AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX vs Intel Core 5 221TE Comparison

The Verdict

The benchmark data presents an unambiguous hierarchy between these two desktop processors. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX wins all 17 recorded head-to-head benchmarks, with no test favoring the Intel Core 5 221TE. The AMD part delivers a multi-core Cinebench R23 score of 59494 against 11305 for the Intel, a 426.3% advantage. Single-core results follow the same pattern: 8399 versus 1596 in Cinebench R23, a 426.3% delta. The average benchmark score for the AMD processor is 101041, placing it in the 97th percentile of all CPUs in the database; the Intel processor averages 17860, sitting in the 71st percentile.

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX is the choice for workloads that scale across cores, memory bandwidth, and PCIe lanes. Its 16 cores and 32 threads, combined with eight-channel DDR5 memory delivering 409.6 GB/s, position it for rendering, simulation, data compression, and encryption tasks. The Intel Core 5 221TE, with 10 cores and 16 threads, dual-channel memory, and a 76.8 GB/s memory bus, occupies a completely different performance class. Its nearest rivals in the database, the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT and Intel Core 5 120U, sit within 0.2% of its average score, confirming that it competes in the mainstream desktop tier rather than the workstation tier.

The Intel part does have a distinguishing trait: a 45 W TDP against the AMD's 350 W. For systems where thermal envelope is the primary constraint, the Intel processor offers a lower power draw. However, the performance gap is so wide that the AMD part is the only defensible choice for compute-intensive professional workloads. The Intel Core 5 221TE suits basic desktop duties, light threaded work, or fanless and low-power builds where the AMD's power requirements are prohibitive.

Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX uses the Zen 5 architecture, fabricated on a 4 nm process by TSMC. The Intel Core 5 221TE uses the Bartlett Lake codename, fabricated on a 10 nm process by Intel. The AMD part integrates 16,630 million transistors across a die size of 2x 70.6 mm², while the Intel part has a single 215 mm² die. The AMD processor is built for the AMD Socket sTR5, a platform designed for high-core-count workstation parts, while the Intel processor uses Intel Socket 1700, a mainstream socket.

Cache configurations differ substantially. The AMD part allocates 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 1 MB of L2 cache per core, with 64 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part allocates 80 KB of L1 per core and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, with 24 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD's larger L3 pool, combined with its higher core count, supports its dominance in multi-threaded workloads that benefit from greater data residency.

Memory support separates the two clearly. The AMD processor supports DDR5 exclusively over an eight-channel memory bus, yielding 409.6 GB/s of bandwidth. The Intel processor supports both DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus, capping at 76.8 GB/s. Both parts support ECC memory. PCIe connectivity also diverges sharply: the AMD offers Gen 5 with 128 lanes from the CPU, while the Intel offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Integrated graphics are present only on the Intel part, which includes UHD Graphics 730. The AMD processor has no integrated graphics, requiring a discrete GPU for display output. The AMD multiplier is unlocked, whereas the Intel multiplier is locked. The AMD part launched on 2025-07-22; the Intel part launched on 2025-01-12. The AMD part number is 100-000000725; the Intel part number is SRVQS.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Cinebench suite shows a consistent pattern of dominance. In Cinebench R15 multi-core, the AMD scores 5996 against 1139, a 426.4% advantage. Single-core R15 shows 846 versus 160, a 428.8% delta. R20 multi-core delivers 24987 against 4748 (426.3%), and R20 single-core delivers 3527 against 670 (426.4%). R23 multi-core shows 59494 versus 11305 (426.3%), while R23 single-core shows 8399 versus 1596 (426.3%). The near-identical deltas across these tests indicate that the AMD advantage is structural, not workload-specific.

PassMark results reveal the widest margins. The extended instructions test shows the AMD at 76363 against 9655, a 690.9% advantage, the largest delta in the dataset. Random string sorting shows 99813 versus 16929, a 489.6% lead. Data compression shows 920954 versus 156682, a 487.8% lead. Find prime numbers shows 337 versus 59, a 471.2% lead. Integer math shows 236120 versus 42303, a 458.2% lead. Multi-thread shows 67035 versus 13301, a 404% lead. Data encryption shows 44389 versus 8963, a 395.2% lead. Floating point math shows 156215 versus 31661, a 393.4% lead. Physics shows 4156 versus 977, a 325.4% lead, the smallest multi-threaded margin but still a decisive win.

The single-threaded PassMark result shows the AMD at 4530 versus 1734, a 161.2% lead. This is the smallest delta across all tests, indicating that the AMD's per-core advantage, while real, is less extreme than its multi-threaded advantage. Still, the AMD leads in every recorded metric, from integer and floating point math to encryption and compression. The Intel part records its highest relative performance in physics, where it trails by 325.4%, and its lowest relative performance in extended instructions, where it trails by 690.9%.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX | Intel Core 5 221TE |

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

| Cores | 16 | 10 |

| Threads | 32 | 16 |

| Base clock | 4.50 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 |

| Transistors | 16,630 million | Not specified |

| Die size | 2x 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 | 64 MB | 24 MB shared |

| Memory support | DDR5 | DDR4, DDR5 |

| Memory bus | Eight-channel | Dual-channel |

| Memory bandwidth | 409.6 GB/s | 76.8 GB/s |

| ECC memory | Yes | Yes |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 128 lanes | Gen 5, 16 lanes |

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

| Multiplier unlocked | Yes | No |

| Release date | 2025-07-22 | 2025-01-12 |

| Launch MSRP | $1649 | $232 |

The clock speed gap is notable. The AMD base clock of 4.50 GHz exceeds the Intel boost clock of 5.00 GHz by a wide margin, and the AMD boost clock reaches 5.40 GHz. The Intel part's base clock of 1.80 GHz reflects its low-power design. The TDP difference, 350 W versus 45 W, explains the clock behavior: the Intel part conserves power at the expense of sustained performance. The AMD memory bandwidth advantage, 409.6 GB/s versus 76.8 GB/s, is a 5.3x difference that directly impacts memory-intensive workloads.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins in multi-core workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX wins every multi-core benchmark. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, it scores 59494 versus 11305 for the Intel Core 5 221TE, a 426.3% advantage. PassMark multi-thread shows 67035 versus 13301, a 404% lead.

Q: How large is the single-core performance gap?

A: The AMD part leads in single-core tests but by a smaller margin than in multi-core. Cinebench R23 single-core shows 8399 versus 1596, a 426.3% delta. PassMark single-thread shows 4530 versus 1734, a 161.2% delta.

Q: What memory configurations do the two processors support?

A: The AMD processor supports DDR5 over an eight-channel memory bus with 409.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel processor supports DDR4 and DDR5 over a dual-channel bus with 76.8 GB/s bandwidth. Both support ECC memory.

Q: Do either of these processors include integrated graphics?

A: Only the Intel Core 5 221TE includes integrated graphics, specifically UHD Graphics 730. The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX has no integrated graphics and requires a discrete GPU.

Q: What are the power requirements for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen Threadripper PRO 9955WX has a TDP of 350 W, while the Intel Core 5 221TE has a TDP of 45 W. This represents a substantial difference in thermal and power delivery requirements.

Q: How do these processors compare to their nearest rivals in the database?

A: The AMD processor's average benchmark score of 101041 places it near the AMD EPYC 7513, which scores 102244 (1.2% higher), and the AMD EPYC 8324P at 103329 (2.2% higher). The Intel processor's average score of 17860 sits within 0.7% of the AMD Ryzen 5 1600 at 17994 and within 0.2% of the AMD Ryzen 5 3600XT at 17891.