Unleash the Power: AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS vs Intel Core i9 9980HK Performance Review

What To Know

  • This makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users looking for a powerful processor in a thin and light laptop.
  • If you need the highest possible single-core performance and are willing to pay a premium, the Intel Core i9 9980HK might be a better option.
  • The 8645HS offers excellent multi-core performance, integrated graphics, and power efficiency, making it a compelling choice for everyday users and those who need a powerful laptop for demanding tasks.

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options from different manufacturers. Today, we’re going to pit two popular choices against each other: the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK. This AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS vs Intel Core i9 9980HK showdown will delve into their performance, features, and overall value, helping you make an informed decision for your next laptop purchase.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS: This processor belongs to AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture and is designed for thin and light laptops. It boasts 6 cores and 12 threads, clocked at a base frequency of 3.8 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.9 GHz. The 8645HS also features AMD’s Radeon 780M integrated graphics, which are significantly more powerful than previous generations.
Intel Core i9 9980HK: This CPU is part of Intel’s 9th generation Coffee Lake Refresh series and is known for its high clock speeds and impressive performance. It packs 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base frequency of 2.4 GHz and a boost frequency of 5 GHz. Intel’s UHD Graphics 630 integrated graphics are also included, though they aren’t as robust as AMD’s offering.

Performance: A Head-to-Head Comparison

Single-Core Performance: The Intel Core i9 9980HK takes the lead in single-core performance thanks to its higher boost clock speed. This translates to a slight edge in tasks that rely heavily on single-threaded processing, such as web browsing, video conferencing, and basic productivity.
Multi-Core Performance: The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS shines in multi-core performance due to its superior core count and Zen 4 architecture. This makes it ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming, where multiple cores can work together effectively.
Gaming Performance: The 8645HS’s integrated Radeon 780M graphics significantly outperform the Intel UHD Graphics 630 in the 9980HK. This means the 8645HS can handle less demanding games at decent settings, while the 9980HK might struggle with newer or more graphically intensive titles.

Features and Technologies

Zen 4 Architecture: The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS benefits from the latest Zen 4 architecture, offering improved performance, power efficiency, and features like AMD’s RDNA 3 graphics technology for enhanced graphics capabilities.
Intel Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0: The Intel Core i9 9980HK utilizes Intel’s Turbo Boost Max Technology 3.0, which dynamically identifies the fastest core(s) and boosts their clock speeds to maximize performance.
AMD FreeSync and FidelityFX: The 8645HS supports AMD FreeSync and FidelityFX technologies, which enhance gaming experiences by reducing screen tearing and improving visual fidelity.
Intel Optane Memory: The 9980HK can be paired with Intel Optane memory, which acts as a cache for frequently accessed data, resulting in faster application loading times.

Power Consumption and Efficiency

The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is designed with power efficiency in mind. It boasts a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) compared to the Intel Core i9 9980HK, leading to longer battery life in laptops.

Price and Availability

The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is a more affordable option compared to the Intel Core i9 9980HK. This makes it a compelling choice for budget-conscious users looking for a powerful processor in a thin and light laptop.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right CPU

Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. If you prioritize raw processing power, especially for multi-threaded tasks, the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is the clear winner. Its powerful integrated graphics also make it a solid choice for casual gamers.
If you need the highest possible single-core performance and are willing to pay a premium, the Intel Core i9 9980HK might be a better option. However, its weaker integrated graphics and higher power consumption could be drawbacks for some users.

The Last Word: A Powerful Choice for the Modern User

Both the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK are capable processors that can handle a wide range of tasks. The 8645HS offers excellent multi-core performance, integrated graphics, and power efficiency, making it a compelling choice for everyday users and those who need a powerful laptop for demanding tasks. The 9980HK shines in single-core performance but comes at a higher price and with a lower power efficiency.

What You Need to Know

Q1: Which CPU is better for gaming?
The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS offers better gaming performance due to its more powerful integrated graphics. However, for high-end gaming, a dedicated graphics card is still recommended.
Q2: Which CPU is better for video editing?
The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is generally better for video editing due to its superior multi-core performance.
Q3: Which CPU is more power-efficient?
The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is more power-efficient due to its lower TDP and Zen 4 architecture.
Q4: Is the Intel Core i9 9980HK still a good choice in 2023?
While the 9980HK is still a capable processor, newer CPUs offer better performance and features. If you’re looking for the latest technology and maximum performance, newer options are recommended.