June 1, 2025 – In the high-stakes battle for laptop CPU supremacy, a new contender has landed a significant blow. Detailed benchmarking by a well-regarded Chinese tech YouTuber suggests AMD's upcoming Ryzen 9 9955HX3D processor, leveraging its advanced 3D V-Cache technology, achieves superior multi-core efficiency compared to Intel's top-tier mobile offering, the Core Ultra 9 285K.
The reviewer, known for rigorous and transparent testing methodologies, put both flagship CPUs through their paces in identically configured high-end laptops. The focus wasn't just on raw performance peaks, but crucially, on the power required to achieve that performance – the holy grail of efficiency, especially for powerful gaming and creator laptops where heat and battery life are constant concerns.
The Core of the Comparison:
- AMD Contender: Ryzen 9 9955HX3D (16 cores/32 threads, rumored Zen 5 architecture, 128MB L3 cache including stacked 3D V-Cache).
- Intel Contender: Core Ultra 9 285K (16 cores/24 threads, Hybrid architecture with Lion Cove P-cores and Crestmont E-cores).
- Testing: Cinebench R23 multi-core benchmark was a key focus, run at various power levels to map performance-per-watt curves. Thermals and sustained performance were also monitored closely.
The Efficiency Revelation:
The results, shared extensively in the reviewer's video and accompanying online posts, presented a clear trend: At the same power envelope, particularly in the crucial 50W to 80W range common for demanding multi-threaded workloads in high-performance laptops, the Ryzen 9 9955HX3D consistently delivered higher Cinebench R23 multi-core scores than the Core Ultra 9 285K.
This translates directly to better performance for the same amount of power consumed, or conversely, the same performance achieved using less power. This efficiency advantage is largely attributed to the massive L3 cache (128MB vs Intel's 36MB) enabled by AMD's 3D V-Cache technology. This cache acts like a much larger, faster "workspace" for the CPU cores, significantly reducing the time and energy spent fetching data from slower system RAM – a major bottleneck in complex multi-threaded applications.
The Raw Power Counter:
It's important to note the testing also confirmed Intel's strength: absolute peak raw performance. When allowed to consume maximum power (often exceeding 100W in turbo modes), the Core Ultra 9 285K did achieve higher absolute Cinebench R23 scores than the 9955HX3D. However, this came at the cost of significantly higher power draw and consequently, higher temperatures. This highlights the trade-off: Intel pushes higher peak clocks and voltages for top scores, while AMD's 3D V-Cache approach delivers more work done per watt within common power constraints.
Community Buzz and Verification:
The findings have sparked significant discussion within the tech enthusiast community. The reviewer's detailed methodology and transparency lend credibility.
"For multi-threaded workloads where you care about efficiency and thermals – like sustained rendering, compiling, or even CPU-heavy gaming – the 9955HX3D looks like it could be the smarter choice in a laptop chassis. That cache is doing serious work," commented one user analyzing the data.
Implications for Laptops:
This efficiency advantage has tangible benefits for end-users:
- Longer Battery Life (under load): For intensive tasks, the AMD chip could theoretically stretch battery further.
- Cooler Operation & Quieter Fans: Less power draw directly translates to less heat, potentially allowing for quieter cooling solutions or better sustained performance without thermal throttling.
- Sustained Performance: Maintaining high performance over longer periods is often more critical than short bursts, an area where efficiency shines.
The Bottom Line:
While Intel retains the crown for outright peak performance in these early comparisons, AMD's Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, powered by its innovative 3D V-Cache, appears to have seized a crucial lead in multi-core efficiency. This positions it as an incredibly compelling option for users prioritizing performance-per-watt, cooler and quieter operation, and sustained workloads in high-performance laptops. As these CPUs hit retail laptops in the coming months, real-world testing will confirm if this efficiency edge holds across a broader range of applications. For now, AMD has given enthusiasts and laptop manufacturers a powerful new efficiency-focused flagship to consider.
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