AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z vs Intel Core Ultra 7 164U: The Battle of the Titans in the CPU World!

The battle for CPU supremacy continues, with AMD and Intel constantly pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. In this corner, we have the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z, a powerful Zen 3+ processor designed for demanding business applications. In the opposing corner, we have the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, a new generation of Intel processors that promises significant performance improvements.
Choosing between these two processors can be a tough decision, especially for users who need a balance of power, efficiency, and features. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison of the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z and Intel Core Ultra 7 164U, covering their key specifications, performance, and overall value proposition.

Unveiling the Contenders: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z vs Intel Core Ultra 7 164U

Both the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z and Intel Core Ultra 7 164U are designed for ultra-portable devices, aiming to deliver exceptional performance while maintaining low power consumption. Let’s take a closer look at their core specifications:
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z

• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Base Clock Speed: 2.7 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.4 GHz
• Cache: 16 MB L3
• TDP: 15W (up to 28W with Precision Boost)
• Integrated Graphics: AMD Radeon 680M

Intel Core Ultra 7 164U

• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Base Clock Speed: 1.8 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.6 GHz
• Cache: 18 MB L3
• TDP: 15W (up to 55W with Thermal Velocity Boost)
• Integrated Graphics: Intel Iris Xe Graphics

Performance Showdown: A Look at Benchmarks

While specifications provide a glimpse into the hardware capabilities, real-world performance is what truly matters. Here’s a breakdown of how these CPUs stack up in various benchmark tests:
CPU Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U generally outperforms the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z in single-core and multi-core performance, thanks to its higher boost clock speeds and improved architecture.
• Geekbench 5: Similar to Cinebench, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U demonstrates a slight advantage in both single-core and multi-core scores, showcasing its performance edge.
• PCMark 10: In overall system performance, both CPUs perform well, with the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U edging out the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z by a small margin.

Graphics Performance:

• 3DMark Time Spy: The Intel Iris Xe Graphics integrated in the Core Ultra 7 164U offers a significant performance advantage over the AMD Radeon 680M in the Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z, especially in demanding 3D applications.

Efficiency and Power Consumption

Both CPUs are designed for ultra-portable devices and prioritize efficiency. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z has a lower base TDP of 15W, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U boasts a higher base TDP of 15W but can reach up to 55W with Thermal Velocity Boost.
In practical terms, the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z may offer slightly better battery life in light workloads, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U may provide a more consistent and powerful performance profile under heavy loads.

Features and Security

Beyond performance, other features and security measures are crucial for business users.
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z:

• AMD Pro Technologies: This suite of features includes enhanced security, manageability, and reliability for business environments.
• AMD Secure Processor: This dedicated chip provides hardware-level security for sensitive data and operations.
• AMD Memory Guard: This feature protects system memory from unauthorized access, enhancing data security.

Intel Core Ultra 7 164U:

• Intel vPro: This platform offers advanced security, manageability, and stability for business environments.
• Intel Total Memory Encryption: This feature encrypts all system memory, protecting sensitive data even in case of theft.
• Intel Hardware Shield: This technology provides hardware-level protection against malware and other threats.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right CPU

Both the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z and Intel Core Ultra 7 164U are powerful CPUs designed for demanding workloads in ultra-portable devices. Choosing the right CPU depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z if:

• You prioritize battery life and efficiency.
• You need a reliable and secure platform for business applications.
• You value the AMD Pro Technologies suite of features.

Choose the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U if:

• You need the highest possible performance, especially in demanding workloads.
• You require the most advanced integrated graphics for creative tasks or gaming.
• You prefer the Intel vPro platform and its comprehensive security features.

Beyond the Performance: A Deeper Dive into Features

While raw performance is crucial, it’s not the only factor to consider. Here’s a closer look at some key features that differentiate these CPUs:
AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z:

• Zen 3+ Architecture: This architecture offers significant performance improvements over its predecessor, with optimized power efficiency and increased IPC.
• Integrated Radeon 680M Graphics: While not as powerful as the Intel Iris Xe Graphics, the Radeon 680M is still capable of handling basic graphics tasks and light gaming.
• AMD FreeSync Support: This technology helps reduce screen tearing and stuttering for a smoother gaming experience.

Intel Core Ultra 7 164U:

• Intel 15th Gen Core Architecture: This new architecture brings significant improvements in performance, power efficiency, and AI capabilities.
• Intel Iris Xe Graphics: This integrated graphics solution offers significantly better performance than the Radeon 680M, enabling smoother gaming and creative workloads.
• Intel Thread Director: This technology intelligently allocates threads to cores for optimal performance and efficiency.

The Future of Ultra-Portable Computing

The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z and Intel Core Ultra 7 164U represent the cutting edge of ultra-portable CPU technology. As both companies continue to innovate, we can expect even more powerful and efficient processors in the future.

Wrapping Up: Finding Your Perfect Match

Choosing the right CPU is a crucial decision, especially when considering its impact on your workflow and overall user experience. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z and Intel Core Ultra 7 164U offer compelling options for demanding users who value power, efficiency, and security. Ultimately, the best choice comes down to your individual needs and priorities.

Quick Answers to Your FAQs

Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The Intel Core Ultra 7 164U offers significantly better integrated graphics performance, making it a better choice for light gaming. However, both CPUs are primarily designed for productivity and demanding applications, not high-end gaming.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: Both CPUs can handle video editing tasks, but the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U’s higher performance and improved integrated graphics may provide a smoother workflow in demanding video editing software.
Q: Which CPU is better for business users?
A: Both CPUs offer robust security features and management capabilities. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z comes with the AMD Pro Technologies suite, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U features Intel vPro. The best choice depends on your specific security and management needs.
Q: Which CPU is more power-efficient?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z has a lower base TDP, potentially offering better battery life in light workloads. However, the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U may provide more consistent and powerful performance under heavy loads.
Q: Which CPU is better value for money?
A: The value proposition depends on your specific needs and budget. The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6860Z may offer a more affordable option, while the Intel Core Ultra 7 164U provides premium performance and features.