AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X vs Intel Core 5 120HL Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded database contains no head-to-head benchmark results for the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X and the Intel Core 5 120HL. Both processors show an average benchmark score of zero, and the winsA and winsB fields are both zero. This means direct performance comparisons cannot be made from measured data. The percentileVsAllCpus field for both parts is identical at 50, indicating they occupy the same midpoint position in the overall CPU distribution. Without benchmark scores, the analysis must rely entirely on the architectural and specification differences documented in the database.

The absence of measured results is itself a meaningful finding. It suggests that the database has not yet recorded standardized test data for either processor in a comparable workload. The Ryzen Embedded 9700X has an empty benchmarks array, and the Intel Core 5 120HL likewise has no entries. The avgBenchmarkScore of 0 for both reinforces this gap. Any claims about relative speed would be unsupported by the data, so the analysis focuses on what the recorded specifications indicate about potential behavior.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more physical cores?

A: The Intel Core 5 120HL has 12 cores, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has 8 cores. Both parts show 16 threads, meaning the AMD processor relies on simultaneous multithreading to reach 16 threads from 8 cores, whereas the Intel processor uses 12 physical cores with 4 additional threads.

Q: What is the difference in boost clock speeds?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X boosts to 5.50 GHz, while the Intel Core 5 120HL boosts to 4.70 GHz. The AMD part also has a higher base clock at 3.80 GHz compared to 2.60 GHz for the Intel part.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core 5 120HL does not. The AMD processor lists eccMemory as true, and the Intel processor lists it as false.

Q: What are the process node differences?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X uses a 4 nm process from TSMC, while the Intel Core 5 120HL uses a 10 nm process from Intel. The AMD part also has a documented transistor count of 8,315 million and a die size of 70.6 mm², while the Intel part has no recorded transistor or die size data.

Q: Which processor supports PCIe Gen 5?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X supports PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only). The Intel Core 5 120HL supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). This represents a generational gap in expansion and I/O capability.

Q: What is the L3 cache difference between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has 32 MB of shared L3 cache, while the Intel Core 5 120HL has 18 MB of shared L3 cache. Both processors have 80 KB of L1 cache per core, but the Intel part has 2 MB of L2 cache per core versus 1 MB per core for the AMD part.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X belongs to the 9000 series and uses the Granite Ridge codename with a Ryzen Embedded generation based on Zen 5 architecture. It is manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC, with 8,315 million transistors on a 70.6 mm² die. The Intel Core 5 120HL is built on Raptor Lake architecture with the Raptor Lake-PS codename, using a 10 nm process at Intel. The database does not record transistor count or die size for the Intel part.

The cache hierarchies differ notably. The AMD processor provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of shared L3. The Intel processor also provides 80 KB of L1 per core but doubles the L2 to 2 MB per core, while reducing shared L3 to 18 MB. This means the Intel part has more fast per-core cache for frequently accessed data, while the AMD part has a larger shared pool for data accessed across all cores.

Memory support also diverges. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X supports DDR5 memory exclusively, with dual-channel configuration and a recorded memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The Intel Core 5 120HL supports both DDR4 and DDR5, also in dual-channel configuration, but the database does not list a memory bandwidth figure. The AMD part supports ECC memory, which the Intel part does not. This positions the AMD processor for environments where data integrity is critical.

The PCIe capabilities show a generational split. The AMD part provides Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel part provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The AMD processor offers both a newer PCIe standard and triple the lane count, which affects potential bandwidth for discrete GPUs, NVMe storage, and other expansion devices.

The integrated graphics differ between the two. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X includes Radeon Graphics, while the Intel Core 5 120HL includes Iris Xe Graphics 80EU. The database does not provide performance metrics for either integrated solution, but the difference in naming indicates distinct GPU architectures.

