AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U vs Intel Core 3 305 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a one-sided comparison in this pairing, as only the Intel Core 3 305 has benchmark scores in the database. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U has no recorded benchmark entries, so direct numerical comparisons cannot be made. However, the Intel Core 3 305's absolute scores provide a clear picture of its performance profile.

In Cinebench R23, the Intel Core 3 305 delivers a multi-core score of 13123 and a single-core score of 1852. The multi-core result indicates strong scaling across its 6 physical cores, while the single-core figure reflects a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The R20 run shows 5511 multi-core and 777 single-core, while R15 shows 1322 multi-core and 186 single-core. These results form a consistent progression across the three Cinebench versions.

PassMark results reinforce the multi-core strength. The multi-thread score is 15439, with integer math at 32295 and floating point math at 42284. Data compression reaches 146857, while encryption scores 11019. Extended instructions hit 13543, and prime number finding scores 115. Random string sorting delivers 17623. The single-thread PassMark score is 3977, and physics testing yields 1233.

The average benchmark score for the Intel Core 3 305 is 18302, placing it at the 72nd percentile of all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals show remarkably tight clustering. The Intel Core i3-14100 scores 18318, a delta of -0.1%. The Intel Core 5 330 scores 18345, a delta of -0.2%. The Intel Core 7 360 scores 18374, a delta of -0.4%. The AMD Ryzen 5 2600E scores 18230, a delta of 0.4%. This indicates the Core 3 305 sits within a narrow performance band, essentially matching its nearest competitors in overall benchmark scores.

Architecture Differences

The two processors diverge significantly in their underlying designs. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U uses Zen 4 architecture under the Hawk Point codename, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It integrates 25,000 million transistors on a 178 mm² die. The Intel Core 3 305 uses Wildcat Lake architecture, manufactured on Intel's 3 nm process. The database does not list transistor count or die size for the Intel part.

Core configurations differ despite both having 6 cores. The AMD chip supports 12 threads through simultaneous multithreading, while the Intel chip runs 6 threads with no multithreading. This means the AMD part can process two threads per core, while the Intel part is limited to one thread per core. Clock speeds reflect this split: the AMD base clock is 3.50 GHz with a boost of 4.90 GHz, while the Intel base clock is 1.50 GHz with a boost of 4.30 GHz.

Cache hierarchies take different approaches. The AMD design uses 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. The Intel design lists 192 KB of L1 total, 2.5 MB of L2 total, and 6 MB of shared L3. The AMD part has substantially more total cache, though the per-core L1 and L2 allocations differ structurally.

Memory support separates the two clearly. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U supports DDR5 with a dual-channel memory bus and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth, and it includes ECC memory support. The Intel Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a single-channel memory bus and 59.7 GB/s bandwidth, and it lacks ECC memory support. The memory bandwidth gap is significant, with the AMD part offering roughly 50% more theoretical bandwidth.

PCIe connectivity also differs. The AMD chip provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel chip provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics use different brands: Radeon 760M on the AMD side, Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core on the Intel side.

Production status is active for both. The AMD release date is April 2024, while the Intel release date is April 2026. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $309. The AMD part has no launch MSRP recorded.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U has 12 threads from 6 cores, while the Intel Core 3 305 has 6 threads from 6 cores. The AMD part supports simultaneous multithreading; the Intel part does not.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U delivers 89.6 GB/s over a dual-channel DDR5 bus. The Intel Core 3 305 delivers 59.7 GB/s over a single-channel bus supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The AMD part also supports ECC memory, which the Intel part does not.

Q: How does the Intel Core 3 305 compare to its nearest rivals?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 has an average benchmark score of 18302, placing at the 72nd percentile. Its nearest rival, the Intel Core i3-14100, scores 18318 with a -0.1% delta. The Intel Core 5 330 scores 18345 (-0.2%), the Intel Core 7 360 scores 18374 (-0.4%), and the AMD Ryzen 5 2600E scores 18230 (+0.4%). All four rivals fall within a 0.8% spread.

