AMD Ryzen 3 3100U vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data records a decisive victory for the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H across every measured workload. The Intel processor wins all 11 head-to-head comparisons, with the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U failing to secure a single win. The largest margins appear in compute-heavy tasks, while the smallest, though still substantial, gap is in single-thread performance.

The most extreme difference is in the PassMark find prime numbers test, where the Intel part scores 304 against AMD's 18, a delta of 94.1 percent. This indicates a massive advantage in integer-heavy iterative calculations. Floating point math shows a similar pattern: Intel scores 84,067 versus 5,854, a 93 percent delta. Extended instruction workloads favor Intel by 91.1 percent, with scores of 23,906 and 2,116 respectively. Physics simulation results show Intel at 2,697 against AMD's 232, a 91.4 percent gap.

Data compression and integer math both show 86.3 percent deltas. Intel scores 276,539 in compression and 64,934 in integer math, while AMD records 38,455 and 8,873. Encryption workloads show an 86.1 percent delta in favor of Intel, with scores of 21,367 and 1,972. Random string sorting also lands at 86.3 percent, with Intel at 34,082 and AMD at 4,666. Multithread performance shows an 88.3 percent delta, Intel scoring 28,717 versus AMD's 3,348.

The narrowest margin is in single-thread performance, where Intel leads by 61.9 percent, scoring 4,180 against AMD's 1,592. This is still a commanding lead, but it is the one area where the AMD part comes closest to matching its rival on a per-thread basis. The average benchmark score tells the broader story: Intel averages 33,989, while AMD averages 6,247, a difference that places them in entirely different performance classes. The Intel chip sits at the 84th percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the AMD part is at the 62nd percentile.

Architecture Differences

The two processors represent fundamentally different design generations. The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U uses the Picasso codename, built on Zen+ architecture, and is manufactured on a 12 nm process by GlobalFoundries. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H uses the Panther Lake codename, with Panther Lake architecture, and is built on a 3 nm process by Intel. This process node gap, 12 nm versus 3 nm, is a primary driver of the performance disparity, as it allows the Intel chip to pack far more transistors into a similar power envelope.

Core counts differ sharply. The AMD part has 2 cores and 2 threads, while the Intel part has 12 cores and 12 threads. This six-fold increase in core count directly explains the large multithread performance gap. Cache hierarchies also diverge significantly. AMD provides 96 KB of L1 cache per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Intel provides 192 KB of L1 per core, 2.5 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel chip has both larger per-core caches and a substantially larger shared pool.

Memory support differs as well. AMD uses DDR4 memory with a dual-channel bus and 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth. Intel uses LPDDR5X memory with a dual-channel bus and 136.5 GB/s of bandwidth, more than three times the memory bandwidth. This bandwidth advantage supports the Intel chip's higher core count and faster clock speeds in memory-sensitive workloads. PCIe support also differs: AMD offers Gen 3, while Intel offers Gen 5 with 4 lanes available to the CPU.

Integrated graphics represent another generational leap. AMD uses Radeon Vega 8, while Intel uses Arc B370, a newer architecture by several generations. Socket types are incompatible: AMD uses Socket FP5, while Intel uses BGA 2540. The Intel chip also has a higher TDP at 25 watts compared to AMD's 15 watts, which allows for sustained higher performance but also requires more thermal headroom.

Clock speeds show a notable difference in boost capability. Both parts have a 1.90 GHz base clock, but the Intel chip boosts to 4.70 GHz while the AMD chip boosts to 3.20 GHz. This 1.5 GHz boost advantage contributes to the Intel lead in single-thread workloads. Neither processor has an unlocked multiplier, so overclocking is not supported on either platform. ECC memory is not supported on either part.

Where Each One Wins

Based on the recorded benchmark results, the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins in every measurable category. There is no workload in the database where the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U takes the lead. The Intel part dominates single-thread, multithread, integer, floating point, encryption, compression, physics, and sorting workloads. Its 61.9 percent single-thread advantage indicates that even in lightly threaded applications, the Intel chip is substantially faster per core.

