AMD Ryzen 7 9700F vs Intel Core Ultra 5 338H Comparison

Where Each One Wins

The recorded benchmark data splits the two processors into distinct usage profiles. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F takes 8 of 11 head-to-head tests, establishing itself as the stronger all-around compute part, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins in 3 specific workloads that favor its architectural design.

The AMD processor dominates in data compression with a score of 421,988 against 276,539, a 52.6% advantage. This pattern repeats across integer math, where the AMD part scores 120,788 versus 64,934, an 86% lead, the largest margin in the entire comparison. Random string sorting also favors AMD by 34.6% (45,890 vs. 34,082), and extended instructions show a 40.9% gap (33,688 vs. 23,906). These results indicate a processor that excels in structured, throughput-oriented tasks that scale with core count and thread execution.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H counters in three areas. It scores 304 in find prime numbers versus AMD's 183, a 39.8% advantage, suggesting superior performance in algorithms with irregular memory access or branch-heavy patterns. Floating-point math favors Intel by 7.3% (84,067 vs. 77,955), and the physics test shows a 21.3% lead for Intel (2,697 vs. 2,122). These wins point to strengths in scientific simulation and physics-based calculations where floating-point throughput and specialized instruction paths matter more than raw integer throughput.

The multithread test, a general proxy for parallel workload capability, goes to AMD with 36,470 versus 28,717, a 27% margin. Single-thread performance also favors AMD at 4,691 versus 4,180, a 12.2% lead. The data compression and encryption results reinforce the AMD part's position: encryption is nearly identical at 21,488 vs. 21,367 (0.6% difference), making it the closest contest in the dataset.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies and manufacturing processes. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F is built on Zen 5 architecture with the Granite Ridge codename, using a 4 nm process from TSMC. It packs 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 3.80 GHz and a boost clock of 5.50 GHz. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H uses Panther Lake architecture with a 3 nm process from Intel's own foundry, featuring 12 cores but only 12 threads, indicating no hyperthreading. Its base clock is 1.90 GHz with a boost of 4.70 GHz.

Cache layouts differ substantially. The AMD chip allocates 80 KB of L1 per core and 1 MB of L2 per core, with a shared 32 MB L3 pool. The Intel part uses 192 KB of L1 per core and 2.5 MB of L2 per core, but only 18 MB of shared L3. The larger L3 on AMD helps with data reuse across cores, while Intel's larger per-core L2 favors localized working sets.

Memory support separates them clearly. AMD uses DDR5 with dual-channel access and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth, plus ECC support. Intel uses LPDDR5X with dual-channel access and 136.5 GB/s bandwidth, without ECC. The higher bandwidth on Intel could explain its floating-point advantage, as memory-bound workloads benefit from faster data movement. PCIe lanes also differ: AMD provides Gen 5 with 24 lanes, while Intel offers Gen 5 with only 4 lanes. The AMD processor includes no integrated graphics, whereas the Intel part ships with Arc B370 integrated graphics.

The TDP figures reflect their intended markets. AMD lists 65 watts for a desktop socket (AM5), while Intel lists 25 watts for a mobile BGA 2540 package. The Intel processor targets mobile devices, evidenced by its lower power envelope and integrated graphics, while the AMD chip is a desktop part with a higher power budget and no iGPU. The AMD processor has an unlocked multiplier; the Intel part does not.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear split based on workload and platform constraints. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F is the superior choice for desktop users who prioritize multithreaded compute, integer-heavy tasks, data compression, and single-thread responsiveness. Its 27% multithread lead, 86% integer math advantage, and 12.2% single-thread edge make it the better processor for general productivity, software compilation, and database operations. The 94th percentile ranking among all CPUs, compared to Intel's 84th, reinforces its overall standing.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H, while lower in average benchmark score (33,989 vs. 69,996), wins in physics simulations, floating-point math, and prime-number finding. These are specialized but important niches. Its 136.5 GB/s memory bandwidth and 3 nm process give it advantages in memory-bound and floating-point workloads. The 25 watt TDP and integrated Arc B370 graphics make it suitable for compact mobile systems where power efficiency and GPU output matter. The 84th percentile ranking places it in solid mid-to-upper tier territory, but the average score gap of over 100% indicates it cannot match the AMD part in sustained heavy compute.

