AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X vs Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL Comparison

The data presents a stark contrast between two very different desktop processors: the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL, a low-power 8-core chip, and the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X, a 64-core flagship. In every direct benchmark comparison, the Threadripper dominates, but the analysis goes beyond raw performance to reveal distinct use cases where each processor is the logical choice.

The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is the clear winner for anyone whose primary workload scales with core count. It secures all six head-to-head benchmark victories, with an identical -87.2% deltaPct against the Intel chip across every test. This is a processor built for extreme multi-threaded tasks, and the data confirms it delivers overwhelmingly higher scores. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 68124 dwarfs the Intel's 8742, making it the only choice for heavy rendering, simulation, or content creation workloads that can utilize its massive 64-core, 128-thread configuration.

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL serves a completely different purpose. While it loses every benchmark, its profile suggests it is not meant to compete on raw compute power. Its 15W TDP and 8-core design point to efficiency and low power draw, which is a critical factor for compact or fanless systems. The data shows it is a capable processor for everyday tasks, but its performance class is defined by its nearest rivals, which include the Intel Core i5-9400F and i7-7700K. For a user building a small, quiet, or power-conscious system where a 280W processor is not feasible, the Intel chip is the appropriate pick. The Threadripper is for professionals with unlimited power budgets, while the Intel is for those who prioritize a modest footprint and energy efficiency above all.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures reflecting their opposing goals. The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL is based on the Meteor Lake architecture (Meteor Lake-PS codename) on a 7 nm process from Intel. It features 8 cores and 10 threads, which implies a hybrid configuration of performance and efficient cores, though the fact pack does not specify the exact mix. Its cache hierarchy includes 112 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 10 MB of shared L3 cache. It supports dual-channel DDR5 memory with a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s and offers 8 PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the CPU. The chip includes integrated Arc Xe-LPG graphics with 48 execution units, making it a complete system-on-chip solution for a basic desktop without a discrete GPU.

In contrast, the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is a Zen 2 architecture part (Castle Peak codename) built on a 7 nm process by TSMC. It is a monolithic beast with 64 cores and 128 threads. Its cache configuration is dramatically different: 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a massive 256 MB of shared L3 cache. The Threadripper uses a quad-channel DDR4 memory interface, providing a higher theoretical bandwidth of 102.4 GB/s. It provides 64 PCIe Gen 4 lanes, a significant advantage for multi-GPU setups or high-speed storage arrays. It has no integrated graphics and is a pure computational component. The Threadripper's transistor count is listed at 30,400 million across eight 74 mm² dies, underscoring its complexity and scale. The Intel chip is a single die with a focus on integration and efficiency, while the AMD is a multi-die HEDT powerhouse focused on maximum throughput.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark results are unambiguous, with the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X winning all six head-to-head comparisons by the same -87.2% margin. This uniform deltaPct suggests a near-constant performance ratio across the Cinebench tests, regardless of single-core or multi-core workload. In the Cinebench R23 multi-core test, the Threadripper scores 68124 compared to the Intel's 8742, a difference of 59382 points. This is the largest absolute gap and highlights the Threadripper's dominance in multi-threaded rendering. Even in single-core performance, where the Intel's 4.20 GHz boost clock might be expected to help, the Threadripper's 9617 score vastly outperforms the Intel's 1234.

The pattern continues in the older Cinebench versions. In Cinebench R20, the Threadripper scores 28612 multi-core and 4039 single-core, versus 3671 and 518 for the Intel respectively. The Cinebench R15 results show the same trend, with the Threadripper at 6866 multi-core and 969 single-core, against the Intel's 881 and 124. The data shows a consistent performance advantage of roughly 8x for the AMD chip across all tests. This is not a case of the Intel chip winning in single-threaded applications; the Threadripper's higher base clock of 2.90 GHz and boost clock of 4.30 GHz also contribute to its victory in those workloads. The AMD processor is simply faster in every measurable way within these benchmarks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor is faster in Cinebench R23 multi-core?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is significantly faster, scoring 68124 compared to the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL's 8742.

Q: Does the Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL win any single-core benchmarks?

A: No. The data shows the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X wins all single-core tests as well, including Cinebench R23 single-core (9617 vs. 1234).

Q: What is the difference in their power consumption?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL has a TDP of 15W, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has a TDP of 280W.

Q: How does the memory support differ between the two?

A: The Intel chip supports dual-channel DDR5 memory, while the AMD chip supports quad-channel DDR4 memory.

Q: Does either processor have integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL includes Arc Xe-LPG integrated graphics with 48 execution units. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X has no integrated graphics.

Q: What are the closest rivals to the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X based on average benchmark score?

A: Its nearest rivals include the Intel Core i3-1210U (with a -0.1% delta), the Intel Core i5-8400 (0.2%), and the Intel Xeon Gold 6348 (0.3%).

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X wins in every performance category measured by the head-to-head benchmarks. Its 64 cores and 128 threads make it the definitive choice for professional-grade workloads like 3D rendering, video encoding, scientific simulation, and software compilation that can fully saturate its resources. The data shows a clear advantage in all Cinebench tests, with multi-core scores that are almost eight times higher. This is a processor for workstations where time is money and raw compute power is the only metric that matters. Its 256 MB of L3 cache and quad-channel memory bandwidth further support these data-intensive tasks.

The Intel Core Ultra 3 105UL does not win any benchmark, but its design philosophy points to a different set of victories. With a 15W TDP, it wins in scenarios where power consumption and heat dissipation are critical constraints. This makes it a strong candidate for small form factor PCs, home theater systems, or always-on servers where a 280W processor is impractical. Its integrated graphics allow for a fully functional system without a discrete GPU, which is an advantage for basic office work, web browsing, and media playback. The Intel chip is not about being the fastest; it is about being the most efficient and self-contained option for a low-power desktop environment. The Threadripper is the undisputed performance king, while the Intel is the logical choice for a quiet, energy-efficient build.