AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has 8 cores and 16 threads. The AMD part supports simultaneous multithreading, giving it more threads than cores, whereas the Intel part has equal core and thread counts.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds of the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X boosts up to 5.50 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H boosts up to 4.70 GHz. The AMD chip also has a higher base clock at 3.80 GHz compared to 1.90 GHz for the Intel chip.

Q: Which processor uses a more advanced manufacturing process?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is built on a 3 nm process at Intel, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X uses a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel part also has a different cache layout per core.

Q: What is the TDP difference between these two chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has a TDP of 65, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has a TDP of 25. This indicates the Intel part is designed for lower power envelopes, consistent with its mobile market segment.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H does not. This makes the AMD chip more suitable for error-sensitive workloads.

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has an average benchmark score of 33989, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has no recorded benchmark scores and an average score of 0. The Intel chip sits at the 84th percentile among all CPUs.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X belongs to the Ryzen Embedded 9000 series, built on the Granite Ridge codename with Zen 5 architecture. It uses an 8-core, 16-thread configuration on a 4 nm TSMC process. The die size is 70.6 mm² and it contains 8,315 million transistors. The chip uses AMD Socket AM5 and has an unlocked multiplier.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H belongs to the Core Ultra Series 3, built on the Panther Lake codename with Panther Lake architecture. It uses a 12-core, 12-thread configuration on a 3 nm Intel process. The Intel chip is a mobile part using Intel BGA 2540 and has a locked multiplier. Its production status is Active, and it targets the mobile market segment.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The AMD chip provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of shared L3. The Intel chip provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core L1 and L2 caches on the Intel side may benefit latency-sensitive workloads, while the larger shared L3 on the AMD side provides more aggregate cache capacity.

Memory support also diverges. The AMD processor supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, plus ECC memory. The Intel processor supports LPDDR5X with dual-channel memory and a bandwidth of 136.5 GB/s, without ECC. The higher memory bandwidth on the Intel chip reflects its mobile design with integrated memory controllers optimized for low-power memory.

PCIe connectivity differs significantly. The AMD chip provides Gen 5 with 24 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel chip provides Gen 5 with only 4 lanes from the CPU. This makes the AMD part far more expandable for peripheral devices.

Integrated graphics also differ. The AMD chip includes Radeon Graphics, while the Intel chip includes Arc B370. The Intel part's Arc B370 is a more recent graphics architecture, but no benchmark data is available to quantify the difference.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark results for the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H across multiple Cinebench and Passmark tests. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X has no recorded benchmark scores in the database, so all comparative analysis relies on the Intel chip's absolute scores and its position relative to other CPUs.

In Cinebench R23, the Intel chip scores 16331 in multicore and 2044 in singlecore. These numbers indicate strong multi-threaded performance for a 25 W mobile part. In Cinebench R20, it scores 10213 in multicore and 1441 in singlecore. In Cinebench R15, it scores 2504 in multicore and 305 in singlecore.

Passmark results show a range of specialized workloads. The Intel chip scores 28717 in multithread and 4180 in singlethread. It scores 84067 in floating point math, 64934 in integer math, and 23906 in extended instructions. Data compression yields 276539, data encryption yields 21367, and random string sorting yields 34082. Physics testing gives 2697, and finding prime numbers gives 304.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H holds an 84th percentile ranking among all CPUs, with an average benchmark score of 33989. Its nearest rivals in the database include the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H with an average score of 34083, which is 0.3% higher. The Intel Core i7-12800HX scores 33875, which is 0.3% lower than the 338H. The Intel Xeon 6353P scores 33844, 0.4% lower. The AMD EPYC 4244P scores 34220, 0.7% higher.

The data shows the Intel chip sits in a tight competitive cluster. The 0.3% gap to the Core Ultra 7 165H and the 0.3% gap to the Core i7-12800HX are small enough to be within typical run-to-run variance. The AMD EPYC 4244P leads this group by 0.7%, but the difference remains modest.

Without benchmark results for the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X, direct head-to-head comparisons cannot be drawn from measured data. The AMD chip's percentile ranking of 50 and average score of 0 reflect the absence of recorded benchmarks, not an indication of performance.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field. Core count differs: 8 cores on the AMD chip versus 12 cores on the Intel chip. Thread count differs: 16 threads on the AMD chip versus 12 threads on the Intel chip. Base clock differs: 3.80 GHz versus 1.90 GHz. Boost clock differs: 5.50 GHz versus 4.70 GHz. TDP differs: 65 versus 25.

