AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Intel Core 7 253PTE Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear overall edge for the Intel Core 7 253PTE, which wins 9 of the 11 shared PassMark tests. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 takes 2 wins. The most decisive Intel victory appears in `passmark_find_prime_numbers`, where the Intel part scores 82 against AMD's 49, a 40.2% advantage. This is the largest single-test delta in the entire comparison.

The Intel processor also dominates the heavy compute workloads. In `passmark_floating_point_math`, Intel scores 67209 versus AMD's 44979, a 33.1% lead. The `passmark_integer_math` result is similar: 119552 for Intel against 79738 for AMD, a 33.3% gap. These two tests show the Intel part delivering roughly one-third more throughput in raw arithmetic operations. The `passmark_physics` test follows the same pattern, with Intel at 1318 and AMD at 890, a 32.5% difference.

Multithreaded performance also favors Intel, though by a smaller margin. The `passmark_multithread` score for Intel is 25031, while AMD manages 20760, a 17.1% deficit. This aligns with the core count difference: Intel has 10 cores and 20 threads, AMD has 8 cores and 16 threads. The single-thread test shows Intel ahead by 17.6%, with scores of 3794 and 3128 respectively. That single-thread gap is consistent with the boost clock difference, where Intel reaches 5.40 GHz versus AMD's 4.75 GHz.

Data compression is nearly a tie. Intel edges out AMD with 275828 versus 265920, a 3.6% margin. Random string sorting is similarly close, with Intel at 28227 and AMD at 27804, only 1.5% apart. These two tests suggest that memory-access patterns and cache behavior are comparable in practice, despite the architectural differences.

AMD's two wins are both in specialized workloads. The `passmark_extended_instructions` test shows AMD at 18107 versus Intel's 17099, a 5.9% advantage. This indicates that AMD's Zen 3+ core handles extended instruction sets more efficiently. The `passmark_data_encryption` test also goes to AMD, with 16078 against Intel's 15500, a 3.7% lead. These wins are narrow, and they do not offset Intel's broad dominance across the other nine tests.

The average benchmark scores reflect this imbalance. AMD's average is 43689, which places it in the 88th percentile of all CPUs. Intel's average is 34962, placing it in the 84th percentile. However, this average is skewed by the fact that AMD's PassMark suite includes more of its higher-scoring tests, while Intel's suite includes Cinebench results that are not directly comparable. The head-to-head PassMark tests, where both parts ran the same workloads, tell a clearer story: Intel is faster in the majority of standard compute tasks.

FAQ

Q: Which processor wins more head-to-head benchmark tests?

A: The Intel Core 7 253PTE wins 9 of the 11 shared PassMark tests. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 wins 2 tests, specifically `passmark_extended_instructions` and `passmark_data_encryption`.

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

A: In the `passmark_single_thread` test, Intel scores 3794 versus AMD's 3128, a 17.6% advantage for Intel. This matches the boost clock difference, where Intel reaches 5.40 GHz while AMD peaks at 4.75 GHz.

Q: What is the biggest performance difference in either direction?

A: The largest delta is in `passmark_find_prime_numbers`, where Intel scores 82 and AMD scores 49, giving Intel a 40.2% lead. AMD's largest win is in `passmark_extended_instructions`, with a 5.9% margin.

Q: How do the two compare in multithreaded workloads?

A: Intel leads the `passmark_multithread` test with 25031 against AMD's 20760, a 17.1% difference. This aligns with Intel's higher core count of 10 cores and 20 threads, versus AMD's 8 cores and 16 threads.

Q: Are there any tests where the two are nearly equal?

A: Yes. In `passmark_data_compression`, Intel leads by only 3.6% (275828 vs 265920). In `passmark_random_string_sorting`, the gap is just 1.5% (28227 vs 27804). These are the closest results in the comparison.

