AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX vs Intel Core 3 305 Comparison

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX and the Intel Core 3 305 occupy opposite ends of the desktop and mobile computing spectrum. The data is unambiguous: the Threadripper PRO 9955WX wins all 17 head-to-head benchmark comparisons recorded in the database, with an average benchmark score of 101041 compared to the Core 3 305's 18302. However, the two processors serve entirely different purposes, and the Core 3 305's role as a low-power mobile part means raw performance is not its primary objective. This analysis breaks down where each processor wins based on the recorded data, the architectural differences that explain the performance gap, and what the benchmark results indicate for each segment.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX wins every recorded benchmark in the head-to-head comparison. Its most dominant victory comes in PassMark integer math, where it scores 236120 against the Intel Core 3 305's 32295, a delta of 631.1 percent. Data compression is nearly as lopsided, with the Threadripper PRO 9955WX scoring 920954 versus 146857, a 527.1 percent advantage. These results confirm the AMD processor as the clear choice for heavily threaded workstation workloads such as rendering, scientific computing, and data processing.

The Intel Core 3 305 does not win any benchmark in the head-to-head set. Its closest result relative to the AMD processor is PassMark single-thread performance, where it scores 3977 against the Threadripper PRO 9955WX's 4530, a 13.9 percent deficit. This indicates that while the Core 3 305 is competitive in per-core efficiency, it still trails the AMD flagship even in single-threaded tasks. The Core 3 305's strengths are therefore not in peak performance but in its 15 watt TDP and mobile form factor, making it appropriate for compact laptops where battery life and thermal constraints take priority over raw computation.

The use-case split is stark. The Threadripper PRO 9955WX targets desktop workstations requiring maximum throughput, while the Core 3 305 targets mobile devices where the 15 watt TDP and single-channel memory are acceptable trade-offs for portability. The recorded data shows no overlap in their intended workloads.

Architecture Differences

The two processors are built on fundamentally different architectures. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses the Zen 5 architecture with the codename Shimada Peak, fabricated on a 4 nm process by TSMC with 16,630 million transistors across a die size of 2x 70.6 mm². The Intel Core 3 305 uses the Wildcat Lake codename, fabricated on a 3 nm process by Intel, with no transistor count or die size recorded in the database.

Core counts differ substantially. The Threadripper PRO 9955WX has 16 cores and 32 threads, while the Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads, meaning the Intel part lacks simultaneous multithreading. Base clocks are 4.50 GHz for AMD and 1.50 GHz for Intel, with boost clocks of 5.40 GHz and 4.30 GHz respectively. The TDP figures highlight the design philosophy gap: the AMD part is rated at 350 watts, while the Intel part sips at 15 watts.

Cache hierarchies are also distinct. The AMD processor has 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 cache per core, and 64 MB of L3 cache. The Intel processor has 192 KB of L1 cache, 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache. Memory support differs as well: the Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses DDR5 with an eight-channel memory bus and 409.6 GB/s bandwidth, while the Core 3 305 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X over a single-channel bus with 59.7 GB/s bandwidth. ECC memory is supported on the AMD part but not on the Intel part.

PCIe connectivity further separates the two. The Threadripper PRO 9955WX provides Gen 5 with 128 lanes from the CPU, while the Core 3 305 provides Gen 4 with 6 lanes. The AMD processor has no integrated graphics, whereas the Intel part includes Intel Xe3 Graphics with 1 Xe core. The AMD processor is a desktop part with an unlocked multiplier, while the Intel part is a mobile processor with a locked multiplier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench results show a consistent pattern across all three versions tested. In Cinebench R15 multicore, the Threadripper PRO 9955WX scores 5996 against the Core 3 305's 1322, a 353.6 percent advantage. Single-core in R15 shows 846 versus 186, a 354.8 percent delta. Cinebench R20 multicore results are 24987 versus 5511 (353.4 percent), and R20 single-core is 3527 versus 777 (353.9 percent). Cinebench R23 multicore delivers 59494 versus 13123 (353.4 percent), and R23 single-core is 8399 versus 1852 (353.5 percent). The consistency of roughly 353 to 355 percent deltas across all Cinebench versions indicates the performance gap scales uniformly with the core and thread advantage.

