely. The AMD processor supports LPDDR5X with quad-channel access and 273.1 GB/s bandwidth, plus ECC memory support. The Intel processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel access, no ECC support, and no recorded bandwidth figure. Memory bandwidth is a major differentiator, with AMD's quad-channel design offering substantially higher theoretical throughput.

PCIe support also differs. The AMD chip uses Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel chip uses Gen 5 with 8 lanes (CPU only). Gen 5 offers higher per-lane bandwidth, but Gen 4 with more lanes may provide greater total bandwidth for expansion devices.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in several specification fields. Core count: 12 for AMD versus 14 for Intel. Thread count: 24 for AMD versus 20 for Intel. Base clock: 3.20 GHz for AMD versus 2.50 GHz for Intel. Boost clock: 5.00 GHz for AMD versus 5.40 GHz for Intel. TDP: 55 W for AMD versus 45 W for Intel.

Socket types differ: AMD Socket FP11 versus Intel BGA 1744. Process nodes: 4 nm for AMD versus 10 nm for Intel. Foundries: TSMC for AMD versus Intel for the Intel chip. L2 cache: 1 MB per core for AMD versus 2 MB per core for Intel. L3 cache: 64 MB for AMD versus 24 MB shared for Intel.

Memory support: LPDDR5X for AMD versus DDR4 and DDR5 for Intel. Memory bus: quad-channel for AMD versus dual-channel for Intel. ECC support: yes for AMD, no for Intel. PCIe: Gen 4 with 16 lanes for AMD versus Gen 5 with 8 lanes for Intel.

Integrated graphics differ: Radeon 8050S for AMD versus Iris Xe Graphics 96EU for Intel. Release dates: AMD launched on 2026-05-19, Intel on 2024-12-17. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $502, while the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core 7 250H has 14 cores, while the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 12 cores.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel Core 7 250H boosts to 5.40 GHz, which is higher than the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490's 5.00 GHz.

Q: How does memory bandwidth compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 supports quad-channel LPDDR5X with 273.1 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel Core 7 250H supports dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 with no recorded bandwidth figure.

Q: What is the performance percentile ranking?

A: Only the Intel Core 7 250H has a percentile ranking: 85th against all CPUs in the database. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no recorded percentile.

Q: What are the nearest rivals to the Intel Core 7 250H?

A: The nearest rivals are the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 (0% delta), Intel Core Ultra 9 185H (0.2% delta), AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 5845 (-0.2% delta), and AMD Ryzen 7 7700X (-0.5% delta).

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has 64 MB of L3 cache, compared to the Intel Core 7 250H's 24 MB shared.

Q: What is the launch MSRP of the Intel Core 7 250H?

A: The launch MSRP is $502. The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 has no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear conclusion: the Intel Core 7 250H is the only processor in this comparison with measured performance results, and those results are strong. Its 85th percentile ranking and average benchmark score of 35728 place it ahead of 85% of all CPUs in the database. The tight delta of 0.2% against the Intel Core Ultra 9 185H and 0% against the AMD Ryzen AI 7 PRO 350 shows it competes effectively with established mobile processors.

The AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 offers architectural advantages on paper: a more advanced 4 nm process, 64 MB of L3 cache, quad-channel memory with 273.1 GB/s bandwidth, ECC support, and a higher core count with more threads. Its 5.00 GHz boost clock is lower than Intel's 5.40 GHz, and its 55 W TDP is higher than Intel's 45 W. However, without any benchmark scores in the database, these specifications cannot be validated against measured performance.

For users who prioritize measured performance, the Intel Core 7 250H is the documented choice. Its multi-threaded Cinebench scores and PassMark results confirm solid rendering and compute capabilities. Its single-thread performance, with a Cinebench R23 score of 1931, indicates strong per-core efficiency. The 85th percentile ranking provides confidence in its competitive position.

For users who prioritize theoretical memory bandwidth and cache capacity, the AMD Ryzen AI Max PRO 490 presents compelling specifications. The quad-channel LPDDR5X memory at 273.1 GB/s and 64 MB of L3 cache could deliver advantages in memory-bound workloads. The 4 nm process suggests better power efficiency per transistor, though the higher TDP indicates more total power consumption.

The absence of benchmark data for the AMD part means the verdict must favor the Intel processor based on evidence. The Intel Core 7 250H delivers verified performance at the 85th percentile, with an average score of 35728. The AMD part remains an unproven specification until measurements appear in the database.