Shattering Expectations: AMD Ryzen 5 8640U vs Intel Core i9 9940X – A CPU Battle You Won’t Believe!

The world of CPUs is a constant battleground of innovation and performance. Two giants, AMD and Intel, constantly strive to outdo each other, pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in computing power. In this showdown, we pit the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U against the Intel Core i9 9940X, two processors from different eras and with vastly different purposes. While the Ryzen 5 8640U is a modern, power-efficient chip designed for thin and light laptops, the Core i9 9940X is a behemoth aimed at high-end desktop workstations.

The Contenders: A Look at the Specs

Before we dive into the performance comparison, let’s lay out the specs of these two processors:
AMD Ryzen 5 8640U:

• Cores: 6
• Threads: 12
• Base Clock Speed: 2.5 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.8 GHz
• TDP: 15W
• Architecture: Zen 4
• Integrated Graphics: Radeon 780M

Intel Core i9 9940X:

• Cores: 10
• Threads: 20
• Base Clock Speed: 3.0 GHz
• Boost Clock Speed: 4.5 GHz
• TDP: 165W
• Architecture: Skylake-X
• Integrated Graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 630

As you can see, the Ryzen 5 8640U is a much more compact and power-efficient chip compared to the Core i9 9940X. The Ryzen 5 8640U boasts a higher boost clock speed, but the Core i9 9940X packs more cores and threads. This difference in architecture and design reflects their intended use cases.

Performance: A Tale of Two Worlds

The performance of these processors is largely dictated by their target audiences. The Ryzen 5 8640U shines in scenarios where power efficiency and portability are paramount. Its Zen 4 architecture delivers excellent performance per watt, making it ideal for everyday tasks like browsing, productivity, and light gaming on thin and light laptops.
On the other hand, the Core i9 9940X is a powerhouse built for demanding workloads. Its 10 cores and 20 threads excel in tasks that require heavy multi-threading, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.

Benchmarks: Putting the Processors to the Test

To get a clearer picture of the performance difference, let’s look at some benchmark results:

• Cinebench R23: The Ryzen 5 8640U scores around 10,000 points in multi-core performance, while the Core i9 9940X scores around 20,000 points. This difference is expected as the Core i9 9940X has significantly more cores and threads.
• Geekbench 5: The Ryzen 5 8640U achieves a single-core score of around 1,800 and a multi-core score of around 9,000. The Core i9 9940X scores around 1,500 in single-core and around 20,000 in multi-core.
• Gaming Performance: The Ryzen 5 8640U, with its integrated Radeon 780M graphics, can handle casual gaming at lower settings. The Core i9 9940X, however, relies on a dedicated graphics card for gaming, offering much higher performance.

These benchmark results clearly show that the Core i9 9940X is a superior performer in multi-threaded workloads, while the Ryzen 5 8640U excels in single-core performance and power efficiency.

The Power of Efficiency: Why the Ryzen 5 8640U Wins in Some Scenarios

Despite its lower core count, the Ryzen 5 8640U holds its own against the Core i9 9940X in certain scenarios. The Zen 4 architecture boasts significant improvements in power efficiency, allowing the Ryzen 5 8640U to deliver impressive performance with a much lower TDP. This means it generates less heat and consumes less power, making it ideal for thin and light laptops where space and battery life are crucial.

The Price Factor: A Significant Difference

The Ryzen 5 8640U is significantly more affordable than the Core i9 9940X. This price difference is a major factor for many users, particularly those looking for a budget-friendly laptop. The Ryzen 5 8640U offers a compelling value proposition, delivering excellent performance for everyday tasks at a lower price point.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and the Intel Core i9 9940X ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for a powerful processor for demanding workloads, the Core i9 9940X is the clear winner. However, if you prioritize portability, power efficiency, and affordability, the Ryzen 5 8640U is a compelling choice for everyday tasks and casual gaming.

The Final Word: A Modern vs. Legacy Battle

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9940X represent two distinct approaches to CPU design. The Ryzen 5 8640U embodies the modern trend of power efficiency and portability, while the Core i9 9940X is a legacy processor that prioritizes raw power. Choosing the right processor ultimately comes down to your specific needs and priorities.

What You Need to Know

Q1: Is the Ryzen 5 8640U good for gaming?
A1: The Ryzen 5 8640U with its integrated Radeon 780M graphics can handle casual gaming at lower settings. However, for demanding games, you’ll need a dedicated graphics card.
Q2: What is the difference between the Ryzen 5 8640U and the Core i9 9940X in terms of performance?
A2: The Core i9 9940X is significantly faster in multi-threaded workloads due to its higher core count. However, the Ryzen 5 8640U excels in single-core performance and power efficiency.
Q3: Which processor is better for video editing?
A3: For video editing, the Core i9 9940X with its 10 cores and 20 threads offers superior performance. However, the Ryzen 5 8640U can still handle basic video editing tasks.
Q4: Is the Ryzen 5 8640U good for productivity?
A4: Yes, the Ryzen 5 8640U is an excellent choice for productivity tasks like browsing, document editing, and light multitasking. Its Zen 4 architecture delivers efficient performance for everyday work.
Q5: What is the TDP of the Ryzen 5 8640U and the Core i9 9940X?
A5: The Ryzen 5 8640U has a TDP of 15W, while the Core i9 9940X has a TDP of 165W. This difference reflects their intended use cases, with the Ryzen 5 8640U being designed for power efficiency and the Core i9 9940X for high performance.