AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS vs Intel Core i9 7920X: Which CPU is Best for Gaming and Performance?

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Today, we’re diving into a comparison between two popular processors: the AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS and the **Intel Core i9-7920X**. While these CPUs might seem like an odd pairing at first glance, understanding their strengths and weaknesses can help you make an informed decision.

Understanding the Competitors: A Quick Overview

The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is a high-performance, low-power CPU designed for thin and light laptops. It’s a part of AMD’s latest “Phoenix” lineup, featuring Zen 4 architecture and a 6-core, 12-thread configuration. On the other hand, the **Intel Core i9-7920X** is a powerful desktop CPU released in 2017, boasting 10 cores and 20 threads. It’s part of Intel’s Skylake-X series, known for its impressive multi-core performance.

Performance Showdown: Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

The Ryzen 5 8645HS excels in single-core performance, thanks to its high clock speeds and efficient Zen 4 architecture. This translates to faster application loading times and smoother gameplay in less demanding titles. However, its multi-core performance falls short of the **Core i9-7920X**, which shines in demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking.
Here’s a breakdown of their performance in various scenarios:
Gaming: The **Ryzen 5 8645HS** offers a smooth gaming experience in modern titles, especially at 1080p resolution. However, for high-end gaming at 4K resolution or with demanding graphics settings, the **Core i9-7920X** might be a better choice.
Video Editing and Content Creation: The **Core i9-7920X** clearly outperforms the **Ryzen 5 8645HS** in video editing and content creation tasks. Its higher core count and raw processing power allow it to handle complex projects with ease.
Productivity and Multi-tasking: The **Ryzen 5 8645HS** excels in everyday tasks like web browsing, email, and light productivity software. However, for demanding multi-tasking scenarios, the **Core i9-7920X** offers a significant advantage.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Crucial Factor

The Ryzen 5 8645HS is designed for power efficiency, making it ideal for thin and light laptops with limited cooling capabilities. Its lower power consumption translates to longer battery life and a quieter, cooler experience. The **Core i9-7920X**, on the other hand, is a power-hungry beast, requiring a high-end desktop system with robust cooling solutions.

Price and Availability: Making the Best Choice for Your Budget

The Ryzen 5 8645HS is typically found in mid-range laptops, offering a good balance of performance and affordability. The **Core i9-7920X**, being a high-end desktop CPU, carries a hefty price tag. While it’s still available, newer and more powerful alternatives have emerged, making it less attractive for most users.

Choosing the Right Processor: When to Pick Which CPU

Choose the Ryzen 5 8645HS if:

• You’re looking for a powerful and efficient CPU for a thin and light laptop.
• You prioritize battery life and a quiet, cool operating experience.
• You need a CPU for everyday tasks, light gaming, and productivity.

Choose the Core i9-7920X if:

• You’re building a high-end desktop system for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and multi-tasking.
• You’re willing to invest in a powerful CPU and a robust cooling system.
• You need the ultimate performance for demanding workloads.

Beyond the Benchmarks: Other Factors to Consider

While performance and price are key considerations, other factors can influence your decision:

• Motherboard Compatibility: The **Core i9-7920X** requires a specific motherboard with the X299 chipset, while the **Ryzen 5 8645HS** is integrated into laptops with compatible motherboards.
• Upgradeability: The **Core i9-7920X** offers more upgrade paths, as you can swap out components like RAM and storage. The **Ryzen 5 8645HS** is a soldered-on CPU, meaning it’s not upgradable.
• Software Compatibility: Both CPUs are compatible with most modern software and operating systems. However, some older or specialized software might require specific CPU features or instruction sets.

Final Thoughts: AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS vs Intel Core i9-7920X: The Verdict

The AMD Ryzen 5 8645HS is an excellent choice for users seeking a powerful and efficient CPU for laptops. It offers a good balance of performance and power consumption, making it ideal for everyday tasks, light gaming, and productivity. The **Intel Core i9-7920X**, despite its age, remains a powerful desktop CPU for demanding workloads. However, its high price tag and power consumption make it less appealing for most users, especially with newer and more efficient alternatives available.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q1: Is the Ryzen 5 8645HS good for gaming?
A1: Yes, the Ryzen 5 8645HS offers a smooth gaming experience in modern titles, especially at 1080p resolution. However, for high-end gaming at 4K resolution or with demanding graphics settings, a more powerful CPU might be necessary.
Q2: Is the Core i9-7920X still a good buy in 2023?
A2: While the Core i9-7920X remains a powerful CPU, newer and more efficient alternatives have emerged, making it less appealing for most users. Its high price tag and power consumption are significant drawbacks.
Q3: What are the differences between the Ryzen 5 8645HS and the Core i9-7920X in terms of architecture?
A3: The Ryzen 5 8645HS features AMD‘s latest Zen 4 architecture, while the Core i9-7920X uses Intel’s Skylake-X architecture. Zen 4 is known for its improved performance and efficiency compared to Skylake-X.
Q4: Can I upgrade the Ryzen 5 8645HS?
A4: No, the Ryzen 5 8645HS is a soldered-on CPU, meaning it’s not upgradable.
Q5: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A5: The Core i9-7920X is a better choice for video editing due to its higher core count and raw processing power. However, newer and more efficient CPUs like the Ryzen 9 7940HS might offer comparable performance with lower power consumption.