Battle of the CPUs: AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS Takes on Intel Core i9 9980HK!

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders often vying for your attention are the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK. While the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is a newer, energy-efficient processor, the Intel Core i9 9980HK represents a powerful but older generation. This blog post will delve into a comprehensive comparison of these two CPUs, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately, which one might be the better fit for your needs.

A Look at the Contenders

AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS: This processor is part of AMD’s latest Phoenix point lineup, boasting a powerful Zen 4 architecture. It’s a 6-core, 12-thread CPU with a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. Notably, the 8645HS features a 35W TDP, making it a highly efficient option for thin and light laptops.
Intel Core i9 9980HK: This processor is a member of Intel’s 9th generation Coffee Lake Refresh series. It’s an 8-core, 16-thread CPU with a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5 GHz. The 9980HK is a more power-hungry processor with a 45W TDP, often found in high-performance gaming laptops.

Performance Comparison: Benchmarking the Powerhouses

Both CPUs are designed for different purposes, making direct performance comparisons tricky. However, we can analyze their performance in various benchmarks to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
CPU Benchmarks:

• Cinebench R23: The Ryzen 5 8645HS generally outperforms the Core i9 9980HK in multi-core performance, showcasing its efficiency in handling multitasking. However, the 9980HK might hold an edge in single-core performance, which is crucial for tasks like video editing and gaming.
• Geekbench 5: In Geekbench, the 8645HS again demonstrates its prowess in multi-core performance, while the 9980HK remains competitive in single-core tasks.

Gaming Performance:

• 3DMark Time Spy: The 9980HK’s higher clock speeds and additional cores often result in slightly better gaming performance than the 8645HS, especially in demanding titles.

Power Consumption and Efficiency:
The 8645HS’s lower TDP (35W) compared to the 9980HK’s (45W) significantly impacts power consumption and battery life. The 8645HS is designed for thin and light laptops, offering longer battery life and cooler operation.

Features and Capabilities

Beyond raw performance, let’s explore the features and capabilities each CPU offers:
AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS:

• Zen 4 Architecture: The 8645HS utilizes AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture, which promises improved performance per watt and enhanced efficiency.
• Integrated Graphics: The 8645HS features integrated AMD Radeon 780M graphics, capable of handling light gaming and multimedia tasks.
• Support for DDR5 Memory: The 8645HS supports DDR5 memory, offering faster data transfer speeds and lower latency.

Intel Core i9 9980HK:

• Coffee Lake Refresh Architecture: The 9980HK utilizes Intel’s Coffee Lake Refresh architecture, an older generation compared to Zen 4.
• Integrated Graphics: The 9980HK features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is less powerful than the AMD Radeon 780M.
• Support for DDR4 Memory: The 9980HK supports DDR4 memory, offering slightly lower performance compared to DDR5.

Choosing the Right CPU: A Practical Guide

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK ultimately depends on your specific needs and preferences.
Choose the Ryzen 5 8645HS if:

• You prioritize battery life and portability: The 8645HS’s lower TDP and efficient architecture allow for longer battery life and a thinner, lighter laptop design.
• You mainly use your laptop for everyday tasks: The 8645HS’s multi-core performance excels in multitasking, web browsing, and general productivity tasks.
• You value a quieter and cooler laptop: The 8645HS’s lower power consumption translates to less heat generation and quieter operation.

Choose the Core i9 9980HK if:

• You require the highest possible performance: The 9980HK’s higher clock speeds and additional cores provide a noticeable performance boost, especially in demanding applications and gaming.
• You prioritize gaming performance: The 9980HK generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher clock speeds and core count.
• You are willing to sacrifice battery life for performance: The 9980HK’s higher TDP leads to shorter battery life and a potentially thicker and heavier laptop.

A Final Verdict: It’s Not a Clear-Cut Win

The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS and the Intel Core i9 9980HK are both capable CPUs offering different strengths and weaknesses. The 8645HS excels in efficiency, battery life, and everyday tasks, while the 9980HK delivers superior performance, especially in gaming. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and usage patterns.

The Future of Performance: What Lies Ahead

The CPU landscape is constantly evolving, with both AMD and Intel continuously pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. Newer generations of processors are expected to offer even greater power and efficiency, further blurring the lines between these two titans.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which CPU is best for gaming?
A: The Intel Core i9 9980HK generally offers better gaming performance due to its higher clock speeds and core count. However, the Ryzen 5 8645HS can still provide a smooth gaming experience, especially in less demanding titles.
Q: Which CPU is more energy-efficient?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is significantly more energy-efficient due to its lower TDP (35W) and the efficient Zen 4 architecture.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: Both CPUs can handle video editing, but the Ryzen 5 8645HS’s multi-core performance might be slightly better for rendering and exporting large video files.
Q: Which CPU is better for multitasking?
A: The Ryzen 5 8645HS excels in multitasking due to its efficient multi-core performance.
Q: What is the difference between the 8645HS and the 8640HS?
A: The 8645HS is a slightly faster version of the 8640HS, with a higher boost clock speed and a slightly higher TDP. However, both processors offer similar performance and efficiency.