Intel Processor U302L vs NVIDIA DGX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) Comparison

FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts of the Intel Processor U302L and the NVIDIA DGX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B)?

A: The Intel Processor U302L has 5 cores and 6 threads. The NVIDIA DGX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) has 20 cores and 20 threads.

Q: How do the clock speeds compare between the two processors?

A: The Intel Processor U302L has a base clock of 1.20 GHz and a boost clock of 2.40 GHz. The NVIDIA DGX Spark runs at a base clock of 2.80 GHz and a boost clock of 4.00 GHz.

Q: What process nodes do the two chips use, and who manufactures them?

A: The Intel Processor U302L uses a 10 nm process node from Intel. The NVIDIA DGX Spark uses a 3 nm process node from TSMC.

Q: What memory types do the two processors support?

A: The Intel Processor U302L supports DDR4 and DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus. The NVIDIA DGX Spark supports LPDDR5X memory with a quad-channel bus and delivers a memory bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s.

Q: Do either of these processors support ECC memory?

A: Neither the Intel Processor U302L nor the NVIDIA DGX Spark supports ECC memory.

Q: What is the production status and market segment for each processor?

A: Both processors are listed as Active in production status and target the Mobile market segment.

Architecture Differences

The Intel Processor U302L and the NVIDIA DGX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) represent fundamentally different design approaches. The Intel chip is built on the Raptor Lake architecture, specifically the Raptor Lake-PS codename, and belongs to the Intel Processor (Raptor Lake) generation. It uses a 10 nm process node fabricated by Intel. In contrast, the NVIDIA DGX Spark is based on the GB10 codename, part of the Spark (GB10) generation, and uses a 3 nm process node from TSMC. The die size for the NVIDIA chip is 208 mm², while the Intel chip has no recorded die size.

The core configurations diverge sharply. The Intel Processor U302L packs 5 cores and 6 threads, indicating a hybrid layout where one core likely handles two threads while the remaining cores are single-threaded. The NVIDIA DGX Spark uses 20 cores and 20 threads, meaning every core operates as a single thread with no simultaneous multithreading. This difference in thread-to-core ratio affects how workloads scale under parallel processing.

Cache hierarchies also differ. The Intel chip allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core and 1.25 MB of L2 cache per core, with a shared 10 MB L3 cache. The NVIDIA chip provides 128 KB of L1 per core and 2 MB of L2 per core, but only 8 MB of shared L3 cache. While the NVIDIA chip has larger per-core caches, its total L3 is smaller than the Intel chip's shared pool.

The integrated graphics solutions are distinct. The Intel Processor U302L uses UHD Graphics 80EU, while the NVIDIA DGX Spark integrates GB20B "Blackwell" graphics. The NVIDIA chip also carries a significantly higher thermal design power (TDP) of 140 watts compared to the Intel chip's 15 watts, reflecting the larger core count and higher clocks.

The Intel chip uses an Intel Socket 1700 and supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes (CPU only). The NVIDIA chip has no recorded socket and lists PCIe as N/A, indicating a different platform integration approach. Memory support follows different paths: the Intel chip uses DDR4 or DDR5 with a dual-channel bus, while the NVIDIA chip uses LPDDR5X with a quad-channel bus and a recorded memory bandwidth of 273.1 GB/s.

Release dates show a timing gap. The Intel Processor U302L launched on 2024-04-07T17:00:00.000Z, while the NVIDIA DGX Spark launched on 2025-10-14T17:00:00.000Z. The part numbers are SRPKGQ5CX for Intel and DSE1-275-A1 for NVIDIA.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded database contains no benchmark scores for either processor, with both having an average benchmark score of 0 and zero entries in the headToHeadBenchmarks field. Similarly, the winsA and winsB counts are both 0. The percentileVsAllCpus for both chips is 50, placing them at the same relative position against all CPUs in the database.

Without direct benchmark measurements, the analysis relies on the recorded architectural specifications. The NVIDIA DGX Spark holds clear advantages in raw compute resources. Its 20 cores represent a 4x increase over the Intel Processor U302L's 5 cores. Thread count shows a 3.33x advantage, with 20 threads versus 6 threads. Clock speeds favor the NVIDIA chip as well: base clock of 2.80 GHz versus 1.20 GHz, and boost clock of 4.00 GHz versus 2.40 GHz. The boost clock differential is 1.60 GHz, which translates to a 66.7% higher boost frequency.

