AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX vs Intel Core Ultra 7 265K Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data splits these two processors into clearly different use-case profiles. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K wins 15 of the 19 head-to-head tests, while the AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX takes 4. Looking at the individual test categories, the Intel part dominates single-threaded and latency-sensitive workloads, while the AMD part shows strength in specific multi-threaded and memory-bandwidth scenarios.

The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K wins every single-core test in the database. Its Geekbench single-core score of 2713 beats the Threadripper's 2125 by 27.7%. PassMark single-thread shows a 48.3% lead, with scores of 4928 versus 3324. The Cinebench R15 and R20 single-core deltas are both around 19%, and the R23 single-core result shows a 65.8% advantage for Intel, though that specific figure is distorted by an unusually high Threadripper score of 5906, which is inconsistent with the other single-core tests.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core by 14.3%, posting 41837 against Intel's 35850. It also wins PassMark integer math by 22.6% (185168 versus 143242) and PassMark data compression by 3.7% (690994 versus 665554). These wins point toward workloads with heavily parallel integer processing and compression tasks.

For floating-point math, the Intel part is decisively ahead: 189629 versus 104377, a 81.7% advantage. Prime number finding shows a 98% lead for Intel (491 versus 248), and data encryption is 13.5% faster on Intel (48246 versus 42524). Extended instructions also favor Intel by 15.7%.

The overall average benchmark score puts Intel at 70879 and AMD at 67868, a gap of about 4.4%. Both processors sit at the 94th percentile among all CPUs in the database, meaning they occupy similar tiers in overall performance distribution.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K uses the Arrow Lake architecture on a 3 nm TSMC process node, packing 17,800 million transistors into a 243 mm² die. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX uses Zen 3 on a 7 nm process, with 16,600 million transistors spread across a 4x 81 mm² die configuration.

Core counts differ substantially. Intel offers 20 cores and 20 threads, meaning no simultaneous multithreading. AMD offers 16 cores and 32 threads, relying heavily on SMT to double thread count. This explains why AMD can compete in some multi-threaded tests despite fewer physical cores.

Clock speeds favor Intel in terms of maximum boost. Intel's base clock is 3.90 GHz with a 5.50 GHz boost, while AMD runs at 4.00 GHz base and 4.50 GHz boost. The Intel part has a higher ceiling, which helps explain its single-thread dominance. The AMD part has a slightly higher base clock, which keeps it competitive in sustained all-core workloads.

Cache structures differ significantly. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 64 MB of L3. The larger L3 on AMD (64 MB versus 30 MB) helps in certain data-heavy workloads, while Intel's larger per-core L1 and L2 caches benefit latency-sensitive tasks.

Memory support is a major differentiator. Intel uses DDR5 with a dual-channel memory bus, achieving 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. AMD uses DDR4 with an eight-channel memory bus, achieving 204.8 GB/s, exactly double the bandwidth. Both support ECC memory. The AMD platform also provides 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the CPU, versus Intel's 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes, a massive difference for workstation expansion.

Intel includes integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units; AMD has no integrated graphics. The Intel part is unlocked for overclocking, while the AMD part is locked. The Intel processor is a desktop part, while AMD is classified as server/workstation. Intel launched on 2024-10-23 with a launch MSRP of $394; AMD launched on 2022-03-07 with no recorded launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data suggests different buyers for each processor. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K is the stronger choice for single-threaded performance and general desktop workloads. Its 45.8% lead in Geekbench multi-core and 48.3% lead in PassMark single-thread make it the better pick for applications that rely on fast per-core execution, such as everyday productivity, gaming, and lightly threaded professional tools.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX is the better option for specific workstation scenarios. Its 64 MB L3 cache, eight-channel DDR4 memory with 204.8 GB/s bandwidth, and 128 PCIe lanes make it suited for memory-intensive and expansion-heavy environments. The 14.3% win in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 22.6% win in integer math indicate strong parallel integer performance.

However, the Intel part wins more overall benchmarks, including floating-point math by 81.7% and prime number finding by 98%. The average benchmark score favors Intel by about 4.4%. For most users, the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K provides better all-around performance. The AMD part only makes sense if the workload specifically benefits from its strengths: integer math, data compression, and the massive memory bandwidth and PCIe lane count inherent to the WRX8 platform.

