AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X vs Intel Core 5 330 Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark database contains a complete set of measurements for the Intel Core 5 330, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no recorded benchmark scores. This makes direct numerical comparison impossible for most workload categories. However, the specification differences between the two processors are substantial enough to establish clear performance expectations based on architectural fundamentals.

The Intel Core 5 330 achieves an average benchmark score of 18345 across all recorded tests. This places it at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs in the database. Its nearest rivals in the database rankings are the Intel Core i3-14100 with an average score of 18318, the Intel Core 7 360 with 18374, the Intel Core i3-13100 with 18380, and the Intel Core 3 305 with 18302. The delta between the Core 5 330 and each of these rivals is minimal, ranging from 0.1% ahead of the Core i3-14100 to 0.2% behind the Core 7 360 and Core i3-13100. This clustering indicates that the Core 5 330 delivers performance consistent with the established mid-range segment.

The individual Cinebench results for the Core 5 330 show a multicore score of 13150 in Cinebench R23, 5523 in Cinebench R20, and 1325 in Cinebench R15. Single-core results reach 1856 in Cinebench R23, 779 in Cinebench R20, and 186 in Cinebench R15. The PassMark suite adds further detail: multithread performance scores 15471, single-thread performance scores 4088, integer math scores 33258, floating-point math scores 43885, extended instructions score 12808, data compression scores 145287, data encryption scores 11076, physics scores 1201, random string sorting scores 17771, and find prime numbers scores 114.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no recorded benchmark entries in the database. Its average benchmark score is listed as zero, and its percentile versus all CPUs is 50, which reflects the absence of measured data rather than actual performance characteristics. The head-to-head benchmark comparison table is empty, with zero wins recorded for either processor.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core 5 330 demonstrates measurable strengths in every benchmark category where data exists. Its single-thread performance is particularly notable: the Cinebench R23 single-core score of 1856, the PassMark single-thread score of 4088, and the Cinebench R15 single-core score of 186 all indicate strong per-core efficiency. This is consistent with a processor designed for mobile workloads where power efficiency and responsive single-thread execution are priorities.

The Core 5 330 also shows balanced throughput in mixed workloads. The PassMark multithread score of 15471, combined with the integer math score of 33258 and floating-point math score of 43885, suggests it can handle general productivity tasks without specialization. Data compression at 145287 and random string sorting at 17771 indicate solid memory and cache behavior for its class. The encryption score of 11076 and extended instructions score of 12808 round out a complete profile for a mobile processor.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X occupies a fundamentally different market position. Its specifications point to high-core-count throughput as its primary strength, but without recorded benchmark data, the database cannot quantify this advantage. The 24 cores and 48 threads, the 128 MB L3 cache, and the 350 watt TDP all indicate a processor built for sustained multi-threaded workloads, but the absence of measurements means no direct benchmark-based comparison is possible.

The database records zero wins for each processor in the head-to-head comparison. This reflects the lack of overlapping benchmark data rather than a verdict on relative performance. The Intel Core 5 330 stands as the only processor in this comparison with verified scores, while the AMD part remains unmeasured.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent entirely different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses the Zen 5 architecture under the codename Shimada Peak, built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. It contains 24 cores and 48 threads, with a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The transistor count is listed at 33,260 million across a die size of 4x 70.6 mm². The processor uses the AMD Socket sTR5 and is part of the 9000 series. Its TDP is 350 watts, and the multiplier is unlocked for overclocking.

The Intel Core 5 330 uses the Wildcat Lake codename under the Core 5 generation, built on a 3 nm process at Intel. It contains 6 cores and 6 threads, with a base clock of 1.50 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz. The processor uses the Intel BGA 1516 socket, is designed for the mobile segment, and has a TDP of 15 watts. The multiplier is locked. No transistor count or die size is recorded in the database.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. The AMD processor provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 128 MB of L3 cache. The Intel processor provides 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. The L3 cache difference alone is massive: 128 MB versus 6 MB. This affects how much working set can be held on-chip for repeated access patterns.

Memory support also diverges. The AMD processor supports DDR5 memory through a quad-channel bus with a maximum bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s. It supports ECC memory. The Intel processor supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory through a single-channel bus with a maximum bandwidth of 59.7 GB/s. It does not support ECC memory. The memory bandwidth difference is a factor of more than three, which matters for memory-bound workloads.

PCI Express capabilities differ as well. The AMD processor provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU. The Intel processor provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes from the CPU. The AMD processor has no integrated graphics, while the Intel processor includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores.

Production status for both is Active. The AMD processor was released on 2025-07-29, while the Intel processor has a release date of 2026-04-15.

FAQ

Q: How many cores and threads does each processor have?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has 24 cores and 48 threads. The Intel Core 5 330 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: What is the TDP of each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has a TDP of 350 watts. The Intel Core 5 330 has a TDP of 15 watts.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor support?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X supports 204.8 GB/s through a quad-channel DDR5 bus. The Intel Core 5 330 supports 59.7 GB/s through a single-channel bus supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X.

Q: Does either processor include integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X has no integrated graphics. The Intel Core 5 330 includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 2 Xe cores.

Q: What process node is used for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X uses a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Intel Core 5 330 uses a 3 nm process at Intel.

Q: What are the benchmark results for the Intel Core 5 330?

A: The Intel Core 5 330 scores 13150 in Cinebench R23 multicore, 1856 in Cinebench R23 single-core, 15471 in PassMark multithread, and 4088 in PassMark single-thread. Its average benchmark score is 18345, placing it at the 72nd percentile among all CPUs.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X | Intel Core 5 330 |

| --- | --- | --- |

| Cores | 24 | 6 |

| Threads | 48 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 4.20 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.30 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Architecture | Zen 5 | Not listed |

| Codename | Shimada Peak | Wildcat Lake |

| Generation | Ryzen Threadripper (Zen 5 (Shimada Peak)) | Core 5 (Wildcat Lake) |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Transistors | 33,260 million | Not listed |

| Die Size | 4x 70.6 mm² | Not listed |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB per core | 192 KB |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB per core | 2.5 MB |

| L3 Cache | 128 MB | 6 MB shared |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 Lanes CPU only | Gen 4, 6 Lanes CPU only |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | Intel Xe3 Graphics (2 Xe) |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Release Date | 2025-07-29 | 2026-04-15 |

| Launch MSRP | $1499 | $309 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Part Number | 100-000001595 | SAE3G |

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9960X carries a launch MSRP of $1499. The Intel Core 5 330 carries a launch MSRP of $309. The AMD processor offers 4 times the core count, 8 times the thread count, more than 21 times the L3 cache, and more than 3 times the memory bandwidth. The Intel processor counters with a smaller process node, integrated graphics, LPDDR5X support, and substantially lower power consumption. The database records benchmark data only for the Intel part, so direct measured comparison remains unavailable for the AMD processor.