AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X vs Intel Core Ultra 5 336H Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data presents a completely one-sided comparison. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X wins all 17 recorded head-to-head tests, with the Intel Core Ultra 5 336H failing to take a single victory. This is not a close contest by any metric. The Threadripper 9980X dominates every category, from single-threaded responsiveness to massively parallel workloads.

The use-case split is therefore stark. The Threadripper 9980X is built for desktop compute density, with 64 cores and 128 threads, and it delivers accordingly in every measured workload. The Core Ultra 5 336H, a 16-core mobile part with 16 threads, targets efficiency and portability, but the recorded data shows it cannot match the AMD processor in raw performance anywhere.

For single-threaded tasks, the Threadripper 9980X still leads, though by a smaller margin. The passmark single-thread score shows a 13.1% advantage, indicating the Intel part has competitive per-core capability. However, the gap widens dramatically in multi-threaded and math-intensive tests, where core count and memory bandwidth dominate. The data suggests the Intel chip is suitable for light mobile workloads, while the AMD chip is for heavy compute environments.

Architecture Differences

The two processors sit on opposite ends of the design spectrum. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X uses the Zen 5 architecture, codenamed Shimada Peak, built on a 4 nm TSMC process. It contains 66,520 million transistors across a die size of 8x 70.6 mm². The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H uses the Panther Lake architecture, codenamed Panther Lake, built on Intel's 3 nm process. The Intel die size and transistor counts are not recorded in the database.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The Threadripper 9980X provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and a massive 256 MB of L3 cache. The Core Ultra 5 336H offers 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3. The AMD part has a far larger total cache pool, which helps with data-heavy workloads.

Memory support also diverges. The Threadripper 9980X uses DDR5 with a quad-channel memory bus and 204.8 GB/s of bandwidth, plus ECC support. The Core Ultra 5 336H supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X with a dual-channel bus and 115.2 GB/s of bandwidth, without ECC. PCIe connectivity differs as well: the AMD chip provides Gen 5 with 80 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel chip provides Gen 5 with 12 lanes.

The Threadripper 9980X has no integrated graphics, relying on a discrete GPU. The Core Ultra 5 336H includes Intel Xe3 Graphics. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier, the Intel one does not. The socket types reflect their markets: AMD uses Socket sTR5 for desktop workstations, while Intel uses BGA 2540 for soldered mobile installation.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest win for the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X comes in passmark integer math, where it scores 872071 against 62070, a 1305% advantage. This is the single most lopsided result in the dataset. Data compression shows a 961% lead, with scores of 2974534 versus 280340. Random string sorting follows at 749%, scoring 292083 against 34402. Extended instructions show an 832.9% advantage, 228959 versus 24542.

Data encryption shows a 638% lead, 157137 versus 21291. Floating point math delivers 559003 against 82415, a 578.3% margin. The Cinebench multi-core tests are consistent: R15 shows 13157 versus 2418, R20 shows 54822 versus 10076, and R23 shows 130529 versus 23991, each with a 444.1% delta. Cinebench single-core tests tell a similar story with slightly different deltas: R15 at 444.6%, R20 at 444.2%, and R23 at 444.1%.

Passmark multithread shows 141641 versus 28545, a 396.2% lead. Physics tests show 8001 versus 2682, a 198.3% margin. Find prime numbers shows 769 versus 299, a 157.2% advantage. The closest contest is passmark single-thread, where the AMD part scores 4537 against 4013, only 13.1% ahead. The Intel part's per-core performance is respectable, but the AMD part still wins.

The average benchmark score reinforces the divide: the Threadripper 9980X averages 321753, while the Core Ultra 5 336H averages 34485. The AMD processor sits at the 99th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel chip sits at the 84th percentile.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X has 64 cores and 128 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H has 16 cores and 16 threads.

Q: What are the clock speeds?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.40 GHz. The Core Ultra 5 336H has a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.60 GHz.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X supports ECC memory. The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H does not.

Q: What is the TDP of each chip?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has a TDP of 350 watts. The Core Ultra 5 336H has a TDP of 25 watts.

Q: Does either chip have integrated graphics?

A: The Threadripper 9980X has no integrated graphics. The Core Ultra 5 336H includes Intel Xe3 Graphics.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Threadripper 9980X provides 204.8 GB/s over a quad-channel DDR5 bus. The Core Ultra 5 336H provides 115.2 GB/s over a dual-channel bus supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every specification field. The Threadripper 9980X uses 64 cores and 128 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 336H uses 16 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.20 GHz versus 1.90 GHz, and boost clocks are 5.40 GHz versus 4.60 GHz. TDP is 350 watts versus 25 watts.

The AMD part uses Socket sTR5, the Intel part uses BGA 2540. The AMD architecture is Zen 5 with the Shimada Peak codename, while Intel uses Panther Lake. The process node is 4 nm from TSMC for AMD, 3 nm from Intel for the Core Ultra. The Threadripper 9980X has 66,520 million transistors across 8x 70.6 mm² dies; the Intel transistor count and die size are not recorded.

L1 cache is 64 KB per core on AMD versus 192 KB per core on Intel. L2 is 1 MB per core versus 2.5 MB per core. L3 is 256 MB versus 18 MB shared. Memory support is DDR5 quad-channel with 204.8 GB/s for AMD, versus DDR5 and LPDDR5X dual-channel with 115.2 GB/s for Intel. ECC is supported on AMD only. PCIe is Gen 5 with 80 lanes for AMD, versus Gen 5 with 12 lanes for Intel.

Integrated graphics are absent on the Threadripper 9980X, present as Intel Xe3 Graphics on the Core Ultra 5 336H. The AMD multiplier is unlocked; the Intel one is locked. The market segment is desktop for AMD and mobile for Intel. Release dates differ: the Threadripper 9980X launched on 2025-07-29, while the Core Ultra 5 336H launched on 2026-01-04. The AMD launch MSRP is $4999; no launch MSRP is recorded for the Intel part. The AMD part number is 100-000001593, the Intel part number is SA4RD.

The Verdict

The data points to a simple conclusion. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper 9980X is the overwhelming choice for desktop workloads requiring maximum compute throughput. Its 17 out of 17 benchmark wins, 99th percentile standing, and massive leads in integer math, data compression, and Cinebench multi-core scores make it the clear pick for rendering, compilation, and heavy data processing. The 444.1% lead across all Cinebench multi-core tests and the 1305% lead in integer math show a processor in a different performance class entirely.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 336H is a mobile processor with a 25 watt TDP, designed for battery-conscious systems. Its 84th percentile ranking and competitive single-thread score, only 13.1% behind the Threadripper 9980X in passmark single-thread, indicate respectable per-core efficiency. The integrated Intel Xe3 Graphics and support for LPDDR5X memory suit it to thin-and-light laptops, but the recorded data shows it cannot compete with the Threadripper 9980X in any measured workload.

The choice depends on the use case. For a desktop workstation with high core counts, ECC memory, quad-channel bandwidth, and 80 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, the Threadripper 9980X is the only option that fits. For a mobile system prioritizing low power draw and integrated graphics, the Core Ultra 5 336H is the appropriate part. The benchmark data offers no scenario where the Intel chip outperforms the AMD chip, but the two serve entirely different markets.