AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a complete sweep for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X across all 17 benchmark comparisons, with the Intel Core 5 221TE failing to secure a single win. The margins are substantial in every category, though the magnitude varies considerably between single-threaded and heavily parallel workloads.

Starting with Cinebench, the Threadripper 9980X posts 13,157 in Cinebench R15 multi-core against 1,139 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of 1055.1%. The single-core result tells a similar story: 1,857 versus 160, a 1060.6% advantage. Moving to Cinebench R20, the AMD part scores 54,822 multi-core and 7,739 single-core, while the Intel chip manages 4,748 and 670 respectively, yielding deltas of 1054.6% and 1055.1%. Cinebench R23 shows 130,529 against 11,305 in multi-core and 18,427 versus 1,596 in single-core, both with a 1054.6% delta.

PassMark results amplify the gap further in specific workloads. Data compression shows the Threadripper at 2,974,534 versus 156,682, a 1798.5% delta. Data encryption delivers 157,137 against 8,963, a 1653.2% margin. Extended instructions produce the largest percentage gap in the entire dataset: 228,959 versus 9,655, a 2271.4% delta. Floating point math shows 559,003 against 31,661, a 1665.6% difference, while integer math records 872,071 versus 42,303, a 1961.5% delta.

The smallest relative win appears in PassMark single-thread tests, where the Threadripper 9980X scores 4,537 and the Core 5 221TE scores 1,734, a 161.6% delta. This remains a clear victory but demonstrates that the Intel part is comparatively less disadvantaged in lightly threaded work. PassMark multi-thread shows 141,641 against 13,301, a 964.9% delta, while physics delivers 8,001 versus 977, a 718.9% margin. Random string sorting completes the set at 292,083 versus 16,929, a 1625.3% delta.

The average benchmark score for the Threadripper 9980X sits at 321,753, placing it in the 99th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 5 221TE averages 17,860, landing in the 71st percentile. The nearest rivals for the AMD part include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9985WX at 320,749 (0.3% lower), the Intel Xeon 6781P at 315,524 (2% lower), the AMD EPYC 9575F at 311,774 (3.2% lower), and the AMD EPYC 9734 at 310,619 (3.6% lower). The Intel chip's nearest competitors are the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17,891 (0.2% higher), the Intel Core 5 120U at 17,898 (0.2% higher), the Intel Core 7 350 at 17,779 (0.5% lower), and the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 at 17,994 (0.7% higher).

Where Each One Wins

The Threadripper 9980X wins in every measured category, but the data suggests distinct strengths. Its largest relative advantages appear in extended instructions, integer math, data compression, and encryption, which are compute-heavy workloads that scale with core count and memory bandwidth. The 2271.4% delta in extended instructions and the 1961.5% delta in integer math indicate that the AMD processor is designed for sustained throughput in parallel processing environments.

The Core 5 221TE shows its best relative performance in single-threaded PassMark tests, where the gap narrows to 161.6%. This suggests that for applications with limited thread utilization, the Intel chip is less severely outpaced, though it still loses decisively. The Intel part also demonstrates a more modest deficit in PassMark multi-thread at 964.9% compared to the larger deltas seen in data compression and encryption, indicating that its 10 cores and 16 threads handle general parallel workloads better than specialized math-heavy tasks.

For the Threadripper 9980X, the data confirms its role as a flagship workstation processor. The Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 130,529 is roughly 11.5 times the Core 5 221TE's 11,305, which aligns with the 64-core versus 10-core configuration. The single-core Cinebench R23 result of 18,427 versus 1,596 shows a 1054.6% delta, indicating that the AMD architecture's higher boost clock of 5.40 GHz against 5.00 GHz contributes to a strong per-thread performance as well.

Architecture Differences

The two processors occupy opposite ends of the desktop spectrum. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses the Zen 5 architecture on a 4 nm process from TSMC, with a codename of Shimada Peak. It integrates 66,520 million transistors across 8 dies of 70.6 mm² each. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename on a 10 nm process from Intel, with a die size of 215 mm².

