AMD Ryzen 7 170 vs Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus Comparison

The benchmark database shows a decisive performance gap between the AMD Ryzen 7 170 and the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus. Across every recorded head-to-head test, the Intel part finishes ahead, often by a wide margin. The Ryzen 7 170 is a mobile-oriented, low-power processor, while the Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is a desktop-class chip with a much higher power envelope and more cores. The data confirms that these two processors are not competing in the same performance tier.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins all 11 head-to-head benchmark comparisons in the database. The largest single-test advantage appears in the prime number search workload, where Intel scores 452 versus AMD's 49, a delta of -89.2 percent. This enormous gap reflects not just core count but also the efficiency of the Intel architecture for integer-heavy, branch-heavy loops.

In multi-threaded workloads, the Intel part is consistently dominant. The PassMark multithread score for Intel is 50,146, compared to 20,760 for AMD, a -58.6 percent delta. The floating-point math test shows an even larger split: Intel posts 159,824 versus AMD's 44,979, a -71.9 percent gap. Physics simulation follows a similar pattern, with Intel at 3,183 and AMD at 890, a -72 percent delta. These results indicate that the Intel processor delivers roughly two to three times the throughput in heavily parallel compute tasks.

Data compression and encryption also favor Intel heavily. In data compression, Intel scores 553,155 against AMD's 265,920, a -51.9 percent delta. Data encryption shows Intel at 41,292 versus AMD's 16,078, a -61.1 percent gap. Extended instruction set performance (likely AVX-512 or similar) gives Intel 42,880 versus AMD's 18,107, a -57.8 percent delta. Random string sorting, a memory-latency sensitive test, shows Intel at 67,209 and AMD at 27,804, a -58.6 percent gap.

The single-thread results are closer but still favor Intel. Intel scores 4,698 in the PassMark single-thread test, while AMD manages 3,128, a -33.4 percent delta. Integer math shows a smaller relative gap: Intel at 123,030 versus AMD's 79,738, a -35.2 percent delta. The overall average benchmark score reflects this: Intel averages 66,159, while AMD averages 43,689. The Intel processor sits at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the AMD part ranks at the 88th percentile.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has an average benchmark score of 66,159, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 averages 43,689.

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

A: The Intel processor scores 4,698 in the PassMark single-thread test, which is 33.4 percent higher than the AMD processor's score of 3,128.

Q: Does the AMD processor win any benchmark category?

A: No. The database records zero wins for the AMD Ryzen 7 170 across all 11 head-to-head tests.

Q: What is the closest benchmark margin between the two?

A: The smallest delta is in integer math, where Intel leads by 35.2 percent (123,030 versus 79,738). The largest margin is in prime number finding, where Intel leads by 89.2 percent (452 versus 49).

Q: How do their CPU percentiles compare?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is at the 93rd percentile of all CPUs, while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 is at the 88th percentile.

Q: Which processor has more threads?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has 18 threads (18 cores), while the AMD Ryzen 7 170 has 16 threads (8 cores).

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from different architectural generations and manufacturing nodes. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 uses the Zen 3+ architecture with the Rembrandt-R codename, built on a 6 nm TSMC process. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus uses the Arrow Lake Refresh codename, based on a 3 nm TSMC process. The Intel part integrates 17,800 million transistors on a 243 mm² die, while the AMD processor's transistor count is not listed, but its die size is 210 mm².

Core configuration differs substantially. The AMD processor has 8 cores and 16 threads, using simultaneous multithreading. The Intel processor has 18 cores and 18 threads, with no multithreading per core. Cache hierarchies are also different. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 30 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core L2 on Intel likely contributes to its strong performance in cache-sensitive workloads.

Memory bandwidth is another clear distinction. AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 76.8 GB/s, while Intel lists 115.2 GB/s. Both support DDR5 and dual-channel memory, and both support ECC memory. The PCIe generation differs: AMD offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only), while Intel offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes (CPU only). The Intel part also has an unlocked multiplier, whereas the AMD multiplier is locked.

Specification Differences

The recorded specifications show several key differences beyond architecture. The AMD Ryzen 7 170 has a base clock of 3.20 GHz and a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus has a base clock of 4.20 GHz and a boost clock of 5.30 GHz. The Intel part runs at a higher clock speed at both ends.

Power consumption differs dramatically. The AMD processor has a TDP of 35 watts, while the Intel processor has a TDP of 125 watts. This explains the performance gap but also indicates very different thermal and power delivery requirements. The AMD processor targets the mobile segment using an AMD Socket FP7. The Intel processor targets the desktop segment using Intel Socket 1851.

Integrated graphics are present only on the AMD processor, which includes a Radeon 680M. The Intel processor lists N/A for integrated graphics, meaning it requires a discrete GPU. The AMD part was released on 2025-09-30, while the Intel part was released on 2026-03-10. The Intel processor has a launch MSRP of $184; no launch MSRP is recorded for the AMD processor.

Where Each One Wins

Based strictly on the benchmark data, the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus wins in every measured category. For multi-threaded compute, the Intel part is the clear choice. Its multithread score of 50,146 is more than double the AMD score of 20,760. For floating-point math, the Intel part delivers 159,824 versus 44,979, making it suitable for scientific computing or rendering workloads that rely on FP32 or FP64 throughput. The physics simulation score of 3,183 versus 890 also points to Intel for simulation or gaming physics.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 does not win any head-to-head test, but its profile suggests a different use case. With a 35-watt TDP and integrated Radeon 680M graphics, the AMD processor fits in power-constrained laptop systems where the Intel desktop part cannot operate. The AMD part also has a lower base clock and boost clock, which reduces peak performance but also lowers heat output. The AMD processor supports the same dual-channel DDR5 memory and ECC, so it can handle memory-intensive tasks, just at a lower absolute throughput.

For single-threaded responsiveness, the Intel part leads by 33.4 percent (4,698 versus 3,128). This affects everyday application responsiveness, but the AMD processor's integrated graphics could make it more suitable for a compact all-in-one system without a separate GPU. The Intel processor has no integrated graphics, so it requires a discrete GPU for any display output.

The Verdict

The benchmark data is unambiguous: the Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus outperforms the AMD Ryzen 7 170 in every recorded test. The Intel part has a higher average score, higher single-thread and multithread scores, and higher percentile ranking. The largest margins are in prime number finding, physics, and floating-point math, where Intel leads by 89.2, 72, and 71.9 percent respectively.

The AMD Ryzen 7 170 should be selected only where its 35-watt TDP and integrated Radeon 680M graphics are required, such as in thin-and-light laptops or fanless designs. The Intel Core Ultra 5 250KF Plus is the better choice for desktop builds with a discrete GPU, where its 125-watt TDP and 18 cores can be fully utilized. The Intel processor's higher clock speeds, larger cache, and Gen 5 PCIe support further reinforce its position. Users who need maximum compute throughput, whether for content creation, data processing, or simulation, should choose the Intel part based on the benchmark results. Users who prioritize portability and low power consumption, and who can accept lower absolute performance, should consider the AMD part. The data does not support any scenario where the AMD processor wins on raw performance.