The Intel processor has an unlocked multiplier status of false, while the AMD processor has multiplierUnlocked set to true. This means the AMD part permits overclocking, while the Intel part is locked. The AMD processor also has a part number of 100-000001404E, and the Intel part has part number SRPFR.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors in the database:

• Cores: AMD has 8, Intel has 12.
• Base clock: AMD 3.80 GHz, Intel 2.60 GHz.
• Boost clock: AMD 5.50 GHz, Intel 4.70 GHz.
• TDP: AMD 65, Intel 45.
• Socket: AMD Socket AM5, Intel Socket 1700.
• Codename: Granite Ridge vs. Raptor Lake-PS.
• Generation: Ryzen Embedded (Zen 5) vs. Core 5 (Raptor Lake-PS).
• Process node: 4 nm (TSMC) vs. 10 nm (Intel).
• Foundry: TSMC vs. Intel.
• Transistors: 8,315 million vs. not recorded.
• Die size: 70.6 mm² vs. not recorded.
• L2 cache per core: 1 MB vs. 2 MB.
• L3 cache shared: 32 MB vs. 18 MB.
• Memory support: DDR5 only vs. DDR4 and DDR5.
• Memory bandwidth: 89.6 GB/s vs. not recorded.
• ECC memory: true vs. false.
• PCIe: Gen 5, 24 lanes vs. Gen 4, 8 lanes.
• Integrated graphics: Radeon Graphics vs. Iris Xe Graphics 80EU.
• Release date: 2025-10-06 vs. 2024-04-07.
• Launch MSRP: not recorded vs. $279 (stated once as launch MSRP).
• Multiplier unlocked: true vs. false.
• Part number: 100-000001404E vs. SRPFR.

Fields that are the same include threads (16), L1 cache (80 KB per core), memory bus (dual-channel), market segment (desktop), and production status (active). Both parts also show a percentileVsAllCpus of 50.

The Verdict

The data shows two processors aimed at different priorities. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has a higher boost clock by 0.80 GHz, a higher base clock by 1.20 GHz, double the L3 cache, ECC support, PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, and a smaller 4 nm process. It also comes with an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking. The Intel Core 5 120HL counters with 12 cores versus 8, a lower 45 TDP, support for both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, and double the L2 cache per core. The Intel part has a recorded launch MSRP of $279, while the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP.

Benchmark results are absent, so the verdict rests on specification analysis. The AMD processor appears designed for workloads where single-thread frequency, large shared cache, and I/O bandwidth matter. The Intel processor appears designed for multi-core throughput within a lower power envelope and for systems that need memory flexibility. The AMD part uses a newer process node and newer PCIe standard, which typically indicates a more modern platform. The Intel part uses an older process but offers more physical cores, which can benefit heavily threaded applications that do not scale well with simultaneous multithreading.

The release dates differ by over a year. The Intel Core 5 120HL was released on 2024-04-07, and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X on 2025-10-06. The AMD part represents a newer introduction in the database.

Where Each One Wins

AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X wins on: boost clock (5.50 GHz vs. 4.70 GHz), base clock (3.80 GHz vs. 2.60 GHz), L3 cache (32 MB vs. 18 MB), memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s recorded vs. none recorded), ECC support, PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes vs. Gen 4 with 8 lanes, unlocked multiplier, smaller process node (4 nm vs. 10 nm), and lower transistor count on a smaller die (8,315 million on 70.6 mm² vs. no data for Intel).

Intel Core 5 120HL wins on: core count (12 vs. 8), TDP (45 vs. 65), L2 cache per core (2 MB vs. 1 MB), memory flexibility (DDR4 and DDR5 vs. DDR5 only), and an earlier release date (2024-04-07 vs. 2025-10-06).

For single-threaded or lightly threaded workloads, the AMD part has a clear frequency advantage. The 0.80 GHz boost delta and the 1.20 GHz base delta suggest the AMD processor can deliver faster per-core execution. For multi-threaded workloads that use all physical cores, the Intel part has 50% more cores, which can compensate for its lower clocks depending on scaling efficiency. The Intel part also draws less power at 45 TDP versus 65 TDP, which matters in thermally constrained systems.

For memory-intensive applications, the AMD part offers higher recorded bandwidth at 89.6 GB/s and ECC support. For systems with existing DDR4 memory, the Intel part supports that older standard, potentially easing upgrades. For expansion and storage, the AMD part provides PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, substantially more than the Intel part's Gen 4 with 8 lanes.

The integrated graphics differ in naming, but the database provides no performance scores, so no conclusion can be drawn on which is faster. The AMD part supports overclocking, while the Intel part does not, which gives the AMD processor flexibility for users who adjust clock speeds. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $279, while the AMD part has no recorded launch MSRP, so price comparison is not possible from the data.