AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D vs Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL Comparison

FAQ

Q: What is the core and thread configuration of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has 8 cores and 10 threads. The AMD part doubles the core count and more than triples the thread count of the Intel part.

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D boosts up to 5.70 GHz, whereas the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL boosts up to 4.20 GHz. The AMD part holds a 1.50 GHz advantage in maximum boost frequency.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has a 170 W TDP, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has a 15 W TDP. The Intel part consumes substantially less power, making it suited for thermally constrained systems.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D supports ECC memory, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL does not. This makes the AMD part more appropriate for error-sensitive workloads such as data processing or long-running computations.

Q: How do the integrated graphics units compare?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D includes Radeon Graphics, while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL includes Arc Xe-LPG 48EU. The database does not provide benchmark scores for either iGPU, so no performance comparison is available.

Q: What is the PCIe generation and lane count for each?

A: The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D uses PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes (CPU only), while the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL uses PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The AMD part offers both a newer PCIe generation and three times the lane count.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D is built on the Zen 5 (Granite Ridge) architecture, manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL uses the Meteor Lake architecture, specifically Meteor Lake-PS, manufactured on a 7 nm process at Intel. The process node difference indicates the AMD part uses a more advanced fabrication technology, which contributes to its higher clock capabilities despite a much larger TDP envelope.

The AMD processor features 16 cores and 32 threads, with a base clock of 4.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.70 GHz. Its cache hierarchy includes 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a substantial 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel processor has 8 cores and 10 threads, with a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.20 GHz. Its cache layout differs significantly: 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and only 10 MB of shared L3 cache. The L3 cache difference is stark: the AMD part holds 128 MB versus 10 MB, a 12.8x advantage.

The transistor count for the AMD part is recorded at 16,630 million, with a die size of 2x 70.6 mm². The Intel part has no transistor count or die size recorded in the database. The AMD processor uses the AMD Socket AM5, while the Intel processor uses Intel Socket 1851. The AMD part has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, whereas the Intel part has a locked multiplier.

Both processors support DDR5 memory in a dual-channel configuration, and both have a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. The AMD part supports ECC memory, while the Intel part does not. PCIe capabilities differ: AMD provides Gen 5 with 24 lanes, while Intel provides Gen 4 with 8 lanes. The AMD part was released on 2025-10-06, while the Intel part was released on 2024-04-07, making the Intel part earlier to market by roughly a year and a half.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains no direct head-to-head benchmark results between the AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D and the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL. However, the Intel part has a full set of recorded benchmark scores, which can be interpreted against its nearest rivals to establish a performance context.

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has an average benchmark score of 13061 and sits at the 68th percentile of all CPUs. Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i5-9400F with an average score of 13041 (a 0.2% difference), the Intel Core i7-10750H with an average score of 13024 (a 0.3% difference), the Intel Core i5-8500 with an average score of 13142 (a -0.6% difference), and the Intel Core i7-7700K with an average score of 13291 (a -1.7% difference). This places the Intel part essentially on par with these older desktop and mobile processors, slightly ahead of the i5-9400F and i7-10750H, and slightly behind the i5-8500 and i7-7700K.

For the Intel part, the Cinebench scores show a multicore score of 8742 in R23, 3671 in R20, and 881 in R15. Single-core scores are 1234 in R23, 518 in R20, and 124 in R15. PassMark results indicate a multithread score of 10285, a single-thread score of 3382, and specific workloads such as integer math at 41171, floating point math at 30750, data compression at 93961, data encryption at 6354, extended instructions at 5634, find prime numbers at 44, physics at 718, and random string sorting at 11179.

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D has no benchmark scores recorded in the database, and its average benchmark score is 0 with a 50th percentile ranking. This absence of data means no direct numerical comparison can be made between the two processors based on recorded measurements. The AMD part's specifications, particularly its 16 cores, 32 threads, 5.70 GHz boost, and 128 MB L3 cache, suggest a much higher compute ceiling, but the database does not quantify this with scores.