The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U does not win any of the 11 head-to-head comparisons, and its average benchmark score of 6,247 places it well below the Intel average of 33,989. The AMD part's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 1950X with an average score of 6,231 and a 0.3 percent delta, the AMD EPYC 7272 with 6,186 and a 1 percent delta, and the Intel Core i9-7940X with 6,147 and a 1.6 percent delta. These comparisons show the Ryzen 3 3100U performing in a range similar to older high-end desktop parts, but still far below the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H.

The Intel part's nearest rivals include the Intel Core Ultra 7 165H with an average score of 34,083 and a negative 0.3 percent delta, the Intel Core i7-12800HX with 33,875 and a 0.3 percent delta, and the Intel Xeon 6353P with 33,844 and a 0.4 percent delta. This places the Core Ultra 5 338H in the upper tier of mobile processors, roughly on par with recent high-end mobile chips and even some server parts.

For users seeking the highest performance in any of the tested categories, the data provides no case for choosing the AMD part. The Intel chip's wins are consistent across all 11 benchmarks, and the deltas range from 61.9 percent to 94.1 percent, all favoring Intel. The only scenario where the AMD part might be considered is one where lower power consumption is paramount, as its 15 watt TDP is lower than the Intel chip's 25 watts, but the performance cost is extreme.

FAQ

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

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H scores 4,180 in the PassMark single-thread test, while the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U scores 1,592. This gives Intel a 61.9 percent advantage.

Q: How do the core counts compare between the two chips?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U has 2 cores and 2 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads. The Intel chip has six times as many cores.

Q: What is the difference in memory bandwidth?

A: The AMD chip supports DDR4 with 38.4 GB/s of bandwidth, while the Intel chip supports LPDDR5X with 136.5 GB/s of bandwidth. Intel's memory bandwidth is more than three times higher.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 18 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U has 4 MB of shared L3 cache. Intel's L3 cache is 4.5 times larger.

Q: What are the boost clock speeds?

A: The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U boosts to 3.20 GHz, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H boosts to 4.70 GHz. Both have a base clock of 1.90 GHz.

Q: Are the processors in the same performance percentile?

A: No. The AMD chip is at the 62nd percentile of all CPUs in the database, while the Intel chip is at the 84th percentile. The Intel chip sits much higher in the overall distribution.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 3 3100U | Intel Core Ultra 5 338H |

|---|---|---|

| Cores | 2 | 12 |

| Threads | 2 | 12 |

| Boost Clock | 3.20 GHz | 4.70 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 25 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP5 | Intel BGA 2540 |

| Codename | Picasso | Panther Lake |

| Architecture | Zen+ | Panther Lake |

| Process Node | 12 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| L1 Cache | 96 KB (per core) | 192 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 2.5 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 4 MB (shared) | 18 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 136.5 GB/s |

| PCIe | Gen 3 | Gen 5, 4 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 | Arc B370 |

The Verdict

The recorded data presents an unambiguous conclusion: the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H outperforms the AMD Ryzen 3 3100U in every benchmark category tracked in the database. With an average benchmark score of 33,989 against 6,247, the Intel chip is in a different performance class entirely. Its 12 cores, 18 MB of L3 cache, 4.70 GHz boost clock, and 136.5 GB/s memory bandwidth collectively deliver results that the AMD part cannot approach.

The AMD Ryzen 3 3100U, with its 2 cores and 3.20 GHz boost clock, is built on an older 12 nm process and older Zen+ architecture. Its performance profile aligns with desktop processors from an earlier era, as shown by its nearest rivals: the Threadripper 1950X and EPYC 7272 are both older server and enthusiast parts with similar average scores. For any application where processing speed matters, the data supports choosing the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H.

The only specification where the AMD part holds an advantage is power consumption, with a 15 watt TDP versus Intel's 25 watts. This lower power draw may be relevant for systems with strict thermal or battery constraints. However, the performance cost is severe: the AMD chip loses every benchmark by at least 61.9 percent and by as much as 94.1 percent. Users who prioritize performance above all else should select the Intel part based on the measured results. Users who require minimal power draw and can tolerate substantially lower performance might consider the AMD chip, but the benchmark data shows no performance scenario where it wins.