Both processors sit at the 94th percentile, so neither is a weak choice. The Intel part is newer, uses a more advanced 3 nm process, and offers higher boost clocks. The AMD part is older but brings workstation-class memory and expansion capabilities that the Intel desktop part cannot match.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has better single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K wins all single-core tests. Geekbench single-core shows 2713 versus 2125, a 27.7% lead. PassMark single-thread shows 4928 versus 3324, a 48.3% lead.

Q: Does the AMD processor win any multi-threaded tests?

A: Yes. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX wins Cinebench R23 multi-core by 14.3% (41837 versus 35850) and PassMark integer math by 22.6% (185168 versus 143242).

Q: What memory types do these processors support?

A: Intel supports DDR5 with a dual-channel bus and 102.4 GB/s bandwidth. AMD supports DDR4 with an eight-channel bus and 204.8 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory.

Q: Which processor has more PCIe lanes?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 5955WX provides 128 PCIe Gen 4 lanes from the CPU. The Intel Core Ultra 7 265K provides 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes.

Q: How many cores and threads does each have?

A: Intel has 20 cores and 20 threads. AMD has 16 cores and 32 threads, using simultaneous multithreading to double its thread count.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core Ultra 7 265K includes integrated graphics, specifically Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units. The AMD part has no integrated graphics.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest Intel wins are striking. PassMark floating-point math shows Intel at 189629 versus AMD's 104377, an 81.7% advantage. PassMark prime number finding shows 491 versus 248, a 98% lead. Geekbench multi-core has Intel ahead by 45.8% (23085 versus 15834), and PassMark single-thread shows a 48.3% gap (4928 versus 3324). These are not marginal differences; they represent fundamental architectural strengths.

The Cinebench R15 and R20 multi-core tests both show Intel winning by 19%. The R15 scores are 5020 versus 4217, and R20 shows 20918 versus 17571. PassMark multi-thread also has Intel ahead by 19% (58594 versus 49220). The physics test favors Intel by 28.1% (3731 versus 2913), and random string sorting favors Intel by 14.1% (79752 versus 69879). Data encryption is 13.5% better on Intel (48246 versus 42524), and extended instructions are 15.7% better (54333 versus 46952).

The AMD wins are concentrated in fewer tests. The most notable is Cinebench R23 multi-core, where AMD posts 41837 against Intel's 35850, a 14.3% margin. The Cinebench R23 single-core result for AMD is anomalous at 5906, giving it a 65.8% lead, but this conflicts with every other single-core test where Intel leads by 19% to 48.3%. PassMark integer math is a 22.6% AMD win (185168 versus 143242), and data compression is a 3.7% AMD win (690994 versus 665554).

The mixed results across Cinebench versions are worth noting. Intel wins R15 and R20 multi-core by 19% each, but AMD wins R23 multi-core by 14.3%. This suggests the R23 workload may align with AMD's cache and thread architecture in ways earlier versions do not. The overall pattern remains clear: Intel wins the majority of tests, often by large margins, while AMD wins a smaller set of specific workloads.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ on nearly every major specification. Intel has 20 cores and 20 threads; AMD has 16 cores and 32 threads. Intel's base clock is 3.90 GHz versus AMD's 4.00 GHz. Intel's boost clock is 5.50 GHz versus AMD's 4.50 GHz. Intel's TDP is 125 watts; AMD's is 280 watts.

The socket and platform differ completely. Intel uses Socket 1851, while AMD uses Socket WRX8. Intel's architecture is Arrow Lake on a 3 nm process; AMD's is Zen 3 on a 7 nm process. Intel's die is a single 243 mm² piece, while AMD uses four 81 mm² dies.

Cache configurations differ per core and total. Intel has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3. AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 64 MB L3. Intel's memory support is DDR5 dual-channel at 102.4 GB/s; AMD's is DDR4 eight-channel at 204.8 GB/s.

PCIe capability differs massively: Intel provides 20 Gen 5 lanes, AMD provides 128 Gen 4 lanes. Intel includes integrated Arc Xe-LPG Graphics with 64 execution units; AMD has none. Intel is unlocked for overclocking; AMD is locked. Intel is classified as desktop; AMD as server/workstation. Intel's launch MSRP is $394; AMD has no recorded launch MSRP. Intel launched on 2024-10-23; AMD on 2022-03-07.