AMD Ryzen 5 3501U vs Intel Core Ultra X7 358H Comparison

AMD Ryzen 5 3501U and Intel Core Ultra X7 358H represent two very different approaches to mobile computing. The Ryzen 5 3501U is a 4-core, 4-thread processor built on a mature 12 nm process, while the Core Ultra X7 358H is a 16-core, 16-thread processor on Intel's latest 3 nm node. The benchmark data reveals a decisive performance gap, with the Intel part winning all 11 head-to-head comparisons. However, the Ryzen's role is clearly defined by its efficiency and lower power envelope, making it suitable for specific workloads.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H wins every benchmark category recorded in the database. Its most dominant victory comes in the passmark_find_prime_numbers test, where it delivers a score of 337 compared to the Ryzen's 21, a 93.8% advantage. This indicates a massive lead in integer-heavy, single-threaded processing tasks. The Intel processor also shows overwhelming strength in passmark_extended_instructions, scoring 27274 versus 3274 (an 88% gap), demonstrating its superiority in workloads that utilize advanced SIMD and crypto instructions.

The Ryzen 5 3501U, while losing all comparisons, still holds a clear purpose. Its 15 W TDP and 4-core design place it in the efficiency segment, where the data shows it competes with similar power-constrained parts. Its average benchmark score of 14320 places it in the 69th percentile of all CPUs, while the Intel part sits at the 87th percentile with an average score of 40967. For users prioritizing battery life and low heat output over raw performance, the Ryzen's architecture is purpose-built. The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H, with a 25 W TDP, is designed for performance-oriented ultrabooks and compact workstations where the additional compute capacity justifies the higher power draw.

The use-case split is stark: the Intel processor is the clear choice for content creation, software compilation, and any multi-threaded workload, while the Ryzen 5 3501U serves in lightweight tasks like web browsing, document editing, and media consumption where its 4 cores and 15 W envelope are sufficient.

Architecture Differences

The fundamental architectural divergence is visible in every specification. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U uses the Picasso codename, representing the Zen+ microarchitecture, fabricated on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries with 4,940 million transistors on a 210 mm² die. It features 4 cores and 4 threads, with a base clock of 2.10 GHz and a boost clock of 3.70 GHz. The cache hierarchy includes 96 KB of L1 per core, 512 KB of L2 per core, and a shared 4 MB L3 cache.

The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H uses the Panther Lake codename, representing the latest Core Ultra Series 3 generation, built on Intel's 3 nm process. It features 16 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 1.90 GHz and a boost clock of 4.80 GHz. The cache layout is significantly more generous: 192 KB of L1 per core, 3 MB of L2 per core, and 18 MB of shared L3 cache. This larger cache hierarchy is critical for the Intel part's performance advantage, as it reduces memory latency and improves data throughput.

Memory support differs substantially. The Ryzen 5 3501U supports dual-channel DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H supports dual-channel LPDDR5X with a much higher 153.6 GB/s bandwidth, a 4x increase that directly benefits memory-intensive applications. The Intel part also features PCIe Gen 5 with 4 lanes (CPU only), while the Ryzen uses PCIe Gen 3. The integrated graphics differ as well: the Ryzen uses Radeon Vega 8, while the Intel part uses Arc B390. Both are active production parts, with the Ryzen released later in the database (May 2026) compared to the Intel (January 2026).

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The benchmark data shows a comprehensive Intel victory across all 11 recorded tests. The smallest margin is in passmark_single_thread, where Intel scores 4124 against AMD's 2136, a 48.2% difference. This is still a substantial lead, indicating that Intel's newer architecture and higher boost clock (4.80 GHz vs 3.70 GHz) deliver superior per-core performance.

In multi-threaded workloads, the gap widens dramatically. The passmark_multithread test shows Intel scoring 33802 versus 7071, a 79.1% advantage. This is expected given the 4x core count difference (16 vs 4). The passmark_data_compression test shows Intel at 332508 versus 87380, a 73.7% lead, highlighting the Intel part's ability to handle data-heavy tasks. The passmark_floating_point_math test shows Intel at 103842 versus 12707, an 87.8% advantage, while passmark_integer_math shows 83147 versus 26321, a 68.3% lead.