Memory bandwidth is another area where the NVIDIA chip dominates. The quad-channel LPDDR5X configuration delivers 273.1 GB/s, while the Intel chip's dual-channel DDR4/DDR5 support has no recorded bandwidth figure. The process node difference also matters: the 3 nm TSMC process versus Intel's 10 nm process allows for higher transistor density and better power efficiency per unit of work, though the TDP of 140 watts for the NVIDIA chip indicates it consumes far more total power.

The Intel Processor U302L counters with a much lower TDP of 15 watts. This represents an 89.3% reduction in power draw compared to the NVIDIA chip's 140 watts. For thermally constrained or battery-powered mobile devices, this difference is substantial. The Intel chip also offers a larger shared L3 cache of 10 MB versus 8 MB on the NVIDIA chip, a 25% advantage in total L3 capacity. Additionally, the Intel chip supports PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes, while the NVIDIA chip records PCIe as N/A, suggesting the Intel platform offers standard expansion connectivity that the NVIDIA platform may lack.

The launch MSRP values are part of the database. The Intel Processor U302L carries a launch MSRP of $285, while the NVIDIA DGX Spark has a launch MSRP of $3999. These figures appear only as stated values and do not imply any performance-per-cost analysis.

The Verdict

The data indicates two processors with entirely different design goals. The NVIDIA DGX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) targets workloads that demand high parallel throughput. Its 20 cores, 20 threads, 2.80 GHz base clock, and 4.00 GHz boost clock provide 4x the core count and 3.33x the thread count of the Intel Processor U302L. The 3 nm TSMC process node and 273.1 GB/s memory bandwidth further support memory-intensive and compute-heavy tasks. The 140 watt TDP shows this chip expects substantial power delivery, which aligns with a high-performance mobile platform.

The Intel Processor U302L targets efficiency and lower power envelopes. Its 15 watt TDP is 89.3% lower than the NVIDIA chip's 140 watt rating. The 5 cores and 6 threads, along with a 1.20 GHz base clock and 2.40 GHz boost clock, deliver modest computing capability. The 10 MB shared L3 cache provides a 25% capacity advantage over the NVIDIA chip's 8 MB L3. The Intel chip also supports standard DDR4 or DDR5 memory over a dual-channel bus, plus PCIe Gen 4 with 8 lanes.

For users who prioritize maximum multi-core performance, the NVIDIA DGX Spark is the clear choice based on core count, thread count, and clock speeds. The 20 cores and 20 threads mean it can process more simultaneous instruction streams. The 4.00 GHz boost clock provides high single-thread speed as well. The 273.1 GB/s memory bandwidth supports data-heavy applications that would bottleneck on a dual-channel memory bus.

For users who prioritize low power consumption or operate in thermally constrained environments, the Intel Processor U302L is more suitable. The 15 watt TDP versus 140 watts means substantially less heat generation and longer battery life potential. The L3 cache advantage and standard PCIe connectivity add practical benefits for certain embedded or mobile designs.

Neither chip has a recorded benchmark score, so the analysis cannot rank them on actual measured performance. The percentileVsAllCpus of 50 for both chips indicates equal relative standing in the database, but this value is based on no benchmark data. The production status for both is Active, confirming both are currently available in the market.

Specification Differences

| Specification | Intel Processor U302L | NVIDIA DGX Spark (MediaTek AHJ11488B) |

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

| Cores | 5 | 20 |

| Threads | 6 | 20 |

| Base Clock | 1.20 GHz | 2.80 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 2.40 GHz | 4.00 GHz |

| TDP | 15 watts | 140 watts |

| Socket | Intel Socket 1700 | Not recorded |

| Architecture | Raptor Lake | Not recorded |

| Codename | Raptor Lake-PS | GB10 |

| Generation | Intel Processor (Raptor Lake) | Spark (GB10) |

| Process Node | 10 nm | 3 nm |

| Foundry | Intel | TSMC |

| Die Size | Not recorded | 208 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 80 KB (per core) | 128 KB (per core) |

| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core) | 2 MB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 10 MB (shared) | 8 MB (shared) |

| Memory Support | DDR4, DDR5 | LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | Not recorded | 273.1 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | No | No |

| PCIe | Gen 4, 8 Lanes (CPU only) | N/A |

| Integrated Graphics | UHD Graphics 80EU | GB20B "Blackwell" |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Mobile |

| Production Status | Active | Active |

| Release Date | 2024-04-07T17:00:00.000Z | 2025-10-14T17:00:00.000Z |

| Launch MSRP | $285 | $3999 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | No |

| Part Number | SRPKGQ5CX | DSE1-275-A1 |

| Manufacturer | Intel | Unknown |