Q: Which processor has a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The Intel Core 3 305 is built on Intel's 3 nm process. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U is built on TSMC's 4 nm process. The Intel part uses a smaller node.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U boosts to 4.90 GHz from a 3.50 GHz base. The Intel Core 3 305 boosts to 4.30 GHz from a 1.50 GHz base. The AMD part has a higher boost clock by 0.60 GHz.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U provides Gen 4 with 20 CPU lanes. The Intel Core 3 305 provides Gen 4 with 6 CPU lanes. The AMD part offers over three times the lane count.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: AMD 6, Intel 6 (equal)
• Threads: AMD 12, Intel 6
• Base clock: AMD 3.50 GHz, Intel 1.50 GHz
• Boost clock: AMD 4.90 GHz, Intel 4.30 GHz
• TDP: AMD 28 W, Intel 15 W
• Socket: AMD Socket FP8, Intel BGA 1516
• Architecture: AMD Zen 4, Intel not listed
• Codename: AMD Hawk Point, Intel Wildcat Lake
• Process node: AMD 4 nm (TSMC), Intel 3 nm (Intel)
• Transistors: AMD 25,000 million, Intel not listed
• Die size: AMD 178 mm², Intel not listed
• L1 cache: AMD 64 KB per core, Intel 192 KB total
• L2 cache: AMD 1 MB per core, Intel 2.5 MB total
• L3 cache: AMD 16 MB shared, Intel 6 MB shared
• Memory support: AMD DDR5, Intel DDR5 and LPDDR5X
• Memory bus: AMD dual-channel, Intel single-channel
• Memory bandwidth: AMD 89.6 GB/s, Intel 59.7 GB/s
• ECC memory: AMD yes, Intel no
• PCIe: AMD Gen 4, 20 lanes, Intel Gen 4, 6 lanes
• Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon 760M, Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe)
• Release date: AMD April 2024, Intel April 2026
• Launch MSRP: AMD not listed, Intel $309

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U wins on thread count, offering 12 threads versus 6. This provides an advantage in heavily threaded workloads where simultaneous multithreading can extract additional parallelism. The AMD part also leads on clock speeds, with a 3.50 GHz base and 4.90 GHz boost versus 1.50 GHz and 4.30 GHz respectively. The higher boost clock suggests stronger single-thread burst performance, though no direct benchmark scores exist to confirm this.

Memory bandwidth is decisively in the AMD favor. The 89.6 GB/s dual-channel configuration versus 59.7 GB/s single-channel means memory-bound tasks will see a substantial throughput advantage. The ECC support adds reliability for error-sensitive workloads. The 20 PCIe lanes versus 6 allow for more expansion devices, making the AMD part suitable for systems requiring multiple NVMe drives, network cards, or accelerators.

The Intel Core 3 305 wins on manufacturing process, using a 3 nm node versus 4 nm. It also supports LPDDR5X memory in addition to DDR5, providing flexibility for low-power memory configurations. The lower 15 W TDP versus 28 W indicates the Intel part is designed for more power-constrained environments. The Intel part has recorded benchmark scores, while the AMD part does not, giving it a documented performance baseline. Its 72nd percentile ranking and near-identical scores to the Core i3-14100, Core 5 330, and Core 7 360 show it performs at parity with those established parts.

The Verdict

The data indicates two processors aimed at different deployment scenarios. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U brings higher thread counts, higher clock speeds, greater memory bandwidth, ECC support, and more PCIe lanes. These characteristics point toward workloads that demand parallel throughput, large data movement, and system reliability. The 28 W TDP suggests less strict power constraints, allowing the higher clocks and wider memory interface to operate.

The Intel Core 3 305, with its 15 W TDP, single-channel memory, and 6 threads, targets power-sensitive designs where energy efficiency takes priority over raw throughput. Its benchmark scores confirm competent performance, sitting at the 72nd percentile with an average score of 18302. The near-identical scores of its nearest rivals, all within 0.4% delta, show that this performance level is well established across multiple Intel and AMD parts. The LPDDR5X support enables compact memory layouts common in thin mobile devices.

For workloads requiring maximum thread parallelism, memory bandwidth, and expansion capability, the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U is the stronger choice based on its specifications. For power-constrained embedded designs with documented performance validation and a $309 launch MSRP, the Intel Core 3 305 offers a defined performance profile. The absence of benchmark data for the AMD part means its real-world performance cannot be verified from the database, while the Intel part has a complete set of recorded results. Buyers requiring measured performance evidence should favor the Intel part; those prioritizing architectural headroom should examine the AMD specifications.