The most extreme results are in passmark_find_prime_numbers (93.8% delta) and passmark_extended_instructions (88% delta). These tests are particularly sensitive to clock speed, cache size, and instruction set efficiency, all areas where the Intel part has clear architectural advantages. The passmark_physics score of 3021 versus 483 (84% delta) reinforces the Intel part's dominance in simulation and physics-based workloads.

The database also shows the Intel part's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen AI 5 PRO 440 and Intel Core Ultra 7 356H, with average scores within 0.6% of the Core Ultra X7 358H. The Ryzen 5 3501U's nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen Embedded V2546 and AMD Ryzen 3 7320C, all within 1% of its average score. This contextualizes the performance tiers: the Intel part competes with modern AI-enabled processors, while the Ryzen 5 3501U sits alongside older or more power-efficient designs.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H has an average benchmark score of 40967, compared to the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U's 14320. The Intel part sits in the 87th percentile of all CPUs, while the Ryzen is in the 69th percentile.

Q: What is the difference in core and thread counts?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H has 16 cores and 16 threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 cores and 4 threads. This 4x core count difference is a primary factor in the Intel part's multi-threaded performance lead.

Q: How do the processors compare in single-threaded performance?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H scores 4124 in passmark_single_thread, while the AMD Ryzen 5 3501U scores 2136. This represents a 48.2% advantage for the Intel part, driven by its higher 4.80 GHz boost clock versus 3.70 GHz on the Ryzen.

Q: Which processor supports faster memory?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H supports LPDDR5X with a memory bandwidth of 153.6 GB/s. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U supports DDR4 with a memory bandwidth of 38.4 GB/s. The Intel part's memory bandwidth is 4x higher.

Q: What are the process nodes for each processor?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H is fabricated on a 3 nm process at Intel. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U is fabricated on a 12 nm process at GlobalFoundries. The smaller process node contributes to the Intel part's higher transistor density and efficiency.

Q: Which processor has a larger L3 cache?

A: The Intel Core Ultra X7 358H has 18 MB of shared L3 cache. The AMD Ryzen 5 3501U has 4 MB of shared L3 cache. The Intel part's larger cache is a key factor in its performance advantage.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 5 3501U | Intel Core Ultra X7 358H |

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

| Series | 3000 series | Core Ultra Series 3 |

| Codename | Picasso | Panther Lake |

| Generation | Ryzen 5 (Zen+ (Picasso)) | Ultra X7 (Panther Lake-H) |

| Process Node | 12 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | GlobalFoundries | Intel |

| Cores | 4 | 16 |

| Threads | 4 | 16 |

| Base Clock | 2.10 GHz | 1.90 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 3.70 GHz | 4.80 GHz |

| TDP | 15 W | 25 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP5 | Intel BGA 2540 |

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

| L2 Cache | 512 KB (per core) | 3 MB (per core) |

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

| Memory Support | DDR4 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bandwidth | 38.4 GB/s | 153.6 GB/s |

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

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Vega 8 | Arc B390 |

| Part Number | YM3501C4T4MFG | SA4RAQ9ET |

| Release Date | 2026-05-31 | 2026-01-04 |

The specification table confirms the architectural generational gap. The Intel part uses a newer process, more cores, larger caches, and faster memory. The Ryzen 5 3501U's only advantage is its lower TDP of 15 W versus 25 W, which translates to lower power consumption and potentially longer battery life in thin-and-light laptops. Both processors are active production parts, with no multiplier unlock available on either, and both lack ECC memory support. The benchmark data shows that the Intel Core Ultra X7 358H is in a different performance class, as reflected by its nearest rivals being AI-enabled processors, while the Ryzen 5 3501U competes with embedded and older mobile parts.