AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS vs Intel Core i9 7920X: Which Processor Will Dominate Your Next Gaming Session?

Choosing the right CPU can be a daunting task, especially when you’re considering two processors with seemingly different strengths. The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Intel Core i9 7920X represent two distinct ends of the CPU spectrum, offering different performance profiles and targeting different use cases. This blog post aims to provide a comprehensive comparison, delving into their core features, performance benchmarks, and ultimately helping you decide which CPU best suits your needs.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is a powerful, energy-efficient processor designed for thin and light laptops. It boasts 6 cores and 12 threads, running at a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.8 GHz. This mobile processor is built on the Zen 4 architecture, known for its efficiency and performance.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 7920X is a desktop behemoth, featuring a whopping 18 cores and 36 threads. This CPU is part of the Intel Skylake-X series, designed for high-performance computing and demanding workloads. It runs at a base clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a boost clock speed of 4.5 GHz.

Architecture: Zen 4 vs. Skylake-X

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS leverages the cutting-edge Zen 4 architecture, a significant leap forward in terms of performance and power efficiency. This architecture brings several key improvements, including:

• Improved IPC (Instructions Per Clock): Zen 4 boasts a notable IPC increase compared to previous generations, resulting in faster execution speeds for various tasks.
• Enhanced Power Efficiency: Zen 4 architecture is designed to deliver better performance per watt, making it ideal for mobile devices.
• Integrated Graphics: The 8640HS features integrated Radeon graphics, eliminating the need for a dedicated graphics card in many scenarios.

Meanwhile, the Intel Core i9 7920X utilizes the Skylake-X architecture, which was a significant advancement during its release but is now considered to be an older generation. While Skylake-X offered impressive core counts and performance, it lacks the energy efficiency and architectural advancements found in newer architectures like Zen 4.

Performance: Benchmarks and Real-World Usage

Comparing the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Intel Core i9 7920X requires understanding their strengths and weaknesses in different scenarios.
Multi-Core Performance: The Intel Core i9 7920X clearly dominates in multi-core tasks due to its higher core count. This translates to superior performance in demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
Single-Core Performance: While the Core i9 7920X offers impressive multi-core performance, the Ryzen 5 8640HS shines in single-core benchmarks. This advantage is due to the Zen 4 architecture’s improved IPC and higher boost clock speeds. This translates to smoother performance in everyday tasks like web browsing, office productivity, and gaming.
Power Consumption: The Ryzen 5 8640HS is a clear winner in terms of power consumption. Its energy-efficient Zen 4 architecture allows it to deliver high performance while consuming significantly less power than the Core i9 7920X. This is crucial for mobile devices where battery life is a primary concern.
Gaming Performance: While the Core i9 7920X can handle demanding games, its power consumption and lack of integrated graphics make it less suitable for gaming laptops. The Ryzen 5 8640HS, with its integrated Radeon graphics, offers a more balanced solution for gamers on the go.

Choosing the Right CPU: Understanding Your Needs

The decision between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Intel Core i9 7920X depends heavily on your specific needs and priorities.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS if:

• You require a powerful, energy-efficient processor for a laptop or a compact desktop.
• You prioritize single-core performance for everyday tasks and gaming.
• Battery life is a crucial factor in your decision.
• You need a CPU with integrated graphics for a more streamlined setup.

Choose the Intel Core i9 7920X if:

• You need a CPU with exceptional multi-core performance for demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and scientific simulations.
• You have a desktop PC with a dedicated cooling solution.
• You prioritize raw power over energy efficiency.

Beyond Performance: Price and Availability

The Ryzen 5 8640HS is generally more affordable than the Core i9 7920X, making it a more attractive option for budget-conscious users. However, the price difference can vary depending on the specific laptop or desktop configuration.
The Ryzen 5 8640HS is readily available in various laptops, while the Core i9 7920X is typically found in high-end desktop systems.

The Verdict: A Powerful Choice for Different Needs

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Intel Core i9 7920X are both powerful CPUs, but they cater to different needs. The Ryzen 5 8640HS excels in energy efficiency, single-core performance, and integrated graphics, making it ideal for mobile devices and everyday tasks. The Core i9 7920X, with its high core count, reigns supreme in multi-core performance, making it the go-to choice for demanding workloads. Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific requirements and budget.

Questions We Hear a Lot

Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is a better choice for gaming, thanks to its single-core performance and integrated Radeon graphics. While the Core i9 7920X can handle demanding games, its high power consumption and lack of integrated graphics make it less suitable for gaming laptops.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: The Intel Core i9 7920X is generally better for video editing due to its higher core count, which translates to faster rendering times. However, the Ryzen 5 8640HS can still handle video editing tasks, especially with its improved IPC and single-core performance.
Q: Which CPU is more power efficient?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is significantly more power efficient than the Intel Core i9 7920X, thanks to its Zen 4 architecture. This is crucial for mobile devices where battery life is a major concern.
Q: Which CPU is more affordable?
A: The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is generally more affordable than the Intel Core i9 7920X, making it a more budget-friendly option. However, the price difference can vary depending on the specific laptop or desktop configuration.
Q: Which CPU is better for general-purpose computing?
A: Both CPUs can handle general-purpose computing tasks, but the Ryzen 5 8640HS offers a better balance of performance and power efficiency, making it a suitable choice for everyday tasks.