AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D vs Intel Core 5 120UL Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data contains benchmark results for the Intel Core 5 120UL, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has no benchmark entries in the database. This makes a direct head-to-head comparison impossible in the traditional sense. The Intel Core 5 120UL's scores stand alone, with no corresponding AMD figures to compare against.

What the data does show is the Intel Core 5 120UL's absolute performance profile. In Cinebench R23, it scores 8,974 points in multi-core and 1,266 in single-core. The R20 results follow a similar pattern: 3,769 multi-core and 531 single-core. R15 shows 904 multi-core and 127 single-core. These are the only CPU rendering benchmarks available for this processor.

The PassMark suite provides a broader view. The multi-thread score is 10,558, while single-thread sits at 2,080. Floating point math reaches 26,311, integer math 38,060, and extended instructions 5,203. Data compression scores 109,090, data encryption 7,685, and random string sorting 13,610. Physics processing returns 807, and finding prime numbers scores 47.

Without AMD benchmark data, the database cannot calculate win counts. The head-to-head fields show zero wins for both processors. This is a case where the absence of data is itself a finding: the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has not been subjected to the same benchmark suite, or its results have not been recorded.

The Intel Core 5 120UL sits at the 68th percentile of all CPUs in the database, with an average benchmark score of 13,594. Its nearest rivals provide context. The Intel Core i3-12100F averages 13,494, which is 0.7% behind. The Intel Core 3 N355 averages 13,492, 0.8% behind. The Intel Core i5-9500 averages 13,452, 1.1% behind. The only rival ahead is the Intel Core 3 304 at 13,745, which leads by 1.1%. These are tight margins, indicating the Core 5 120UL clusters closely with these four processors in overall database scoring.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core 5 120UL is a mid-pack performer, ranking in the 68th percentile. Its average benchmark score of 13,594 places it within roughly 1% of four nearby rivals, three of which it edges out. The performance spread is narrow, suggesting that in real-world tasks, differences among these chips would be minor.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has no benchmark scores in the database. Its percentile versus all CPUs is listed at 50, and its average benchmark score is 0. This does not mean the processor is slow; it means the database lacks measurements. Any conclusion about its performance must be withheld until data appears.

For users choosing based purely on recorded data, the Intel Core 5 120UL is the only option with verified results. It delivers a specific set of Cinebench and PassMark scores that can be compared against its nearest rivals. The AMD part cannot be evaluated through benchmarks, so no data-driven verdict is possible. The database shows a clear asymmetry: one processor has a full benchmark profile, the other has none.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D uses the Granite Ridge codename, built on Zen 5 architecture. It is manufactured by TSMC on a 4 nm process. The Intel Core 5 120UL uses Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS variant, and is manufactured by Intel on a 10 nm process.

Core counts differ substantially. The AMD part has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel part has 10 cores and 12 threads. This indicates the AMD chip uses simultaneous multithreading across all cores, while the Intel chip likely has a mix of performance and efficiency cores, with only some supporting hyper-threading, given the jump from 10 cores to 12 threads.

Cache hierarchies diverge. Both have 80 KB of L1 cache per core. The AMD L2 is 1 MB per core; the Intel L2 is 1.25 MB per core. The L3 cache is where the gap widens: AMD provides 128 MB of L3, while Intel provides 12 MB shared. This is a 10x difference in L3 capacity, which can matter for workloads that repeatedly access large datasets.

Memory support differs. The AMD processor supports DDR5 with dual-channel memory and ECC memory. The Intel processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 with dual-channel memory but does not support ECC. Memory bandwidth is listed for AMD at 89.6 GB/s, while Intel has no recorded bandwidth figure.

PCIe generations differ. AMD offers PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes from the CPU. Intel offers PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes from the CPU. Integrated graphics also differ: AMD uses Radeon Graphics, while Intel uses Iris Xe Graphics 80EU.

Production status is active for both. Release dates show the Intel part came first on 2024-04-07, and the AMD part followed on 2025-10-06. The AMD multiplier is unlocked, while the Intel multiplier is locked.

Specification Differences

The socket is a clear divider. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D uses AMD Socket AM5. The Intel Core 5 120UL uses Intel Socket 1700. These are not interchangeable.

Clock speeds differ significantly. The AMD base clock is 4.30 GHz with a boost of 5.70 GHz. The Intel base clock is 1.30 GHz with a boost of 4.60 GHz. The AMD part has a much higher base clock, a 1.10 GHz higher boost, and a smaller ratio between base and boost.

TDP ratings show a major difference. The AMD processor has a TDP of 170 watts. The Intel processor has a TDP of 15 watts. This is a difference of 155 watts. The Intel part is designed for substantially lower power draw, which implies different thermal and cooling requirements.

Core and thread counts are listed above: 16 cores / 32 threads for AMD, 10 cores / 12 threads for Intel.

Process node: AMD uses 4 nm, Intel uses 10 nm. Foundry: AMD uses TSMC, Intel uses its own fabs. Transistor count is given for AMD at 16,630 million, while Intel has no recorded transistor count. Die size for AMD is listed as 2x 70.6 mm², while Intel has no recorded die size.

Memory support: AMD is DDR5 only; Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5. ECC: AMD supports it, Intel does not. PCIe: AMD Gen 5 with 24 lanes; Intel Gen 4 with 8 lanes. Integrated graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics; Intel Iris Xe Graphics 80EU.

Market segment for both is desktop. Production status for both is active. The AMD part number is 100-000000719E; the Intel part number is unknown. The AMD multiplier is unlocked; Intel is locked.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 5 120UL has 10 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The AMD processor has a TDP of 170 watts. The Intel processor has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 5 120UL does not.

Q: Which processor uses a smaller manufacturing process?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D uses a 4 nm process from TSMC. The Intel Core 5 120UL uses a 10 nm process from Intel.

Q: What is the L3 cache size for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel Core 5 120UL has 12 MB shared L3 cache.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. The Intel Core 5 120UL has a boost clock of 4.60 GHz.

Q: Does the database have benchmark scores for both processors?

A: No. The database contains benchmark scores for the Intel Core 5 120UL only. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has no benchmark entries recorded.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 120UL wins in the category of verified benchmark data. Its scores are recorded across Cinebench R15, R20, R23, and a full PassMark suite. It has a documented average benchmark score of 13,594 and sits at the 68th percentile. Users can reference its exact performance in specific workloads: multi-thread PassMark at 10,558, single-thread at 2,080, and Cinebench R23 multi-core at 8,974.

The Intel part also wins on power efficiency as indicated by TDP. A 15 watt TDP is dramatically lower than 170 watts. For systems constrained by thermal limits or power budgets, this is a decisive factor. The Intel part also supports both DDR4 and DDR5 memory, offering flexibility in memory selection that the AMD part lacks, since the AMD part only supports DDR5.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D wins on raw specifications where data exists. It has 16 cores versus 10, 32 threads versus 12, a base clock of 4.30 GHz versus 1.30 GHz, and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz versus 4.60 GHz. Its L3 cache is 128 MB versus 12 MB. It supports PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes. It supports ECC memory. Its multiplier is unlocked. It was released later, in October 2025 versus April 2024.

The AMD part wins on paper for compute-heavy workloads. The core count, thread count, clock speeds, cache size, and memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s) all point to higher peak capability. The Intel part wins for low-power embedded scenarios where 15 watts is the operating envelope and the 68th percentile ranking with verified scores offers predictability.

The database does not allow a performance comparison through benchmarks because AMD scores are absent. The specification comparison, however, shows two very different processors: one designed for high throughput with substantial power and cache, the other designed for efficiency with modest power and verified mid-range performance.