Specification Differences

The following fields differ between the two processors:

• Cores: AMD 16, Intel 8
• Threads: AMD 32, Intel 10
• Base clock: AMD 4.30 GHz, Intel 1.50 GHz
• Boost clock: AMD 5.70 GHz, Intel 4.20 GHz
• TDP: AMD 170 W, Intel 15 W
• Socket: AMD Socket AM5, Intel Socket 1851
• Codename: Granite Ridge, Meteor Lake-PS
• Generation: Ryzen Embedded (Zen 5 (Granite Ridge)), Ultra 3 (Meteor Lake-PS)
• Process node: 4 nm, 7 nm
• Foundry: TSMC, Intel
• Transistors: 16,630 million, not recorded
• Die size: 2x 70.6 mm², not recorded
• L1 cache: 80 KB per core, 112 KB per core
• L2 cache: 1 MB per core, 2 MB per core
• L3 cache: 128 MB, 10 MB (shared)
• ECC memory: true, false
• PCIe: Gen 5, 24 Lanes, Gen 4, 8 Lanes
• Integrated graphics: Radeon Graphics, Arc Xe-LPG 48EU
• Release date: 2025-10-06, 2024-04-07
• Launch MSRP: not recorded, $295
• Multiplier unlocked: true, false
• Part number: 100-000000719E, SRN9D

Both processors share a dual-channel DDR5 memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth, and both are classified as active production desktop parts.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D wins on raw compute resources. Its 16 cores and 32 threads double the core count and more than triple the thread count of the Intel part. The 5.70 GHz boost clock is 1.50 GHz higher than the Intel part's 4.20 GHz. The 128 MB L3 cache is 12.8x larger than the Intel part's 10 MB. The AMD part also provides PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, versus Gen 4 with 8 lanes on the Intel part, which matters for high-bandwidth expansion cards or storage. ECC memory support gives the AMD part an edge for data integrity in long-running workloads. The unlocked multiplier allows frequency tuning that the Intel part cannot offer.

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL wins on power efficiency and integration. Its 15 W TDP is dramatically lower than the 170 W TDP of the AMD part, making it viable for compact, passively cooled, or thermally limited systems. The Intel part has a recorded launch MSRP of $295, which appears once here. Its Arc Xe-LPG 48EU integrated graphics may offer different media or display capabilities compared to the AMD Radeon Graphics, though no benchmark data exists to compare them. The Intel part also has a recorded average benchmark score of 13061 and a 68th percentile ranking, which places it in a known performance tier among its nearest rivals, whereas the AMD part has no recorded scores.

The Intel part's benchmark scores show balanced performance across workload types: integer math at 41171, floating point math at 30750, and data compression at 93961. Its single-thread score of 3382 and multithread score of 10285 indicate a processor that handles typical desktop tasks competently. The AMD part's specifications suggest it would outperform in heavily threaded or cache-sensitive workloads, but the database provides no measurements to confirm this.

The Verdict

The data presents two processors with entirely different design goals. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 9950X3D is a high-core-count, high-clock, large-cache processor aimed at compute-heavy embedded or workstation scenarios. Its 16 cores, 32 threads, 5.70 GHz boost, 128 MB L3 cache, PCIe Gen 5, and ECC support all point toward workloads that demand maximum throughput and data integrity. The lack of recorded benchmark scores means its performance cannot be quantified from the database, but its specifications are unambiguous about its compute ceiling.

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL is a low-power processor with a 15 W TDP, designed for efficiency and moderate workloads. Its recorded scores place it at the 68th percentile, roughly on par with older Intel desktop parts like the Core i5-9400F and Core i7-10750H, and slightly behind the Core i5-8500 and Core i7-7700K. This makes it a predictable performer for everyday tasks, with a known benchmark profile.

For users requiring maximum compute density, the AMD part is the clear choice based on specifications alone. For thermally constrained systems where power draw is a primary constraint, the Intel part is the only viable option given its 15 W TDP. The database does not provide head-to-head scores, so a direct performance comparison remains unavailable. What the data does show is a fundamental split: the AMD part maximizes capability, the Intel part minimizes power. Each wins in its intended domain.