AMD Ryzen 5 7400 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data presents an unusually lopsided comparison. Across the eleven recorded head-to-head tests, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus wins every single contest. The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 records zero wins, while Intel claims all eleven. This is not a case of trading blows across different workload types; the Intel part dominates uniformly in every measured category.

The distribution of wins covers the full spectrum of computing tasks. In data compression, the Intel processor scores 568,721 against AMD’s 261,749, a 54% advantage. In floating-point math, the gap widens to 74.9%, with scores of 162,692 versus 40,784. The single-thread test shows Intel ahead by 31.7%, the narrowest margin recorded in the entire set, yet still a decisive victory. Even in the most AMD-favorable area, single-core performance, the Intel part maintains a comfortable lead.

The largest differential appears in prime number generation, where Intel scores 486 against AMD’s 79, an 83.7% deficit for the Ryzen part. This particular workload often responds strongly to clock speed and core count, both of which favor Intel. The data suggests that for users prioritizing raw computational throughput, the Intel processor is the clear choice. For workloads that depend on integer math, encryption, or multi-threaded execution, the pattern remains consistent: Intel wins by margins ranging from 48.3% to 64.7%.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. AMD builds the Ryzen 5 7400 on the Zen 4 architecture, codenamed Raphael, using a 5 nm TSMC process. Intel’s Core Ultra 5 250K Plus uses the Arrow Lake Refresh codename with a 3 nm TSMC node. The process advantage translates directly into transistor density: Intel packs 17,800 million transistors into a 243 mm² die, while AMD uses 6,570 million transistors across a 71 mm² die.

Core configuration diverges sharply. The AMD part offers 6 cores and 12 threads, relying on simultaneous multithreading to double its logical processing capacity. Intel’s design uses 18 cores and 18 threads, with no hyperthreading. This means Intel provides three times the physical core count, while AMD’s thread count advantage per core allows it to extract more work from each physical execution unit. In practice, the raw core count advantage dominates the recorded benchmarks.

Cache hierarchies also differ significantly. AMD allocates 64 KB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 per core, with a shared 16 MB L3 pool. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 and 3 MB of L2 per core, plus a 30 MB shared L3 cache. The larger per-core caches on the Intel side likely contribute to its superior single-thread performance, while the bigger L3 pool helps with multi-threaded data sharing.

Memory bandwidth tells a similar story. Both support dual-channel DDR5, but Intel’s memory bandwidth reaches 115.2 GB/s versus AMD’s 83.2 GB/s. The 38.5% bandwidth advantage aligns with the general performance gap observed across the benchmark suite. PCIe connectivity also differs: AMD offers Gen 5 with 24 CPU lanes, while Intel provides Gen 5 with 20 lanes. Both support ECC memory and have unlocked multipliers.

Clock speeds favor Intel substantially. The base clock on the Intel part is 4.20 GHz with a boost of 5.30 GHz, compared to AMD’s 3.30 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost. This 1 GHz boost advantage helps explain the single-thread results. Power envelopes differ as well, with Intel rated at 125 W TDP versus AMD’s 65 W, reflecting the higher clock speeds and additional cores.

The Verdict

The recorded data points to a decisive conclusion: the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus outperforms the AMD Ryzen 5 7400 across every benchmark in the database. The average benchmark score for Intel stands at 66,855, placing it in the 93rd percentile of all CPUs. AMD’s average of 42,055 puts it in the 88th percentile. The Intel part sits 59% higher in average score, a gap that no workload type in the dataset manages to close.

Intel’s nearest rivals in the database include the AMD EPYC 4465P at 66,925 (0.1% higher), the Intel Xeon 6515P at 67,006 (0.2% higher), and the Intel Core Ultra 9 275HX at 67,469 (0.9% higher). The Core Ultra 5 250K Plus trails these by small margins, indicating it competes at a level typically occupied by server and high-end mobile parts. The only rival it beats is its direct sibling, the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus, which scores 66,159, a 1.1% difference.

AMD’s nearest rivals cluster around its score level: the Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS at 41,963 (0.2% higher), the Core i7-14700T at 41,914 (0.3% higher), and the Core i7-12850HX at 41,779 (0.7% higher). The Core i9-12900K scores 42,335, which is 0.7% higher than the Ryzen 5 7400. This places the AMD part in the company of upper-mid-range and previous-generation high-end processors, while Intel’s part reaches near the top of the database.