PassMark results show wider variation. Integer math favors the AMD part by 631.1 percent, the largest delta in the entire comparison. Random string sorting shows a 466.4 percent advantage, extended instructions a 463.9 percent advantage, and data compression a 527.1 percent advantage. Data encryption is the narrowest PassMark gap at 302.8 percent, followed by floating point math at 269.4 percent and physics at 237.1 percent. Find prime numbers shows a 193 percent delta, and multithread performance is 334.2 percent in favor of AMD.

The only benchmark where the Core 3 305 approaches competitiveness is PassMark single-thread performance. The AMD part scores 4530 against 3977, a 13.9 percent margin. This result shows that the Intel part's 4.30 GHz boost clock can partially compensate for its architectural differences in lightly threaded workloads, but it still does not win the comparison. The overall average benchmark score for the Threadripper PRO 9955WX is 101041, placing it in the 97th percentile of all CPUs in the database. The Core 3 305 has an average of 18302, placing it in the 72nd percentile.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX has 16 cores and 32 threads. The Intel Core 3 305 has 6 cores and 6 threads.

Q: How large is the performance gap in multi-core workloads?

A: In Cinebench R23 multicore, the AMD processor scores 59494 against the Intel processor's 13123, a 353.4 percent advantage. PassMark multithread shows 67035 versus 15439, a 334.2 percent delta.

Q: Is the Intel Core 3 305 competitive in single-threaded performance?

A: The closest benchmark result is PassMark single-thread, where the Intel part scores 3977 versus the AMD part's 4530, a 13.9 percent gap. The Intel processor still trails but by a much smaller margin than in multi-core tests.

Q: What are the TDP requirements for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is rated at 350 watts. The Intel Core 3 305 is rated at 15 watts.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX supports ECC memory. The Intel Core 3 305 does not support ECC.

Q: What memory bandwidth does each processor provide?

A: The AMD processor provides 409.6 GB/s over an eight-channel DDR5 bus. The Intel processor provides 59.7 GB/s over a single-channel bus supporting DDR5 and LPDDR5X.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Intel Core 3 305 |

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

| Cores | 16 | 6 |

| Threads | 32 | 6 |

| Base Clock | 4.50 GHz | 1.50 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 5.40 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| TDP | 350 W | 15 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket sTR5 | Intel BGA 1516 |

| Process Node | 4 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | TSMC | Intel |

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

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

| L3 Cache | 64 MB | 6 MB shared |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Eight-channel | Single-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 409.6 GB/s | 59.7 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | Yes | No |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 128 lanes | Gen 4, 6 lanes |

| Integrated Graphics | N/A | Intel Xe3 Graphics (1 Xe) |

| Market Segment | Desktop | Mobile |

| Multiplier Unlocked | Yes | No |

| Launch MSRP | $1649 | $309 |

The Verdict

The benchmark data supports a clear division. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is the dominant processor for desktop workstation workloads, winning all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks with deltas ranging from 13.9 percent in PassMark single-thread to 631.1 percent in integer math. Its 16 cores, 32 threads, 64 MB of L3 cache, and 409.6 GB/s memory bandwidth make it suitable for rendering, compilation, scientific computation, and any task that scales with parallel resources. Its 97th percentile ranking among all CPUs in the database confirms its position at the top of the performance hierarchy.

The Intel Core 3 305 is not a workstation processor. Its 6 cores, 6 threads, 15 watt TDP, and 59.7 GB/s single-channel memory bandwidth position it for mobile devices where efficiency and thermal management are the primary concerns. Its 72nd percentile ranking shows it performs adequately for its segment, and its closest benchmark result, a 13.9 percent single-thread deficit, demonstrates that its per-core performance is respectable even if not class-leading.

The choice between these two processors depends entirely on the workload and form factor. The recorded data shows the AMD part is the only option for high-throughput desktop computing, while the Intel part serves the low-power mobile market where its 15 watt TDP and integrated graphics are essential features. There is no scenario in the data where the Core 3 305 outperforms the Threadripper PRO 9955WX, and no scenario where the Threadripper PRO 9955WX could operate within the thermal and power constraints of a mobile device. The verdict is straightforward: the Threadripper PRO 9955WX for maximum compute performance, the Core 3 305 for mobile efficiency.