Intel Arc G3 EXTREME vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The direct comparison between the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME and the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H shows a clear split: the Arc G3 EXTREME takes 11 of the 17 recorded benchmarks, while the Core Ultra 5 338H wins 6. The average benchmark score favors the Arc G3 EXTREME at 36699 versus 33989 for the Core Ultra 5 338H, a difference of 8% in aggregate performance. The percentile rankings confirm this, with the Arc G3 EXTREME at the 85th percentile of all CPUs and the Core Ultra 5 338H at the 84th.

The most decisive win for the Arc G3 EXTREME comes in PassMark data compression, where it scores 307094 against 276539, a 11% advantage. Data encryption follows with a 11.8% lead (23881 versus 21367), and integer math shows a 9.6% margin (71164 versus 64934). Floating point math adds a 3.4% win (86929 versus 84067), and random string sorting shows a 9.5% edge (37331 versus 34082). The PassMark multithread test also goes to the Arc G3 EXTREME, with 30659 versus 28717, a 6.8% lead. Single-thread PassMark results are close but still favor the Arc G3 EXTREME at 4293 versus 4180, a 2.7% margin.

The Cinebench results are mixed across versions. In Cinebench R20, the Arc G3 EXTREME wins both multicore and singlecore by 7.2% (10945 versus 10213, and 1545 versus 1441). However, the Core Ultra 5 338H dominates Cinebench R23, winning multicore by 10.3% (16331 versus 14655) and singlecore by 8.9% (2044 versus 1862). Cinebench R15 also goes to the Core Ultra 5 338H in both tests, with the multicore score at 2504 versus 2192 and singlecore at 305 versus 267, each a 12.5% margin.

The Core Ultra 5 338H also wins PassMark find prime numbers decisively, scoring 304 versus 248, an 18.4% lead. PassMark physics goes to the Core Ultra 5 338H as well, with 2697 versus 2515, a 6.7% margin. The extended instructions test is nearly tied, with the Arc G3 EXTREME taking a 0.5% edge (24017 versus 23906).

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME is the stronger overall performer, with a higher average benchmark score and more wins in the head-to-head suite. Its advantages in integer math, data compression, encryption, and multithread workloads suggest it is better suited for tasks that rely on broad parallel throughput and data manipulation. The 11 wins cover both PassMark synthetic tests and Cinebench R20, while the Core Ultra 5 338H only manages 6 wins, concentrated in Cinebench R15, R23, prime number finding, and physics.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H is not without merit. Its Cinebench R23 scores are notably higher, with a 10.3% multicore lead and an 8.9% singlecore lead, which indicates better sustained rendering performance in newer Cinebench versions. The 18.4% margin in find prime numbers shows an advantage in integer-heavy single-thread workloads that stress prime calculation. Physics simulation also favors the Core Ultra 5 338H by 6.7%, which could matter for certain scientific or game physics workloads.

For users prioritizing the majority of PassMark tests and Cinebench R20, the Arc G3 EXTREME is the clear choice. For those focused on Cinebench R23 rendering, prime number calculations, or physics simulation, the Core Ultra 5 338H has measurable advantages. The Arc G3 EXTREME also holds a slight edge in single-thread PassMark performance, but the Core Ultra 5 338H counters with better singlecore Cinebench scores across all three versions.

Both processors share the same TDP, socket, process node, and memory configuration, and neither has a launch MSRP recorded in the database. The production status for both is active, and both target the mobile market segment.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME uses the Panther Lake architecture under the Arc G3 generation label, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H uses the same Panther Lake architecture but under the Core Ultra Series 3 generation label, specifically Panther Lake-H. Both are built on Intel's 3 nm process node and fabricated by Intel. The core counts differ: the Arc G3 EXTREME has 14 cores and 14 threads, while the Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. Neither supports simultaneous multithreading, as threads equal cores in both cases.

The cache hierarchy is identical between the two. Each core has 192 KB of L1 cache and 2.5 MB of L2 cache, and both share 18 MB of L3 cache. The integrated graphics differ: the Arc G3 EXTREME integrates an Arc B390, while the Core Ultra 5 338H integrates an Arc B370. This is the only architectural feature that separates the two beyond core count and generation naming.