For users building a desktop system, the Intel part’s 18 physical cores and 5.30 GHz boost clock deliver superior performance in every recorded metric. The AMD part offers a lower TDP of 65 W versus 125 W, which may appeal to power-conscious builders, but the performance data shows no workload where AMD takes the lead. The Intel part also carries a launch MSRP of $199, while AMD’s launch MSRP is not recorded in the database.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus has 18 cores and 18 threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What is the single-thread performance difference?

A: Intel scores 4,757 in the passmark single-thread test, which is 31.7% higher than AMD’s 3,248.

Q: Do both processors support DDR5 memory?

A: Yes, both support dual-channel DDR5. Intel achieves 115.2 GB/s memory bandwidth, while AMD achieves 83.2 GB/s.

Q: Which processor has a higher boost clock?

A: The Intel part boosts to 5.30 GHz, compared to AMD’s 4.30 GHz boost clock.

Q: What process nodes do these processors use?

A: Intel uses a 3 nm TSMC process with 17,800 million transistors. AMD uses a 5 nm TSMC process with 6,570 million transistors.

Q: How do the average benchmark scores compare?

A: Intel’s average benchmark score is 66,855, placing it in the 93rd percentile. AMD’s average is 42,055, placing it in the 88th percentile.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest margin in the dataset appears in the prime number test. Intel scores 486, AMD scores 79, resulting in an 83.7% deficit for AMD. This extreme gap suggests the Intel processor’s higher clock speed and greater core count provide exceptional performance in integer-heavy workloads that benefit from raw execution throughput.

Floating-point math shows a 74.9% advantage for Intel, with scores of 162,692 versus 40,784. This workload often scales with SIMD width and cache bandwidth, both of which favor the Intel design. Physics simulation follows a similar pattern: Intel leads by 67.1%, scoring 3,494 against AMD’s 1,150.

Data encryption reveals a 64.7% gap, with Intel at 42,144 and AMD at 14,865. Cryptographic workloads typically rely on dedicated instruction extensions and parallel execution, areas where Intel’s newer architecture excels. Extended instructions show a 55.3% advantage for Intel, scoring 44,565 versus 19,924.

Multi-thread performance shows Intel ahead by 57.9%, with scores of 51,596 versus 21,712. This aligns with the core count disparity: 18 physical cores versus 6 physical cores. Random string sorting gives Intel a 55% edge, scoring 69,090 versus 31,110. Data compression shows a 54% advantage, with Intel at 568,721 versus 261,749.

Integer math presents a 48.3% gap, where Intel scores 125,091 and AMD scores 64,733. The single-thread tests show the narrowest margin at 31.7%, with Intel scoring 4,757 against AMD’s 3,248. Even in the category where AMD’s Zen 4 architecture should be most competitive, the Intel part maintains a substantial lead.

Specification Differences

The core and thread counts differ dramatically: Intel provides 18 cores and 18 threads, while AMD offers 6 cores and 12 threads. Clock speeds favor Intel with a 4.20 GHz base and 5.30 GHz boost, against AMD’s 3.30 GHz base and 4.30 GHz boost. Power consumption differs accordingly: Intel is rated at 125 W TDP, AMD at 65 W.

Socket compatibility separates the platforms: Intel uses Socket 1851, AMD uses Socket AM5. Process technology differs with Intel on 3 nm and AMD on 5 nm, both fabricated by TSMC. Transistor counts show Intel at 17,800 million, AMD at 6,570 million, with die sizes of 243 mm² and 71 mm² respectively.

Cache configurations vary across all levels. Intel provides 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3. AMD provides 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. Memory bandwidth favors Intel at 115.2 GB/s versus AMD’s 83.2 GB/s, though both support dual-channel DDR5 and ECC memory.

PCIe lane counts differ: AMD offers Gen 5 with 24 CPU lanes, Intel offers Gen 5 with 20 CPU lanes. Integrated graphics also differ: AMD uses Radeon Graphics, Intel uses Arc Xe-LPG Graphics 64EU. Both processors have unlocked multipliers. Release dates show AMD launched in September 2025, while Intel followed in March 2026. The Intel part lists a launch MSRP of $199; AMD’s launch MSRP is not recorded.