For a desktop build requiring maximum throughput across diverse workloads, the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F is the data-supported pick. For a mobile platform with modest power limits and a need for integrated graphics, the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H serves that role, though its compute ceiling is lower. There is no universal winner from the recorded measurements; the choice depends entirely on the deployment context.

FAQ

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

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F scores 4,691 in the PassMark single-thread test, which is 12.2% higher than the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H's 4,180.

Q: How large is the gap in multithread performance?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F scores 36,470 in the multithread test, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H scores 28,717. This gives AMD a 27% advantage.

Q: Does the Intel processor have integrated graphics?

A: Yes, the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H includes Arc B370 integrated graphics. The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F has no integrated graphics at all.

Q: What memory types do the two processors support?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F supports DDR5 with dual-channel access and 89.6 GB/s bandwidth. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H supports LPDDR5X with dual-channel access and 136.5 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: Which processor wins in floating-point math?

A: The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H wins in floating-point math with a score of 84,067, which is 7.3% higher than the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F's 77,955.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H has 12 cores and 12 threads.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The largest victory in the comparison belongs to the AMD Ryzen 7 9700F in integer math. The score of 120,788 versus 64,934 represents an 86% delta, a decisive margin that reflects the AMD part's 8 cores with simultaneous multithreading versus Intel's 12 cores without it. The 16 threads allow AMD to extract more parallelism from integer-heavy code, which is common in office applications, financial modeling, and general-purpose computing.

Data compression shows a 52.6% lead for AMD (421,988 vs. 276,539). This test relies heavily on memory hierarchy and cache behavior, and the AMD processor's 32 MB shared L3 cache provides ample room for compression dictionaries and working sets. The Intel part's 18 MB L3 is smaller, likely contributing to the large gap.

Extended instructions follow with a 40.9% advantage for AMD (33,688 vs. 23,906). This benchmark measures performance on vectorized and specialized instruction sets, where Zen 5's implementation delivers higher throughput. Random string sorting gives AMD a 34.6% win (45,890 vs. 34,082), a task dominated by pointer chasing and memory access patterns.

The multithread test shows AMD ahead by 27% (36,470 vs. 28,717). This aggregate metric captures overall parallel capability, and the AMD processor's thread count advantage is evident. Single-thread performance favors AMD by 12.2% (4,691 vs. 4,180), indicating a higher IPC or clock advantage at the boost frequency of 5.50 GHz versus 4.70 GHz.

The Intel Core Ultra 5 338H takes the remaining wins. Find prime numbers shows a 39.8% edge for Intel (304 vs. 183). This workload involves modular arithmetic and repeated division, where the Intel architecture's execution units appear better suited. Physics simulation gives Intel a 21.3% lead (2,697 vs. 2,122), and floating-point math adds a 7.3% win (84,067 vs. 77,955). The encryption test is essentially a tie, with AMD ahead by only 0.6% (21,488 vs. 21,367), making it the closest benchmark in the dataset.

Specification Differences

The AMD Ryzen 7 9700F uses 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core Ultra 5 338H uses 12 cores and 12 threads. Base clocks differ significantly: AMD runs at 3.80 GHz, Intel at 1.90 GHz. Boost clocks are 5.50 GHz for AMD and 4.70 GHz for Intel. The TDP is 65 watts for AMD and 25 watts for Intel.

The socket types reflect their platforms: AMD uses Socket AM5, Intel uses BGA 2540. Process nodes differ, with AMD on 4 nm TSMC and Intel on 3 nm Intel. Cache allocation varies, with AMD providing 80 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 per core plus 32 MB L3, while Intel provides 192 KB L1 and 2.5 MB L2 per core plus 18 MB L3.

Memory support splits by type: AMD uses DDR5 with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth, Intel uses LPDDR5X with 136.5 GB/s bandwidth. Both use dual-channel memory buses. ECC support exists only on the AMD processor. PCIe lane counts differ: AMD offers 24 Gen 5 lanes, Intel offers 4 Gen 5 lanes. The AMD part has no integrated graphics; the Intel part includes Arc B370. The AMD multiplier is unlocked; the Intel multiplier is locked. The AMD processor launched at an MSRP of $289; the Intel part has no recorded launch MSRP.