CPU
GPU
Core i7-1255U
Ryzen 5 3500X
Performance Spectrum - CPU
About PassMark
PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.
Value Upgrade Path
This is the official ChipVERSUS Value Rating, comparing raw performance (PassMark) per dollar. Components placed above yours deliver better value for money.
Avg price is the current average price collected from markets across the web.
Performance Per Dollar Core i7-1255U
Performance Per Dollar Ryzen 5 3500X
Performance Comparison
About PassMark🏆 Chipversus Verdict
🚀 Performance Leadership
| Insight | Core i7-1255U | Ryzen 5 3500X |
|---|---|---|
| Gaming | ✅ Superior gaming performance | ❌ Lower gaming performance |
| Workstation | ❌ Weaker in multi-core tasks | ✅ Better multi-core power |
| Price | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($171) |
| Longevity | ✨ Modern (Alder Lake-U (2022) / Intel 7 nm) | ✨ Modern (Matisse (2019−2020) / 7 nm, 12 nm) |
💎 Value Proposition
| Insight | Core i7-1255U | Ryzen 5 3500X |
|---|---|---|
| Cost Efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency | ❌ Lower cost efficiency |
| Upfront Cost | ✅ More affordable ($0) | ⚠️ Higher cost ($171) |
Performance Check
To accurately isolate CPU performance, all benchmarks below use an NVIDIA RTX 4090 as the reference GPU. This eliminates GPU-side bottlenecks and highlights pure processing throughput differences between the CPUs.
Note: Real-world results may vary based on your actual GPU. CPU performance impact is more visible in processing-intensive titles and high-refresh-rate gaming scenarios.
Technical Specifications
Side-by-side comparison of Core i7-1255U and Ryzen 5 3500X
Core i7-1255U
The Core i7-1255U is manufactured by Intel. It was released in 23 February 2022 (3 years ago). It is based on the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture. It features 10 cores and 12 threads. Base frequency is 1.7 GHz, with boost up to 4.7 GHz. L3 cache: 12 MB (total). L2 cache: 1.25 MB (per core). Built on Intel 7 nm process technology. Socket: FCBGA1744. Thermal design power (TDP): 15 Watt. Memory support: DDR4, DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 13,128 points. Launch price was $149.
Ryzen 5 3500X
The Ryzen 5 3500X is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 24 September 2019 (6 years ago). It is based on the Matisse (2019−2020) architecture. It features 6 cores and 6 threads. Base frequency is 3.6 GHz, with boost up to 4.1 GHz. L3 cache: 32 MB (total). L2 cache: 512K (per core). Built on 7 nm, 12 nm process technology. Socket: AM4. Thermal design power (TDP): 65 Watt. Memory support: DDR4 Dual-channel. Passmark benchmark score: 13,165 points. Launch price was $149.
Processing Power
The Core i7-1255U packs 10 cores / 12 threads, while the Ryzen 5 3500X offers 6 cores / 6 threads — the Core i7-1255U has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 4.7 GHz on the Core i7-1255U versus 4.1 GHz on the Ryzen 5 3500X — a 13.6% clock advantage for the Core i7-1255U (base: 1.7 GHz vs 3.6 GHz). The Core i7-1255U uses the Alder Lake-U (2022) architecture (Intel 7 nm), while the Ryzen 5 3500X uses Matisse (2019−2020) (7 nm, 12 nm). In PassMark, the Core i7-1255U scores 13,128 against the Ryzen 5 3500X's 13,165 — a 0.3% lead for the Ryzen 5 3500X. L3 cache: 12 MB (total) on the Core i7-1255U vs 32 MB (total) on the Ryzen 5 3500X.
| Feature | Core i7-1255U | Ryzen 5 3500X |
|---|---|---|
| Cores / Threads | 10 / 12+67% | 6 / 6 |
| Boost Clock | 4.7 GHz+15% | 4.1 GHz |
| Base Clock | 1.7 GHz | 3.6 GHz+112% |
| L3 Cache | 12 MB (total) | 32 MB (total)+167% |
| L2 Cache | 1.25 MB (per core)+150% | 512K (per core) |
| Process | Intel 7 nm | 7 nm, 12 nm |
| Architecture | Alder Lake-U (2022) | Matisse (2019−2020) |
| PassMark | 13,128 | 13,165 |
| Geekbench 6 Single | 1,809 | — |
Memory & Platform
The Core i7-1255U uses the FCBGA1744 socket (PCIe 5.0), while the Ryzen 5 3500X uses AM4 (PCIe 4.0) — making them incompatible on the same motherboard. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-4800 on the Core i7-1255U versus DDR4-3200 on the Ryzen 5 3500X — the Core i7-1255U supports 22.2% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 5 3500X supports up to 128 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 66.7% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. PCIe lanes: 20 (Core i7-1255U) vs 24 (Ryzen 5 3500X) — the Ryzen 5 3500X offers 4 more lanes for additional GPUs or NVMe drives. Chipset compatibility: Alder Lake-U (Core i7-1255U) and AMD 500 series,AMD 400 series (Ryzen 5 3500X).
| Feature | Core i7-1255U | Ryzen 5 3500X |
|---|---|---|
| Socket | FCBGA1744 | AM4 |
| PCIe Generation | PCIe 5.0+25% | PCIe 4.0 |
| Max RAM Speed | DDR5-4800+25% | DDR4-3200 |
| Max RAM Capacity | 64 GB | 128 GB+100% |
| RAM Channels | 2 | 2 |
| ECC Support | ❌ | ✅ |
| PCIe Lanes | 20 | 24+20% |
Advanced Features
Virtualization: VT-x, VT-d, EPT (Core i7-1255U) / not specified (Ryzen 5 3500X). The Core i7-1255U includes integrated graphics (Iris Xe Graphics 96EU), while the Ryzen 5 3500X requires a dedicated GPU. Primary use case: Core i7-1255U targets Mainstream Laptop. Direct competitor: Core i7-1255U rivals Ryzen 7 6800U.
| Feature | Core i7-1255U | Ryzen 5 3500X |
|---|---|---|
| Integrated GPU | Yes | No |
| IGPU Model | Iris Xe Graphics 96EU | — |
| Unlocked | No | — |
| AVX-512 | No | — |
| Virtualization | VT-x, VT-d, EPT | — |
| Target Use | Mainstream Laptop | — |
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The most powerful cpus ranked by PassMark CPU Mark benchmark scores.
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