The base clock and boost clock are identical at 1.90 GHz and 4.70 GHz respectively. The socket, Intel BGA 2540, is the same for both. The memory support is LPDDR5X with a dual-channel bus and 136.5 GB/s bandwidth for both. PCIe support is Gen 5 with 4 lanes for both, limited to CPU only. ECC memory is not supported in either case.

The Arc G3 EXTREME was released on 2026-05-27, while the Core Ultra 5 338H was released earlier on 2026-01-04. The part numbers differ: SA4R3 for the Arc G3 EXTREME and SA4REQ9EW for the Core Ultra 5 338H. Neither has a multiplier unlocked, so overclocking is not available in the standard configuration.

Specification Differences

The primary specification difference is core count: the Intel Arc G3 EXTREME has 14 cores and 14 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. This 2-core advantage for the Arc G3 EXTREME contributes to its higher PassMark multithread score. The integrated graphics also differ, with the Arc G3 EXTREME using Arc B390 and the Core Ultra 5 338H using Arc B370.

The release dates differ, with the Core Ultra 5 338H launching on 2026-01-04 and the Arc G3 EXTREME on 2026-05-27. The generation labels differ as well, with the Arc G3 EXTREME listed as "Arc G3 (Panther Lake)" and the Core Ultra 5 338H listed as "Ultra 5 (Panther Lake-H)". The part numbers are distinct, SA4R3 versus SA4REQ9EW.

All other specifications are identical: base clock 1.90 GHz, boost clock 4.70 GHz, TDP 25, socket Intel BGA 2540, 3 nm process node, LPDDR5X memory support, dual-channel bus, 136.5 GB/s bandwidth, Gen 5 PCIe with 4 lanes, 192 KB L1 per core, 2.5 MB L2 per core, 18 MB shared L3, no ECC support, no unlocked multiplier, and mobile market segment.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME has an average benchmark score of 36699, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 33989, a difference of 8%.

Q: How does the core count compare between the two?

A: The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME has 14 cores and 14 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. Both have equal core and thread counts, indicating no hyper-threading.

Q: What is the biggest single benchmark margin in the head-to-head comparison?

A: The largest margin is in PassMark find prime numbers, where the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H leads by 18.4% (304 versus 248). The next largest is 12.5% in Cinebench R15, where the Core Ultra 5 338H wins both multicore and singlecore.

Q: Do the two processors share the same cache configuration?

A: Yes, both have 192 KB of L1 cache per core, 2.5 MB of L2 cache per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The cache hierarchy is identical.

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmarks?

A: The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME wins 11 benchmarks, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins 6. The Arc G3 EXTREME also holds the higher percentile at 85 versus 84.

Q: Are there any differences in memory support?

A: No, both support LPDDR5X memory with a dual-channel bus and 136.5 GB/s bandwidth. Both have no ECC support and use Gen 5 PCIe with 4 lanes.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Arc G3 EXTREME wins in the majority of PassMark tests, including data compression, data encryption, extended instructions, floating point math, integer math, multithread, random string sorting, and single-thread tests. It also wins Cinebench R20 in both multicore and singlecore. These wins indicate strength in data-intensive workloads, encryption tasks, and general-purpose multithreaded applications. The 11% compression lead and 11.8% encryption lead make it suitable for file archiving, database operations, and security-related processing.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins Cinebench R15 multicore and singlecore, Cinebench R23 multicore and singlecore, PassMark find prime numbers, and PassMark physics. The Cinebench R23 multicore win at 10.3% (16331 versus 14655) suggests better rendering performance in newer Cinebench versions, while the singlecore R23 win at 8.9% (2044 versus 1862) shows an advantage in single-threaded rendering tasks. The 18.4% lead in find prime numbers makes it stronger for prime calculation workloads, and the 6.7% physics win indicates better performance in physics simulation.

For workloads that mix integer math, data compression, and encryption, the Arc G3 EXTREME is the better choice based on the recorded data. For rendering that uses Cinebench R23, prime number generation, or physics simulation, the Core Ultra 5 338H offers measurable advantages. The overall average score and the majority of benchmark wins favor the Arc G3 EXTREME, making it the default pick for balanced workloads, while the Core Ultra 5 338H is preferred in the specific tests where it leads.