What To Know
- This difference in core count immediately suggests the 9980XE is designed for heavy multitasking and demanding workloads, while the 8640HS is more focused on balanced performance and power efficiency.
- The 9980XE, on the other hand, is a power-hungry beast, requiring a high-end motherboard and a beefy cooling solution.
- While the Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Core i9 9980XE represent different points in this evolution, they offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of AMD and Intel.
The world of CPUs is a constant battleground, with AMD and Intel vying for dominance. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating matchup: the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS versus the Intel Core i9 9980XE. This comparison throws together two processors from different generations and price points, offering a unique perspective on performance and efficiency.
The Contenders: A Quick Overview
Before we delve into the specifics, let’s quickly introduce our combatants. The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is a mobile processor designed for thin and light laptops. It’s part of AMD’s latest Zen 4 architecture, boasting high clock speeds and impressive power efficiency. On the other side, the Intel Core i9 9980XE is a behemoth of a CPU, designed for high-end desktop workstations. It’s a 18-core, 36-thread monster from Intel’s Skylake-X architecture, known for its raw power.
Core Count and Clock Speeds: A Tale of Two Architectures
The first major difference lies in the core count. The Ryzen 5 8640HS features 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Core i9 9980XE boasts an impressive 18 cores and 36 threads. This difference in core count immediately suggests the 9980XE is designed for heavy multitasking and demanding workloads, while the 8640HS is more focused on balanced performance and power efficiency.
In terms of clock speeds, the 8640HS has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. The 9980XE, on the other hand, has a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz. While the 9980XE has a lower boost clock speed, its higher core count and thread count compensate for it in certain workloads.
Benchmarks and Performance: A Head-to-Head Showdown
To truly understand the performance differences, let’s look at some benchmark results. In single-threaded benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 8640HS generally outperforms the Core i9 9980XE. This is due to the newer Zen 4 architecture and its focus on single-core performance. However, in multi-threaded benchmarks, the 9980XE shines, leveraging its massive core count to deliver significantly higher performance in tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Mobile Processor’s Advantage
One of the key advantages of the Ryzen 5 8640HS is its power efficiency. Designed for laptops, it’s optimized to consume less power and generate less heat. The 9980XE, on the other hand, is a power-hungry beast, requiring a high-end motherboard and a beefy cooling solution. This difference in power consumption is crucial for users who prioritize portability and battery life.
Price and Availability: A Clear Winner in Affordability
The Ryzen 5 8640HS is significantly more affordable than the Core i9 9980XE. This price difference is largely due to the target market. The 8640HS is designed for mainstream laptops, while the 9980XE is aimed at high-end workstations. This makes the 8640HS a more accessible option for users who don’t require the extreme processing power of the 9980XE.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right Processor
So, who wins this battle? The answer, as with most technology comparisons, depends on your needs. If you’re looking for a powerful processor for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, or scientific simulations, the Core i9 9980XE is the clear winner. Its massive core count and thread count provide unparalleled performance in these scenarios.
However, if you prioritize portability, power efficiency, and affordability, the Ryzen 5 8640HS is the better choice. Its high single-core performance and impressive power efficiency make it ideal for everyday tasks, gaming, and light content creation.
The Future of CPUs: A Constant Evolution
The CPU landscape is constantly evolving. Newer architectures, improved manufacturing processes, and innovative technologies are constantly pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. While the Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Core i9 9980XE represent different points in this evolution, they offer valuable insights into the strengths and weaknesses of AMD and Intel.
Popular Questions
Q: Is the Ryzen 5 8640HS good for gaming?
A: Yes, the Ryzen 5 8640HS is a solid processor for gaming. Its high clock speeds and efficient architecture deliver smooth gameplay at high frame rates.
Q: What is the difference between the Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Ryzen 7 8800HS?
A: The Ryzen 7 8800HS offers more cores (8) and threads (16) than the Ryzen 5 8640HS, making it more powerful for demanding tasks. However, the 8640HS is still a capable processor for most users.
Q: Is the Core i9 9980XE still relevant in 2023?
A: While the Core i9 9980XE is still a powerful processor, it’s starting to show its age. Newer CPUs from both AMD and Intel offer better performance and efficiency. However, it can still be a good option for users who need a large number of cores and threads at a lower price point.
Q: What is the best processor for video editing?
A: The best processor for video editing depends on your budget and the complexity of your projects. For high-end video editing, a processor with a large number of cores and threads, like the Core i9 9980XE or a newer AMD Ryzen Threadripper, is recommended. For lighter video editing tasks, a processor like the Ryzen 5 8640HS or a newer Intel Core i7 can be sufficient.
