AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS vs Intel Core i9 9980HK: Which CPU Reigns Supreme in 2024?

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a vast array of options. Today, we’ll dive into a head-to-head comparison of two popular processors: the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK. This AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS vs Intel Core i9 9980HK showdown will help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, making it easier to decide which CPU best suits your needs.

A Look at the Contenders: AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS and Intel Core i9 9980HK

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK represent different generations and target different market segments. The Ryzen 5 7640HS is a modern, power-efficient processor designed for thin and light laptops, while the Core i9 9980HK is a high-performance CPU aimed at gaming and workstation machines.
Let’s break down their key specifications:
AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS:

• Architecture: Zen 4
• Cores: 6
• Threads: 12
• Base Clock Speed: 3.0 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz
• L3 Cache: 16 MB
• TDP: 35 W

Intel Core i9 9980HK:

• Architecture: Coffee Lake Refresh
• Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Base Clock Speed: 2.9 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 5.0 GHz
• L3 Cache: 16 MB
• TDP: 45 W

Performance: A Battle of Generations

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS boasts the newer Zen 4 architecture, which offers significant performance gains over the older Coffee Lake Refresh architecture used in the Intel Core i9 9980HK. This translates to better single-core performance, which is crucial for tasks like web browsing, productivity, and gaming.
While the Intel Core i9 9980HK has more cores and threads, the Ryzen 5 7640HS often outperforms it in multi-threaded workloads due to its superior architecture. This means the Ryzen 5 7640HS can handle complex tasks like video editing and 3D rendering more efficiently.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: The Thin and Light Advantage

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS is designed with power efficiency in mind. Its lower TDP (35W) compared to the Intel Core i9 9980HK (45W) translates to longer battery life and less heat generation. This is particularly beneficial for thin and light laptops where space and heat dissipation are limited.

Integrated Graphics: A Clear Winner

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS integrates the Radeon 760M graphics, a powerful integrated GPU that can handle casual gaming and everyday tasks with ease. In contrast, the Intel Core i9 9980HK relies on the Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is significantly less capable and unsuitable for demanding tasks.

Pricing and Availability: A Matter of Value

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS is generally found in more affordable laptops compared to the Intel Core i9 9980HK, which is typically found in high-end gaming and workstation machines. This makes the Ryzen 5 7640HS a more attractive option for budget-conscious users.

Choosing the Right CPU: Your Needs Matter Most

So, which CPU reigns supreme? The answer depends on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS if:

• You prioritize battery life and portability.
• You need a powerful CPU for everyday tasks, light gaming, and productivity.
• You’re on a tighter budget.

Choose the Intel Core i9 9980HK if:

• You require the absolute highest performance for demanding tasks like gaming and content creation.
• You’re willing to sacrifice battery life and portability for raw power.
• You’re not concerned about budget.

The Verdict: A Clear Winner for Everyday Use

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS emerges as the clear winner for most users. Its impressive performance, efficiency, and affordability make it an excellent choice for everyday tasks, light gaming, and productivity. The Intel Core i9 9980HK might offer slightly better performance for demanding workloads, but its higher power consumption, price, and lack of integrated graphics make it less appealing for the average user.

Beyond the Benchmarks: A Deeper Look

While benchmarks provide a valuable snapshot of performance, it’s important to consider other factors that influence your overall experience. These include:

• Software Compatibility: Some software might be optimized for Intel processors, while others might favor AMD.
• Upgradability: The Intel Core i9 9980HK is a desktop CPU, which means it’s not found in laptops with upgradable components. The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS, on the other hand, is a mobile CPU that might be found in laptops with upgradable RAM and storage.
• Cooling System: Laptops with powerful CPUs require efficient cooling systems to prevent overheating and throttling.

Final Thoughts: A Modern Marvel vs. A Legacy Powerhouse

The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS represents the future of laptop CPUs, offering a perfect blend of performance, efficiency, and affordability. The Intel Core i9 9980HK, while still a capable processor, is a legacy powerhouse that has been surpassed by newer technologies. Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget.

Questions You May Have

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS good for gaming?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS is suitable for light gaming, but it might struggle with demanding titles at high settings. For serious gaming, consider a laptop with a dedicated graphics card.
Q: What’s the difference between the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS and the AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS is a more powerful processor with more cores and threads, offering higher performance in multi-threaded workloads.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 9980HK still a good choice in 2023?
A: While the Intel Core i9 9980HK is still a capable processor, newer CPUs like the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS offer better performance, efficiency, and value.
Q: What about the AMD Ryzen 7 7740HS?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 7740HS is a great mid-range option that offers a balance of performance and efficiency, making it a good choice for users who don’t need the absolute top-of-the-line performance.
Q: Should I buy a laptop with an AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS or an Intel Core i9 9980HK?
A: The best choice depends on your specific needs. If you prioritize battery life, portability, and efficiency, the AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS is a great choice. If you need the absolute highest performance for demanding tasks, the Intel Core i9 9980HK might be a better option.