Core and thread counts differ by a factor of 6.4 for cores and 8 for threads. The AMD part provides 64 cores and 128 threads, while the Intel part provides 10 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.20 GHz for the Threadripper and 1.80 GHz for the Core 5, with boost clocks of 5.40 GHz and 5.00 GHz respectively.

Cache hierarchies are also markedly different. The Threadripper 9980X has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 256 MB of L3 cache. The Core 5 221TE has 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 24 MB of shared L3. The AMD part's total L3 cache is over ten times larger, which benefits workloads with large working sets.

Memory support diverges as well. The Threadripper 9980X supports DDR5 only, with a quad-channel memory bus and a bandwidth of 204.8 GB/s. The Core 5 221TE supports both DDR4 and DDR5, uses a dual-channel bus, and reaches 76.8 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe capabilities differ substantially: the AMD part provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel part provides Gen 5 with 16 lanes.

Integrated graphics are absent on the Threadripper 9980X, which requires a discrete GPU. The Core 5 221TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is locked. Production status is Active for both, with release dates of 2025-07-29 for the AMD and 2025-01-12 for the Intel.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has an average benchmark score of 321,753, while the Intel Core 5 221TE averages 17,860.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: In Cinebench R23 single-core, the Threadripper 9980X scores 18,427 versus 1,596 for the Core 5 221TE, a delta of 1054.6%. In PassMark single-thread, the scores are 4,537 and 1,734, a delta of 161.6%.

Q: How do the cache sizes compare?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 256 MB L3. The Core 5 221TE has 80 KB L1 per core, 1.25 MB L2 per core, and 24 MB shared L3.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X and the Intel Core 5 221TE support ECC memory.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor provide?

A: The Threadripper 9980X provides 204.8 GB/s over a quad-channel DDR5 bus. The Core 5 221TE provides 76.8 GB/s over a dual-channel bus supporting DDR4 and DDR5.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The Intel Core 5 221TE includes UHD Graphics 730. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has no integrated graphics.

The Verdict

The benchmark data positions the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X as a high-end desktop processor with the 99th percentile ranking, while the Intel Core 5 221TE sits at the 71st percentile. The Threadripper's 64 cores, 128 threads, 256 MB L3 cache, and quad-channel 204.8 GB/s memory bandwidth make it suited for heavily parallel workloads such as rendering, scientific computation, and data processing. Its nearest rivals are other workstation and server parts like the Threadripper PRO 9985WX and Xeon 6781P, within 2% of its average score.

The Intel Core 5 221TE, with its 10 cores, 16 threads, 24 MB shared L3, and dual-channel 76.8 GB/s memory bandwidth, belongs to a different performance class. Its nearest rivals are mid-range desktop processors such as the Ryzen 5 3600XT and Core 5 120U, all within 1% of its average score. It includes integrated graphics and supports both DDR4 and DDR5, which broadens its compatibility with existing platforms.

The data does not support a scenario where the Intel part competes with the AMD processor. Every benchmark, from Cinebench R15 to PassMark integer math, shows the Threadripper 9980X ahead by at least 161.6% and often by over 1000%. The choice between these two processors depends entirely on the workload scale. The Threadripper 9980X is for users who need maximum multi-threaded throughput and have workloads that can use 64 cores and 128 threads. The Core 5 221TE is for systems that prioritize low power consumption, with a TDP of 45 watts versus 350 watts, and that require integrated graphics or memory flexibility.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X | Intel Core 5 221TE |

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

| Cores | 64 | 10 |

| Threads | 128 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 3.20 GHz | 1.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 5.00 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 45 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel Socket 1700 |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 10 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

| Die Size | 8x 70.6 mm² | 215 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1 MB (per core) | 1.25 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 256 MB | 24 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory Bus | Quad-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 204.8 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 80 Lanes | Gen 5, 16 Lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | UHD Graphics 730 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $4999 | $232 |

| Release Date | 2025-07-29 | 2025-01-12 |