AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS vs Intel Core i9 9980XE: Which CPU Reigns Supreme?

What To Know

  • On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is built on the Skylake-X architecture, an older generation that has been surpassed in terms of efficiency and performance by newer Intel and AMD architectures.
  • While it may not have the raw core count of the Intel Core i9 9980XE, it consistently delivers competitive performance in multi-threaded tasks, and even surpasses the 9980XE in some single-core benchmarks.
  • If you need the raw power of a high core count for demanding desktop tasks, the Intel Core i9 9980XE might still be a suitable option.

The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with new processors emerging to push the boundaries of performance. In this showdown, we’re pitting two titans against each other: the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, a powerhouse from the latest generation, against the Intel Core i9 9980XE, a behemoth from a previous era. This isn’t just a battle of specs; it’s a clash of architectures, technologies, and the very essence of what makes a CPU tick.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS: This processor is a member of AMD’s Zen 4 architecture, boasting 8 cores and 16 threads. It’s designed for thin and light laptops, offering impressive performance while maintaining a relatively low power consumption. The 8840HS is known for its efficient power management and impressive multi-core performance.
Intel Core i9 9980XE: This 18-core, 36-thread behemoth is part of Intel’s Skylake-X family. It’s a desktop-grade processor designed for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. The 9980XE is renowned for its high core count and powerful single-core performance.

Architecture: Zen 4 vs. Skylake-X

The core difference between these two processors lies in their architecture. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS utilizes the latest Zen 4 architecture, known for its efficiency and performance gains. Zen 4 brings improvements in instruction set, memory controller, and core design, resulting in better performance per watt.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is built on the Skylake-X architecture, an older generation that has been surpassed in terms of efficiency and performance by newer Intel and AMD architectures. While Skylake-X was a powerful architecture in its time, it doesn’t match the efficiency and performance of Zen 4.

Core Count and Threading: A Tale of Two Numbers

The Intel Core i9 9980XE boasts a whopping 18 cores and 36 threads, making it a multi-tasking monster. This high core count is ideal for tasks that benefit from parallel processing, like video editing and 3D rendering.
The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, while significantly less core-heavy with 8 cores and 16 threads, is no slouch. Its Zen 4 architecture allows it to achieve impressive performance per core, making it a formidable competitor in multi-threaded workloads.

Performance: Benchmarking the Beasts

While raw core count is important, it’s the overall performance that truly matters. In benchmark tests, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS demonstrates its efficiency and power. While it may not have the raw core count of the Intel Core i9 9980XE, it consistently delivers competitive performance in multi-threaded tasks, and even surpasses the 9980XE in some single-core benchmarks.
The 9980XE, despite its age, still packs a punch in demanding tasks. However, its power consumption is significantly higher than the 8840HS, making it less suitable for mobile devices.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Crucial Factor

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS shines in this department. Its Zen 4 architecture is designed for power efficiency, allowing it to deliver impressive performance while consuming relatively little power. This makes it ideal for laptops where battery life is a concern.
The Intel Core i9 9980XE, with its older architecture and high core count, consumes significantly more power. This makes it less efficient and unsuitable for mobile devices.

Price and Availability: A Factor to Consider

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is a relatively new processor, and its price reflects that. While it’s a powerful performer, it’s also a premium option.
The Intel Core i9 9980XE, being an older processor, is more readily available and may be found at a lower price point. However, its power consumption and lack of efficiency make it a less attractive option for many users.

The Verdict: A Clear Winner?

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Intel Core i9 9980XE ultimately depends on your specific needs and priorities.
If you prioritize power efficiency and performance in a mobile device, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is the clear winner. Its Zen 4 architecture delivers impressive performance while consuming relatively little power, making it ideal for laptops.
If you need the raw power of a high core count for demanding desktop tasks, the Intel Core i9 9980XE might still be a suitable option. However, its power consumption and lack of efficiency make it less appealing for most users.

Beyond the Battlefield: The Future of CPUs

This comparison highlights the ongoing evolution of CPU technology. AMD’s Zen 4 architecture has set a new standard for power efficiency and performance, pushing Intel to innovate and improve its own offerings. The future of CPUs is likely to see even more advancements in efficiency, performance, and core count, offering users a wider range of options to suit their needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best CPU for gaming?
A: Both the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and Intel Core i9 9980XE offer solid gaming performance. However, the 8840HS’s efficiency and performance per core make it a better choice for gaming laptops, while the 9980XE’s high core count might be overkill for gaming.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: The Intel Core i9 9980XE’s high core count gives it an edge in demanding video editing tasks, especially those involving complex rendering and effects. However, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS’s impressive single-core performance can also handle video editing tasks efficiently, making it a viable option for many users.
Q: Which CPU is better for 3D rendering?
A: The Intel Core i9 9980XE is generally favored for 3D rendering thanks to its high core count. However, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS’s efficient architecture and performance per core can still deliver impressive results in 3D rendering, especially in scenarios where single-core performance is crucial.
Q: Which CPU is better for multitasking?
A: The Intel Core i9 9980XE’s high core count makes it a multi-tasking monster, capable of handling multiple demanding tasks simultaneously. However, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS’s efficient architecture and performance per core can also handle a significant workload without compromising performance.
Q: Which CPU is better for productivity?
A: Both the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and Intel Core i9 9980XE offer excellent productivity performance. The 8840HS’s efficiency and performance per core make it ideal for productivity tasks on laptops, while the 9980XE’s high core count can handle demanding productivity workloads on desktops.