Shocking Results: AMD Ryzen 5 8640U vs Intel Core i9 9820X Benchmarked! Who’s the Real Winner?

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when navigating the vast landscape of processors available. Today, we’re diving into a fascinating comparison: the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U, a power-efficient chip designed for thin and light laptops, versus the Intel Core i9 9820X, a high-end desktop processor built for demanding workloads. This AMD Ryzen 5 8640U vs Intel Core i9 9820X showdown will reveal their strengths, weaknesses, and which one emerges as the champion for different use cases.

The Contenders: A Quick Overview

AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This is a 6-core, 12-thread processor based on AMD’s cutting-edge Zen 4 architecture. It boasts a base clock speed of 2.5 GHz and a boost clock of 4.8 GHz, making it a potent performer for everyday tasks and even light gaming. The 8640U is designed for energy efficiency, making it ideal for laptops that prioritize battery life.
Intel Core i9 9820X: On the other side of the ring, we have a behemoth of a CPU. This 18-core, 36-thread processor is part of Intel’s 9th generation X-series, designed for high-end desktop PCs. It features a base clock speed of 3.3 GHz and a boost clock of 4.5 GHz. The 9820X is a powerhouse for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming at ultra-high resolutions.

Performance: A Tale of Two Architectures

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9820X represent two distinct approaches to CPU design. The 8640U prioritizes power efficiency through its Zen 4 architecture, while the 9820X focuses on raw performance with its 18 cores.
AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This chip shines in everyday tasks. Its Zen 4 architecture is known for its responsiveness and efficiency. You can expect smooth multitasking, snappy web browsing, and decent gaming performance at lower settings. The 8640U’s integrated graphics are also a bonus for basic multimedia tasks.
Intel Core i9 9820X: This CPU is a beast when it comes to demanding workloads. Its 18 cores and 36 threads allow it to handle complex tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-resolution gaming with ease. The 9820X is a champion for professionals and enthusiasts who need the ultimate processing power.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Clear Winner

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U emerges as the clear winner in the power consumption and efficiency battle. Its Zen 4 architecture is optimized for low power consumption, making it ideal for laptops that prioritize battery life. The 8640U’s low power draw translates to longer runtime and less heat generation.
Intel Core i9 9820X: This CPU is a power-hungry beast. Its 18 cores and high clock speeds demand significant power, leading to increased heat generation and potentially higher electricity bills. While its performance is impressive, it comes at the cost of power efficiency.

Price: A Significant Factor in Your Decision

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9820X occupy different price tiers, reflecting their intended use cases.
AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This chip is typically found in mid-range laptops, making it a more affordable option for everyday users. Its price is generally lower compared to the 9820X, making it a compelling choice for budget-conscious consumers.
Intel Core i9 9820X: This CPU is a high-end desktop processor, priced accordingly. Its premium price reflects its exceptional performance and the target audience it serves. The 9820X is an investment for those who demand the best possible performance for their demanding workloads.

Gaming Performance: A Matter of Perspective

The gaming performance of the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9820X depends on your expectations and the games you play.
AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This chip can handle light gaming at lower settings. You can expect smooth gameplay in less demanding titles, but you might need to compromise on resolution and graphics settings for more demanding games.
Intel Core i9 9820X: This CPU is a gaming powerhouse, capable of delivering buttery-smooth gameplay at ultra-high resolutions and maximum graphics settings. Its high core count and clock speeds ensure a seamless gaming experience, even in the most demanding titles.

Upgradability and Future-Proofing: A Key Distinction

The AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9820X differ significantly in terms of upgradability and future-proofing.
AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This chip is typically found in laptops, which generally have limited upgrade options. You might be able to upgrade RAM or storage, but the CPU itself is usually soldered onto the motherboard, making it non-upgradeable.
Intel Core i9 9820X: This CPU is designed for desktop PCs, which offer much greater flexibility in terms of upgrades. You can easily swap out components like RAM, storage, and even the CPU itself, allowing for future upgrades and customization.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right Champion

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U and Intel Core i9 9820X ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
AMD Ryzen 5 8640U: This chip is an excellent choice for everyday users who prioritize power efficiency, portability, and affordability. It’s ideal for laptops, offering a balance of performance and battery life.
Intel Core i9 9820X: This CPU is a powerhouse for demanding workloads, offering exceptional performance for professionals and enthusiasts. It’s a top-tier option for high-end desktop PCs, but its high price and power consumption might be a deterrent for some users.

Beyond the Showdown: A Glimpse into the Future

The CPU landscape is constantly evolving, with both AMD and Intel pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. As technology advances, we can expect even more powerful and energy-efficient processors to emerge, further blurring the lines between power and portability.

Basics You Wanted To Know

Q: Can I upgrade the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U in a laptop?
A: Generally, the CPU in a laptop is soldered to the motherboard, making it non-upgradeable. You might be able to upgrade RAM or storage, but the CPU itself is usually fixed.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 9820X still a good choice in 2023?
A: While the 9820X is a powerful CPU, newer processors from both AMD and Intel offer better performance and energy efficiency. If you’re looking for the absolute best performance, consider newer models.
Q: What are the main differences between the Zen 4 and 9th Gen Intel architectures?
A: The Zen 4 architecture focuses on power efficiency and responsiveness, while Intel’s 9th Gen architecture prioritizes raw performance. Zen 4 offers better power consumption and thermal efficiency, making it ideal for laptops, while Intel’s 9th Gen is more suited to high-end desktop PCs.
Q: Can I use the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U for gaming?
A: The 8640U can handle light gaming at lower settings. You can expect smooth gameplay in less demanding titles, but you might need to compromise on resolution and graphics settings for more demanding games.
Q: Is the Intel Core i9 9820X worth the price?
A: The 9820X is a premium CPU designed for professionals and enthusiasts who demand the highest level of performance. If your workload requires the ultimate processing power, the 9820X might be worth the price, but consider newer models for better performance and efficiency.