Unleashing Power: AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS vs Intel Core i9 9980XE, Which Reigns Supreme?

The world of CPUs is constantly evolving, with new processors emerging every year boasting impressive advancements in performance and efficiency. However, comparing CPUs across different generations can be a tricky task, especially when considering processors designed for vastly different applications. In this blog post, we’ll delve into the fascinating matchup of the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and the Intel Core i9 9980XE, exploring their strengths, weaknesses, and suitability for various tasks.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is a high-performance mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops. Released in 2023, it belongs to the Zen 4 architecture and features 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 5.0 GHz. It’s known for its impressive single-core performance and power efficiency.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is a desktop processor from the Coffee Lake-X family, released in 2018. It boasts a whopping 18 cores and 36 threads, with a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz. This behemoth is renowned for its exceptional multi-core performance, making it a popular choice for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.

A Tale of Two Architectures: Zen 4 vs Coffee Lake-X

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS utilizes the Zen 4 architecture, which brings significant performance improvements over its predecessors. It features a refined instruction set, improved branch prediction, and a larger L3 cache, all contributing to faster execution speeds. The Zen 4 architecture also emphasizes power efficiency, allowing for higher performance at lower power consumption levels.
The Intel Core i9 9980XE, on the other hand, is based on the Coffee Lake-X architecture. While still a capable architecture, it lacks some of the advancements found in newer Intel processors, such as the introduction of AVX-512 instructions and improved memory controller capabilities.

Performance Showdown: Single-Core vs Multi-Core

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS shines in single-core performance, thanks to its higher boost clock speed and optimized architecture. This translates to faster response times in everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and gaming, where single-thread performance is crucial.
However, the Intel Core i9 9980XE takes the lead in multi-core performance thanks to its significantly higher core count. This makes it a powerhouse for applications that can utilize multiple threads, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations. The sheer number of cores and threads allows the 9980XE to tackle complex tasks much faster than the 8945HS.

Power Consumption and Thermal Considerations

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is designed for mobile devices, making power efficiency a top priority. Its 45W TDP (Thermal Design Power) allows it to operate at high performance levels while consuming relatively little power. This makes it ideal for thin and light laptops where battery life is a major concern.
The Intel Core i9 9980XE, being a desktop processor, has a much higher TDP of 165W. This means it consumes significantly more power than the 8945HS, requiring a more robust cooling solution. While this allows for higher performance, it also contributes to higher operating temperatures and potentially louder fan noise.

Price and Availability: A Matter of Value

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is a more affordable option compared to the Intel Core i9 9980XE. This is partly due to its mobile nature and the fact that it’s a newer generation processor. The 8945HS is readily available in various laptops from different manufacturers.
The Intel Core i9 9980XE, on the other hand, is a high-end desktop processor with a premium price tag. It’s still available in the market, but its price might be higher due to its age and limited availability.

Choosing the Right Processor: Your Needs Matter

Ultimately, the choice between the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and the Intel Core i9 9980XE depends on your specific needs and usage patterns.
Here’s a breakdown to help you decide:

• For everyday tasks and gaming: The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is a great choice. Its strong single-core performance and power efficiency make it ideal for thin and light laptops, providing a smooth and responsive experience.
• For demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations: The Intel Core i9 9980XE is the better option. Its massive core count and high performance make it a powerhouse for multi-threaded applications.
• For budget-conscious users: The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS offers a better value proposition, providing excellent performance at a more affordable price.
• For users prioritizing portability and battery life: The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is the clear winner, as it’s designed for mobile devices and offers excellent power efficiency.

Final Thoughts: A Legacy of Innovation

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS and the Intel Core i9 9980XE represent different eras in CPU technology, showcasing the constant evolution of processing power. While the 9980XE remains a capable processor, its age and lack of newer features make it less competitive compared to the 8945HS.
The 8945HS is a testament to AMD’s commitment to innovation, offering a powerful and efficient mobile processor that excels in both single-core and multi-core performance. As technology continues to advance, we can expect even more impressive CPUs to emerge, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in computing.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I upgrade the Intel Core i9 9980XE to a newer processor?
A: No, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is a socket-specific processor. You cannot upgrade it to a newer model, as the socket type is incompatible with newer generations of Intel CPUs.
Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS suitable for gaming?
A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is a great processor for gaming. Its strong single-core performance and high clock speeds ensure smooth gameplay and excellent frame rates.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 9980XE overkill for everyday tasks?
A: Yes, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is overkill for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light gaming. Its massive core count is not fully utilized in these scenarios, making it an expensive option for casual users.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: Both processors can handle video editing, but the Intel Core i9 9980XE is better suited for demanding video editing projects. Its higher core count and multi-threading capabilities allow it to render videos faster, especially when working with high-resolution footage and complex effects.
Q: Which processor should I choose for a workstation?
A: If you’re building a workstation for demanding tasks like 3D rendering, scientific simulations, or professional video editing, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is a better choice. Its high core count and multi-threading capabilities provide the raw processing power needed for these tasks.