AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS vs Intel Core i9 10900: The Ultimate Showdown for Desktop CPUs

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop or desktop can be a daunting task, especially with the constant advancements in processor technology. Today, we’ll be diving into a head-to-head comparison between two popular processors: the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Intel Core i9-10900.
This comparison will explore their performance in various aspects, including gaming, productivity, and power consumption, to help you make an informed decision based on your specific needs.

Architecture and Core Count: A Tale of Two Generations

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is built on the latest Zen 4 architecture, boasting 6 cores and 12 threads. This processor is part of AMD’s “Phoenix” series, specifically designed for thin and light laptops. In contrast, the Intel Core i9-10900 is based on the older Comet Lake architecture and features a whopping 10 cores and 20 threads.
While the Intel processor boasts a higher core count, the Ryzen 5 8640HS benefits from the newer architecture, offering significant performance gains in single-threaded tasks and overall efficiency.

Clock Speeds and Boost Frequencies: The Race for Speed

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS has a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.8 GHz. The Intel Core i9-10900, on the other hand, has a base clock of 2.8 GHz and a boost clock of up to 5.3 GHz.
While the Intel processor has a higher boost clock, the Ryzen 5 8640HS benefits from its newer architecture, enabling it to maintain higher clock speeds over longer periods. This difference in clock speed performance translates into better overall responsiveness and faster application loading times.

Performance: Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

In terms of raw performance, the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS consistently outperforms the Intel Core i9-10900 in single-threaded benchmarks. This is due to the significant architectural advancements in Zen 4, resulting in faster clock speeds and improved instruction execution.
For multi-threaded tasks, the Intel Core i9-10900 still holds an edge due to its higher core count. However, the Ryzen 5 8640HS’s superior single-thread performance makes it a better choice for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light video editing.

Gaming Performance: A Close Contest

When it comes to gaming, both processors deliver excellent performance. The Ryzen 5 8640HS benefits from its higher clock speeds and improved single-thread performance, resulting in smoother gameplay at high frame rates.
The Intel Core i9-10900, with its higher core count, can provide better performance in demanding games that utilize multiple cores. However, the Ryzen 5 8640HS’s overall efficiency and lower power consumption make it a more appealing choice for gamers on the go.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Clear Winner

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is a clear winner in terms of power consumption and efficiency. Its 6-core design and optimized architecture allow it to deliver similar performance to the Intel Core i9-10900 while consuming significantly less power. This translates into longer battery life and less heat generation, making it ideal for thin and light laptops.

Price and Value: Weighing the Options

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is typically more affordable than the Intel Core i9-10900. This price difference is significant, especially considering the Ryzen 5 8640HS’s superior performance and efficiency.
While the Intel Core i9-10900 might offer better multi-threaded performance, its higher price and lower efficiency make it a less compelling choice for most users.

Final Verdict: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS Takes the Crown

For most users, the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS emerges as the clear winner in the battle against the Intel Core i9-10900. Its superior single-threaded performance, excellent gaming capabilities, and unmatched power efficiency make it a more compelling choice for both everyday use and demanding tasks.
While the Intel Core i9-10900 might still be a better option for specific workloads that heavily rely on multi-threading, the Ryzen 5 8640HS offers a more balanced and efficient solution for the majority of users.

What You Need to Learn

Q1: Is the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS good for gaming?
A: Yes, the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is an excellent choice for gaming. Its high clock speeds and improved single-threaded performance allow for smooth gameplay at high frame rates.
Q2: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: For video editing, the Intel Core i9-10900 might be a better choice due to its higher core count. However, the Ryzen 5 8640HS’s excellent single-threaded performance and efficiency make it a viable option for lighter video editing tasks.
Q3: Is the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS good for productivity?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is a great processor for productivity tasks. Its high clock speeds and efficient architecture ensure smooth performance for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light programming.
Q4: Which processor is better for multitasking?
A: The Intel Core i9-10900 has a significant advantage in multitasking due to its higher core count. However, the Ryzen 5 8640HS’s efficient design and excellent single-threaded performance make it capable of handling multiple tasks simultaneously.
Q5: What is the difference between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the AMD Ryzen 5 8645H?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8645H is a higher-performance version of the 8640HS, featuring a slightly higher base clock speed and a slightly higher boost clock. The 8645H is also typically found in higher-end laptops, while the 8640HS is more common in mid-range and budget-friendly models.