Socket types differ completely. The AMD chip uses AMD Socket AM5, while the Intel chip uses Intel BGA 2540. The AMD chip is a desktop part with an unlocked multiplier; the Intel chip is a mobile part with a locked multiplier.

Process node differs: 4 nm TSMC for AMD versus 3 nm Intel for Intel. Transistor count is listed for AMD at 8,315 million, with no figure for Intel. Die size is listed for AMD at 70.6 mm², with no figure for Intel.

Cache configuration differs in both per-core and shared capacities. L1 is 80 KB per core on AMD versus 192 KB per core on Intel. L2 is 1 MB per core on AMD versus 2.5 MB per core on Intel. L3 is 32 MB shared on AMD versus 18 MB shared on Intel.

Memory support differs: DDR5 on AMD versus LPDDR5X on Intel. Memory bandwidth differs: 89.6 GB/s on AMD versus 136.5 GB/s on Intel. ECC support is present on AMD and absent on Intel.

PCIe lanes differ: 24 lanes on AMD versus 4 lanes on Intel, both Gen 5. Integrated graphics differ: Radeon Graphics on AMD versus Arc B370 on Intel.

Release dates differ. The AMD chip was released on 2025-10-06, while the Intel chip was released on 2026-01-04. Neither chip has a launch MSRP listed in the database.

The Verdict

The data supports a clear split by use case. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is the only one of the two with recorded benchmark results, and those results place it at the 84th percentile among all CPUs. Its 12-core configuration, higher memory bandwidth at 136.5 GB/s, and lower TDP of 25 make it suitable for mobile deployments where power efficiency and integrated performance matter.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X offers a higher boost clock of 5.50 GHz, a larger shared L3 cache of 32 MB, ECC memory support, and 24 PCIe Gen 5 lanes. These features point toward embedded desktop workloads requiring expandability, error correction, and high per-core frequency. Its unlocked multiplier and desktop socket allow for platform flexibility that the mobile BGA package cannot match.

The Intel chip's nearest rival data shows it competes directly with the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H and Intel Core i7-12800HX, with score differences under 1%. This confirms the 338H delivers performance in line with established mid-range mobile processors. The AMD EPYC 4244P leads the group by 0.7%, but that is a server-class part with a different market focus.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins in scenarios that prioritize multi-threaded throughput per watt. Its 12 cores and 12 threads, combined with a 25 W TDP and 136.5 GB/s memory bandwidth, make it the stronger choice for power-constrained systems. The benchmark data confirms its capabilities in Cinebench R23 multicore with a score of 16331 and Passmark multithread with a score of 28717.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9700X wins in scenarios that prioritize per-core frequency, cache capacity, and system expandability. Its 5.50 GHz boost clock exceeds the Intel chip's 4.70 GHz boost clock. Its 32 MB shared L3 cache doubles the Intel chip's 18 MB. Its 24 PCIe Gen 5 lanes dwarf the Intel chip's 4 lanes. Its ECC memory support makes it appropriate for data integrity-sensitive applications.

The Intel chip wins in single-threaded workloads based on its 2044 Cinebench R23 singlecore score and 4180 Passmark singlethread score. The AMD chip has no recorded scores to compare, so no direct conclusion can be drawn, but its higher clock speeds suggest competitive single-thread performance.

The Intel chip wins in memory bandwidth with 136.5 GB/s versus 89.6 GB/s, a 52% advantage based on the recorded figures. This could benefit memory-intensive tasks like data compression, where the Intel chip scores 276539 in Passmark.

The AMD chip wins in connectivity and error handling. The 24-lane PCIe Gen 5 implementation supports multiple high-speed devices, and ECC memory support protects against data corruption. These are critical factors for embedded systems requiring long-term reliability.

The AMD chip wins in platform flexibility. The AM5 socket and unlocked multiplier allow for customization and overclocking, while the Intel BGA 2540 package is soldered and locked. The AMD chip's desktop market segment also suggests a longer service life in fixed installations.

The Intel chip wins in process technology. Its 3 nm node is one generation ahead of the AMD chip's 4 nm node, which contributes to its lower 25 W TDP. The AMD chip's higher 65 W TDP allows for higher clock speeds but requires more thermal management.

The database shows no benchmark wins for either chip in the head-to-head section, as the AMD chip has no recorded measurements. The Intel chip stands as the measured performer, while the AMD chip's strengths must be assessed from its specification profile alone.