Q: What do the overall percentile rankings show?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 170 sits in the 88th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel Core 7 253PTE sits in the 84th percentile. However, this ranking uses different benchmark suites for each part, so the head-to-head tests are more meaningful for direct comparison.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core 7 253PTE is the faster processor for most general-purpose compute tasks. Its wins in integer math, floating-point math, physics, prime-number finding, and multithreaded workloads give it a broad performance advantage. The 33% lead in both floating-point and integer math is substantial, and the 17% lead in single-thread performance makes Intel the better choice for lightly threaded applications.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 is not without merit. It wins in extended instructions and encryption, which may matter for specific software that uses those code paths. Its average benchmark score is higher than Intel's, and its 88th percentile ranking versus Intel's 84th percentile reflects a different overall benchmark profile. However, in the direct head-to-head tests where both parts ran identical workloads, Intel holds the clear majority.

For users who prioritize raw compute throughput, integer-heavy code, or physics simulation, the Intel part is the clear choice. For workloads that rely on extended instruction sets or encryption, the AMD part shows a measurable, though modest, advantage. The Intel part also has a higher boost clock (5.40 GHz vs 4.75 GHz) and more cores (10 vs 8), which explains much of its performance lead.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core 7 253PTE has 10 cores and 20 threads. Base clocks differ significantly: AMD runs at 3.20 GHz, Intel at 1.80 GHz. Boost clocks also differ, with AMD reaching 4.75 GHz and Intel reaching 5.40 GHz.

Thermal design power is another point of separation. The AMD part has a TDP of 35 watts, while the Intel part has a TDP of 45 watts. The socket types are completely different: AMD uses Socket FP7, while Intel uses Socket 1700. The AMD part is a mobile segment processor, while the Intel part is a desktop segment processor.

Cache configurations vary substantially. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 2 MB of L2 per core, and 33 MB of shared L3. The L3 cache difference is notable: 16 MB for AMD versus 33 MB for Intel.

Memory support also differs. AMD supports only DDR5, while Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses. Memory bandwidth favors Intel at 89.6 GB/s versus AMD's 76.8 GB/s. Both support ECC memory. PCIe capabilities differ: AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes, while Intel offers Gen 5 with 16 lanes.

Integrated graphics are different as well. The AMD part uses Radeon 680M, while the Intel part uses UHD Graphics 730. The AMD processor was released on 2025-09-30, and the Intel processor on 2026-03-08. Neither has an unlocked multiplier. The Intel part has a launch MSRP of $384. The production status for both is listed as active.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide is substantial. AMD uses the Zen 3+ architecture with the Rembrandt-R codename, fabricated on a 6 nm process at TSMC. Intel uses the Bartlett Lake codename, fabricated on a 10 nm process at Intel's own foundry. The die size for AMD is 210 mm², while Intel's die size is not recorded.

The core designs differ in both count and structure. AMD's 8 Zen 3+ cores each have 64 KB of L1 and 512 KB of L2, with a shared 16 MB L3. Intel's 10 cores each have 80 KB of L1 and 2 MB of L2, with a shared 33 MB L3. The larger per-core L2 on Intel (2 MB vs 512 KB) is a significant structural difference, as is the larger total L3.

Process technology plays a role in efficiency. AMD's 6 nm TSMC process is denser than Intel's 10 nm process, which may explain why AMD achieves a lower 35-watt TDP despite having a higher base clock. Intel's higher 45-watt TDP likely reflects the larger process node and the higher boost clock.

The memory controller designs differ in their support. AMD is DDR5-only, while Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5. This gives Intel more flexibility in system configuration, though AMD's narrower support may simplify validation. Both support ECC memory, which is typical for workstation-oriented parts.

PCIe generation differs, with AMD on Gen 4 and Intel on Gen 5. Intel's 16 Gen 5 lanes provide higher per-lane bandwidth, while AMD's 20 Gen 4 lanes provide more total lanes. The practical impact depends on the peripheral mix.

The integrated GPU solutions are from different vendors. AMD uses its Radeon 680M, which is based on its RDNA architecture. Intel uses UHD Graphics 730, which is its Xe-based solution. Neither is a high-end GPU, but the AMD part is generally more capable for light graphics workloads. The data does not include synthetic graphics benchmarks, so the comparison here is qualitative.

The release timeline shows Intel arriving later, on 2026-03-08, versus AMD's 2025-09-30. Both are listed as active in production. The part numbers differ: AMD uses 100-000000989, Intel uses SA4QK. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, indicating locked overclocking behavior for both.