AMD recently released internal benchmarks comparing its Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 processor against Intel’s Core Ultra 7 258V, revealing a significant performance advantage for AMD’s top-tier thin-and-light laptop CPU. Let’s delve into the specifics of this comparison.
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 boasts 12 cores (four Zen 5 and eight Zen 5c cores), 24 threads, 36MB of combined cache, and a maximum clock speed of 5.1GHz, with a configurable TDP between 15W and 54W. In contrast, the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V features eight cores (four performance and four efficiency cores), eight threads, a 4.8GHz max frequency, 12MB of cache, and a TDP ranging from 17W to 37W. Both processors include a Neural Processing Unit (NPU), with AMD’s offering 50 TOPS compared to Intel’s 47 TOPS.
Benchmark comparison between the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V.
AMD Claims Significant Performance Gains in Gaming
AMD’s benchmarks, conducted across various games, demonstrate a substantial performance advantage for the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370. The company asserts an average 75% performance lead over Intel, evidenced by significant frame rate improvements in titles like F1 24 and Forza Horizon 5, exceeding 50 fps at 1080p resolution with medium settings.
These tests leveraged each vendor’s performance-enhancing technologies, including AMD’s FSR 3 and HYPR-RX, and Intel’s equivalent offerings. Subsequent comparisons also evaluated native performance against FSR 3 and Intel’s XeSS upscaling technology.
Benchmark comparison of Intel and AMD processors using FSR and XeSS.
Native Performance and Upscaling Technology Comparison
When comparing native performance without enhancements, the performance gap narrows considerably. While specific data isn’t readily available, the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 and Core Ultra 7 258V appear closely matched in games like Cyberpunk 2077, Ghost of Tsushima, and F1 24. Intel takes the lead in Hitman 3 and Marvel’s Spider-Man Remastered, whereas AMD dominates in Call of Duty: Black Ops 6.
The introduction of upscaling technologies significantly alters the landscape. AMD’s FSR 3 demonstrates a clear advantage over Intel’s XeSS across all tested titles.
Benchmark comparison of AMD and Intel processors.
FSR and HYPR-RX Further Enhance AMD’s Lead
A final comparison examines the impact of FSR and HYPR-RX. While Intel benefits from FSR (compatible with various GPUs unlike Nvidia’s DLSS 3), AMD maintains a substantial lead. However, similar to previous comparisons, the native performance difference remains relatively modest.
Timing and Implications
These benchmarks arrive after the release of both the AMD Ryzen AI 300 series and Intel Lunar Lake. The Core Ultra 7 258V isn’t a direct equivalent to the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370, potentially accounting for some performance disparity. Nevertheless, AMD’s performance-boosting technologies offer promising benefits for thin-and-light devices.
The Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 has already showcased its capabilities in devices like the Asus Zenbook S 16, and its inclusion in upcoming GMKtec mini-PCs and handhelds suggests significant potential, particularly for systems lacking dedicated GPUs, where such technologies become invaluable.
Conclusion
AMD’s internal benchmarks highlight a notable performance advantage for the Ryzen AI 9 HX 370 over the Intel Core Ultra 7 258V in gaming scenarios, particularly when leveraging AMD’s performance-enhancing technologies like FSR 3 and HYPR-RX. While native performance differences are less pronounced, the overall results suggest that AMD holds a strong position in the thin-and-light laptop segment. The integration of this processor into various devices further emphasizes its potential to deliver enhanced gaming experiences.
