Which Is Better? AMD Ryzen 5 8640U vs Intel Core i9 9900KS: A Detailed Comparison

The world of CPUs is a constant battleground, with AMD and Intel vying for the top spot. Choosing the right processor for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when comparing products from different generations and price points. Today, we’ll delve into a fascinating clash of titans: the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U, a modern, power-efficient chip designed for thin and light laptops, against the Intel Core i9 9900KS, a high-end desktop processor released in 2019.
This comparison might seem odd at first glance, as the two CPUs cater to very different use cases. However, it presents an excellent opportunity to analyze how technology has evolved and to understand the strengths and weaknesses of each processor.

The Contenders: A Brief Overview

AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This is the latest generation of AMD’s mobile processors, featuring the “Phoenix” architecture. It’s a 6-core, 12-thread chip with a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. The 8640U is designed for energy efficiency, offering long battery life and impressive performance for everyday tasks.
Intel Core i9 9900KS: This is a high-end desktop processor, part of Intel’s 9th generation “Coffee Lake” series. It boasts 8 cores, 16 threads, a base clock speed of 4.0 GHz, and a boost clock speed of 5.0 GHz. The 9900KS is known for its raw processing power, making it a top choice for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and content creation.

Architecture and Performance: A Tale of Two Generations

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and the Intel Core i9 9900KS represent different generations of CPU architecture. The 8640U is built on the Zen 4 architecture, which boasts improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock) and power efficiency compared to its predecessors. The 9900KS, on the other hand, is based on the older 14nm Coffee Lake architecture. This difference in architecture significantly impacts the performance of both CPUs.
Performance in Single-Core Tasks: The 9900KS, with its higher clock speed and older architecture, generally outperforms the 8640U in single-core tasks. This advantage is evident in applications that heavily rely on single-threaded performance, such as gaming.
Performance in Multi-Core Tasks: The 8640U, despite having fewer cores, leverages its improved Zen 4 architecture to deliver comparable performance to the 9900KS in multi-core tasks. This is a testament to AMD’s advancements in CPU design. In applications that benefit from multi-threading, such as video editing and rendering, the 8640U holds its own.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Mobile Champion

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U shines in terms of power consumption and efficiency. Designed for mobile devices, it prioritizes low energy usage without sacrificing performance. The 9900KS, being a high-end desktop processor, consumes significantly more power, leading to higher heat output and potentially shorter battery life in mobile devices.

Price and Value: A Clear Winner in the Budget Category

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U is a significantly more affordable option compared to the Intel Core i9 9900KS. This price difference reflects the different target markets for these CPUs. The 8640U is designed for laptops and budget-conscious users, while the 9900KS caters to high-end desktop users willing to invest in top-tier performance.

Gaming Performance: A Tale of Two Worlds

The 9900KS, with its higher clock speed and single-core performance, generally offers better gaming performance than the 8640U. However, the difference in performance might not be noticeable in all games, especially those that are not heavily optimized for single-core performance. The 8640U, with its integrated graphics capabilities, can handle casual gaming and older titles without the need for a dedicated graphics card.

The Verdict: A Matter of Usage and Budget

Choosing between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and the Intel Core i9 9900KS ultimately depends on your individual needs and budget.
The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U is an excellent choice for:

• Budget-conscious users: It offers great performance at a very affordable price.
• Mobile users: Its power efficiency and integrated graphics make it ideal for laptops.
• Users who prioritize multi-core performance: Its Zen 4 architecture excels in multi-threaded tasks.

The Intel Core i9 9900KS is a better option for:

• High-end desktop users: It delivers top-tier performance for demanding tasks.
• Gamers: Its single-core performance and high clock speed offer a competitive edge in gaming.
• Users who prioritize single-core performance: It excels in applications that rely heavily on single-threaded performance.

Beyond the Comparison: A Glimpse into the Future of CPUs

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9900KS represent two different eras in CPU technology. While the 9900KS showcases the peak of Intel’s older architecture, the 8640U embodies the future of mobile computing with its power efficiency and multi-core performance.
The competition between AMD and Intel continues to drive innovation, pushing the boundaries of CPU performance and efficiency. As technology advances, we can expect even more powerful and energy-efficient processors in the future.

A Final Thought: Choose Wisely

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9900KS is not a simple one. Both CPUs have their strengths and weaknesses, and the best option for you will depend on your specific needs and budget. Consider your usage patterns, prioritize your performance requirements, and make an informed decision.

Questions You May Have

Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The Intel Core i9 9900KS generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher clock speed and single-core performance. However, the difference might not be noticeable in all games, and the 8640U can handle casual gaming and older titles.
Q: Which CPU is more power efficient?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U is significantly more power efficient than the Intel Core i9 9900KS. This is due to its modern Zen 4 architecture and its design for mobile devices.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: Both CPUs can handle video editing, but the 8640U’s multi-core performance and efficiency make it a better choice for budget-conscious users. However, the 9900KS can provide better performance for demanding video editing projects.
Q: Which CPU is more affordable?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U is significantly more affordable than the Intel Core i9 9900KS. This price difference reflects their target markets and the different generations of technology they represent.
Q: What is the future of CPUs?
A: The future of CPUs looks promising, with advancements in architecture, core count, and power efficiency. We can expect even more powerful and energy-efficient processors in the coming years, pushing the boundaries of computing performance.