AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X vs Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data presents an unusual comparison: the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X has no benchmark entries in the database, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has a full suite of scores. Consequently, all numerical comparisons must rely on the Intel part's measured performance and its position relative to other CPUs. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL achieves an average benchmark score of 13061, placing it in the 68th percentile of all CPUs. This score is nearly identical to its closest rival, the Intel Core i5-9400F, which scores 13041, a margin of just 0.2%. The data shows a similar 0.3% lead over the Intel Core i7-10750H (13024), while the Intel Core i5-8500 (13142) sits 0.6% ahead, and the Intel Core i7-7700K (13291) leads by 1.7%.

In multi-core workloads, the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL delivers a Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 8742. Its single-core performance in the same test is 1234. The Cinebench R20 results show 3671 for multi-core and 518 for single-core, while the older Cinebench R15 test records 881 and 124 for multi-core and single-core, respectively. These figures indicate a processor focused on balanced throughput rather than extreme peak performance.

PassMark results further detail the Intel chip's capabilities. The multithread score is 10285, with a single-thread score of 3382. In specific workloads, integer math reaches 41171, floating point math hits 30750, and extended instructions score 5634. Data compression achieves 93961, while data encryption is significantly lower at 6354. Random string sorting records 11179, physics processing scores 718, and finding prime numbers yields a minimal 44. These numbers show strong performance in everyday integer tasks but reveal weaknesses in encryption and prime number calculations.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X, lacking recorded benchmarks, cannot be directly compared numerically. Its percentile of 50 and average score of 0 in the database reflect missing data, not measured inferiority. The head-to-head benchmark array is empty, and neither processor registers wins in this category. Any verdict on performance must therefore hinge on architectural specifications and the known behavior of the Intel part alone.

Where Each One Wins

Based on available measurements, the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL wins outright in every benchmark category where data exists. Its PassMark multithread score of 10285 indicates solid parallel capability for a low-power part, while the single-thread score of 3382 shows respectable responsiveness in lightly threaded applications. The Cinebench R23 multi-core result of 8742 reinforces this profile, suggesting the chip can handle moderate rendering or compilation tasks without collapsing under load.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X has no measured wins in this database. Its configuration, however, points to a different performance class. With 16 cores and 32 threads, it is designed for heavy multi-threaded workloads. The Intel part uses 8 cores and 10 threads, a substantial deficit in raw parallel resources. The AMD chip's base clock of 4.30 GHz and boost clock of 5.70 GHz dwarf the Intel's 1.50 GHz base and 4.20 GHz boost, indicating a much higher frequency ceiling for single-threaded tasks. The recorded data cannot quantify this advantage, but the specification gap is clear.

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL wins in efficiency-oriented scenarios. Its 15 W TDP is a fraction of the AMD's 170 W TDP, making it suitable for compact or passively cooled systems where power draw is the primary constraint. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X, with its higher power envelope, targets performance-first environments like dense servers or industrial workstations where thermal limits are less restrictive. The database shows no overlap in benchmark scores, so each processor's strengths are defined by its specifications rather than direct measured competition.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different foundries and process nodes. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X uses a 4 nm process from TSMC, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL uses a 7 nm process from Intel. The AMD chip is based on the Granite Ridge codename and belongs to the Ryzen Embedded generation built on Zen 5 architecture. The Intel part uses the Meteor Lake architecture with the Meteor Lake-PS codename, part of the Core Ultra Series 1 generation.

The AMD processor integrates 16,630 million transistors across a die size of 2x 70.6 mm². The Intel chip's transistor count and die size are not recorded. Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The AMD part provides 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 per core, with a large 64 MB L3 cache. The Intel chip offers 112 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, but only 10 MB of shared L3. This gives the AMD processor a massive advantage in cache capacity for repeated data access, while the Intel part has slightly larger per-core L1 and L2 allocations.

Memory support is similar in type: both use DDR5 with dual-channel buses and identical memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The AMD processor supports ECC memory, a feature absent from the Intel chip. PCIe generations differ as well: AMD offers Gen 5 with 28 CPU lanes, while Intel provides Gen 4 with 8 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics also vary. The AMD chip includes Radeon Graphics, while the Intel part uses Arc Xe-LPG 48EU, a more modern GPU architecture. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking, whereas the Intel chip is locked. The Intel part carries a launch MSRP of $295, while the AMD part has no recorded launch price.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X has 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has 8 cores and 10 threads.

Q: What are the clock speed differences?

A: The AMD processor runs at a base of 4.30 GHz and boosts to 5.70 GHz. The Intel processor runs at a base of 1.50 GHz and boosts to 4.20 GHz.

Q: How does the power consumption compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X has a TDP of 170 W. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has a TDP of 15 W.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL does not support ECC memory.

Q: What is the Intel processor's benchmark score relative to its rivals?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has an average benchmark score of 13061. It is 0.2% ahead of the Intel Core i5-9400F (13041) and 0.3% ahead of the Intel Core i7-10750H (13024), but 0.6% behind the Intel Core i5-8500 (13142) and 1.7% behind the Intel Core i7-7700K (13291).

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X has a 64 MB L3 cache. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has a 10 MB shared L3 cache.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every major specification category. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X uses 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL uses 8 cores and 10 threads. Base clocks are 4.30 GHz for the AMD part and 1.50 GHz for the Intel part. Boost clocks are 5.70 GHz and 4.20 GHz, respectively. TDP is 170 W versus 15 W. Sockets are AMD Socket AM5 for the AMD chip and Intel Socket 1851 for the Intel chip.

Process nodes are 4 nm (TSMC) for AMD and 7 nm (Intel) for Intel. The AMD chip's codename is Granite Ridge, while the Intel chip uses Meteor Lake. Cache configurations differ: AMD has 80 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 64 MB L3, while Intel has 112 KB L1 per core, 2 MB L2 per core, and 10 MB L3. ECC support is present on the AMD chip but absent on the Intel chip. PCIe versions are Gen 5 with 28 lanes for AMD and Gen 4 with 8 lanes for Intel. Integrated graphics are Radeon Graphics for AMD and Arc Xe-LPG 48EU for Intel. The AMD chip has an unlocked multiplier; the Intel chip does not. Release dates are 2025-10-06 for AMD and 2024-04-07 for Intel. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $295; the AMD part has no recorded MSRP.

The Verdict

The data presents a clear split based on intended use. For applications requiring maximum multi-threaded throughput, the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X is the only choice that makes sense. Its 16 cores, 32 threads, 64 MB L3 cache, and 5.70 GHz boost clock create a specification sheet aimed at heavy parallel workloads. The absence of benchmark data does not diminish its theoretical advantage; it simply means the database has not yet measured it.

For scenarios prioritizing low power consumption and modest performance, the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL is the viable option. Its 15 W TDP, recorded benchmark scores, and 68th percentile ranking confirm it as a capable low-power desktop processor. Its performance is closely matched to older Intel parts like the Core i5-9400F and Core i7-7700K, showing it delivers comparable throughput in a much more efficient package.

The AMD processor's 170 W TDP and 4 nm process indicate a high-performance part for embedded systems that can tolerate significant heat output. The Intel processor's 7 nm process and 15 W TDP suit fanless or passively cooled designs. Neither processor directly competes with the other in the same market segment. The AMD part is a server-class workhorse; the Intel part is an efficiency-focused entry-level chip. The database shows no measured overlap, and the specifications reinforce this separation. Users needing raw compute should choose the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X. Users needing low power draw with proven benchmark results should choose the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL.