AMD Ryzen 5 150 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a complete sweep for the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus across all eleven head-to-head PassMark tests. The AMD Ryzen 5 150 does not win a single comparison, while Intel takes every category with substantial margins.

The largest gap appears in the prime number search test, where Intel scores 452 against AMD's 47, a delta of -89.6% for the AMD part. This indicates a massive advantage in pure integer iteration and branch-heavy workloads. Floating point math follows closely, with Intel at 159824 versus AMD at 35118, a -78% delta. Physics simulation shows a similar pattern: Intel scores 3183, AMD scores 806, a -74.7% difference.

Data encryption is another decisive win for Intel, scoring 41292 against AMD's 13425, a -67.5% delta. Extended instructions show Intel at 42880 versus AMD at 14675, a -65.8% gap. Random string sorting goes to Intel at 67209 against AMD's 22382, a -66.7% delta. Multithreaded performance shows Intel at 50146 versus AMD's 17492, a -65.1% difference.

Data compression results put Intel at 553155 versus AMD's 211289, a -61.8% delta. Integer math is the closest of the heavy workloads, with Intel at 123030 and AMD at 62151, a -49.5% gap. The single-thread tests show the smallest relative difference, but Intel still leads clearly: 4698 versus 3155, a -32.8% delta.

The average benchmark score tells the same story. Intel's average is 66159, while AMD's is 34881. Intel sits at the 93rd percentile among all CPUs in the database, whereas AMD sits at the 84th percentile. Intel's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D with a delta of +0.4% in Intel's favor, and the Intel Core Ultra 5 250K Plus, where the KF Plus trails by -1%. AMD's nearest rivals are all Intel parts, including the Core i9-12900HX and Core i7-13800H, each within -0.3% of AMD's score.

The Verdict

The data indicates that the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the stronger processor in every measured benchmark category. Any workload that benefits from raw compute throughput, whether single-threaded or multi-threaded, will favor Intel. The multithread score of 50146 compared to 17492 is not a marginal lead; it is a fundamental performance class difference.

AMD's Ryzen 5 150 still has a place in the database, but its role is defined by factors other than PassMark performance. It is a 35-watt mobile part with integrated Radeon 660M graphics, which means it can operate in systems where a discrete GPU is not present. Intel's part has no integrated graphics, listed as N/A, so it requires a separate graphics card.

For a desktop builder who already has a GPU and wants maximum compute performance, the Intel part is the clear choice based on the recorded scores. The Intel part also holds a higher percentile rank, 93 versus 84, meaning it outperforms a larger share of the CPU population in the database.

The AMD part is not competitive in raw speed, but its lower power envelope and integrated graphics make it suitable for compact or low-power systems. The data does not suggest any scenario where AMD wins on performance, only on platform characteristics.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different design philosophies. AMD uses the Zen 3+ architecture, codenamed Rembrandt-R, built on a 6 nm TSMC process. Intel uses Arrow Lake Refresh, part of the Core Ultra Series 2, built on a 3 nm TSMC process. The process node difference is significant: 6 nm versus 3 nm, which contributes to Intel's higher transistor density and efficiency in raw throughput.

Intel's die size is 243 mm², while AMD's is 210 mm². Intel packs 17,800 million transistors into that space. AMD's transistor count is not recorded in the database. Intel's newer process node allows for a much larger core count: 18 cores and 18 threads, while AMD offers 6 cores and 12 threads. Intel's threads equal its cores, meaning no hyperthreading is present, whereas AMD uses simultaneous multithreading to double its 6 cores to 12 threads.

Cache hierarchies differ substantially. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel's L2 is six times larger per core, which helps with data locality and reduces reliance on L3. The L3 total is nearly double on Intel.

Both support DDR5 memory in dual-channel mode, but Intel's memory bandwidth is higher at 115.2 GB/s versus AMD's 76.8 GB/s. Intel also supports ECC memory, while AMD does not. PCIe connectivity differs: Intel offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes, while AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes. Intel's Gen 5 support doubles the theoretical bandwidth per lane.

Clock speeds favor Intel as well. Intel has a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. AMD has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 4.55 GHz. The base clock difference alone is 0.9 GHz, which explains part of Intel's single-thread advantage in the PassMark results.

Intel's multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking. AMD's multiplier is locked. Intel's socket is Socket 1851, while AMD uses Socket FP7. Intel is a desktop part, while AMD is a mobile part. Intel's TDP is 125 watts, while AMD's is 35 watts. That power envelope difference is consistent with their intended market segments.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher single-thread score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus scores 4698 in the PassMark single-thread test, while the AMD Ryzen 5 150 scores 3155. Intel leads by -32.8% delta from AMD's perspective.

Q: Does the AMD processor include integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 5 150 includes Radeon 660M integrated graphics. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus lists integrated graphics as N/A, meaning it has none.

Q: What is the memory bandwidth difference?

A: The Intel processor supports 115.2 GB/s of memory bandwidth, while the AMD processor supports 76.8 GB/s. Both use dual-channel DDR5.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus supports ECC memory. The AMD Ryzen 5 150 does not.

Q: How do the core counts differ?

A: The Intel processor has 18 cores and 18 threads. The AMD processor has 6 cores and 12 threads. Intel has no hyperthreading, while AMD uses simultaneous multithreading.

Q: What is the process node for each?

A: The Intel processor uses a 3 nm TSMC process. The AMD processor uses a 6 nm TSMC process.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins in every recorded benchmark category. The data shows no exceptions. For workloads involving data compression, encryption, extended instruction sets, prime number computation, floating point math, integer math, multithreading, physics simulation, random string sorting, and single-threaded tasks, Intel delivers a higher score. The multithread gap of -65.1% delta is especially relevant for rendering, compilation, and scientific computing. The floating point advantage of -78% delta matters for simulation and numerical analysis.

The AMD Ryzen 5 150 does not win any benchmark, but its strengths lie in platform attributes rather than PassMark scores. It is a mobile processor with a 35 TDP, which allows deployment in thin-and-light systems. Its integrated Radeon 660M graphics removes the need for a separate GPU in basic display tasks. Its socket, AMD Socket FP7, targets laptop and compact motherboard designs. The lower power draw is its defining feature.

The Intel part is a desktop processor with a 125 TDP, requiring a dedicated cooling solution and a discrete GPU. Its 20 PCIe Gen 5 lanes provide high-bandwidth connectivity for modern expansion cards. Its unlocked multiplier permits overclocking for users who want to push beyond stock boost clocks. The ECC memory support suits workstation or server-adjacent builds where data integrity is prioritized.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ in nearly every core specification. Intel has 18 cores and 18 threads, while AMD has 6 cores and 12 threads. Intel's base clock is 4.20 GHz, AMD's is 3.30 GHz. Intel's boost clock is 5.30 GHz, AMD's is 4.55 GHz. Intel's TDP is 125 watts, AMD's is 35 watts.

Intel uses Socket 1851, AMD uses Socket FP7. Intel's architecture is Arrow Lake Refresh, AMD's is Zen 3+ with the codename Rembrandt-R. Intel is built on a 3 nm process, AMD on a 6 nm process, both from TSMC. Intel's die size is 243 mm², AMD's is 210 mm². Intel's transistor count is 17,800 million, AMD's is not recorded.

Cache configurations diverge sharply. Intel has 192 KB L1 per core, 3 MB L2 per core, and 30 MB shared L3. AMD has 64 KB L1 per core, 512 KB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. Intel's memory bandwidth is 115.2 GB/s, AMD's is 76.8 GB/s. Intel supports ECC memory, AMD does not. Intel offers PCIe Gen 5 with 20 lanes, AMD offers PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes.

Intel has no integrated graphics, while AMD includes Radeon 660M. Intel's multiplier is unlocked, AMD's is locked. Intel is a desktop part, AMD is a mobile part. Intel's launch MSRP is $184, AMD has no recorded launch MSRP. Intel's release date is later in the database, and its part number is SA4V3, while AMD's is 100-000000990(FP7r2).