Revolutionize Your Gaming: AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS vs. Intel Core i7 8700 Performance Duel!

Highlights

If you’re looking for a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking, you might be considering either the AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS or the Intel Core i7 8700.
If you need the best possible performance for demanding applications and are willing to pay a premium, the 6980HS is the clear winner.
However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t require the absolute top-tier performance, the 8700 can still offer a reliable solution.

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. If you’re looking for a powerful processor that can handle demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking, you might be considering either the AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS or the Intel Core i7 8700. Both processors are popular choices, but which one comes out on top? This comprehensive comparison will delve into the key features, performance benchmarks, and real-world applications of these two CPUs, helping you make an informed decision.

Jump to Sections

AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS: A Modern Powerhouse
Intel Core i7 8700: A Reliable Workhorse
Performance Comparison: Benchmarks and Real-World Applications
Price and Availability: Finding the Best Value
Power Consumption and Battery Life: Efficiency Matters

AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS: A Modern Powerhouse

The AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS is a high-performance mobile processor that boasts impressive capabilities. It’s built on AMD’s Zen 3+ architecture and utilizes a 6nm manufacturing process, delivering significant performance gains over its predecessors. Here’s a breakdown of its key features:

8 Cores, 16 Threads: The 6980HS packs 8 cores and 16 threads, enabling it to handle demanding multithreaded workloads with ease.
Boost Clock Speed Up to 5.0 GHz: With a high clock speed, the processor can execute instructions rapidly, resulting in faster processing times.
Integrated Radeon 680M Graphics: The integrated graphics unit provides decent performance for everyday tasks and casual gaming.
Low Power Consumption: Despite its power, the 6980HS is designed to be energy-efficient, ensuring longer battery life.

Intel Core i7 8700: A Reliable Workhorse

The Intel Core i7 8700 is a 6-core, 12-thread processor that was released in 2017. While it’s not as modern as the 6980HS, it still offers solid performance for a wide range of applications. Here’s a closer look at its key features:

6 Cores, 12 Threads: The 8700 provides sufficient processing power for most everyday tasks and some demanding applications.
Base Clock Speed of 3.2 GHz, Boost Clock Speed Up to 4.6 GHz: The 8700’s clock speeds are respectable, allowing for efficient processing.
Integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630: The integrated graphics unit offers basic graphics capabilities for everyday use.
Mature and Widely Available: The 8700 has been on the market for a while, making it readily available and affordable.

Performance Comparison: Benchmarks and Real-World Applications

Now, let’s dive into the performance comparison between these two processors. We’ll use benchmark scores and real-world application performance to understand their strengths and weaknesses.
Benchmark Scores:

Cinebench R23: The Ryzen 9 6980HS scores significantly higher in both single-core and multi-core performance compared to the Core i7 8700. This indicates its superior capability in demanding tasks like 3D rendering and video editing.
Geekbench 5: The 6980HS outperforms the 8700 in both single-core and multi-core tests, showcasing its overall processing prowess.
PassMark: The 6980HS achieves a higher overall score, demonstrating its advantage in terms of raw processing power.

Real-World Applications:

Gaming: The 6980HS’s integrated Radeon 680M graphics offer better performance than the Intel UHD Graphics 630 in the 8700. While it might not be suitable for high-end gaming, it can handle less demanding games smoothly.
Video Editing: The 6980HS’s multi-core performance makes it a better choice for video editing software like Adobe Premiere Pro and DaVinci Resolve. It can handle complex projects with ease, while the 8700 might struggle with demanding tasks.
Multitasking: Both processors can handle multitasking, but the 6980HS excels in scenarios involving multiple demanding applications running simultaneously. Its superior multi-core performance allows for smoother multitasking experiences.

Price and Availability: Finding the Best Value

The price difference between the Ryzen 9 6980HS and the Core i7 8700 can be significant. The 6980HS is a newer processor, and its technology comes at a premium. However, the 8700 is now more affordable due to its age and widespread availability.
When comparing price and performance, consider your budget and the type of tasks you’ll be performing. If you need the best possible performance for demanding applications and are willing to pay a premium, the 6980HS is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a tighter budget and don’t require the absolute top-tier performance, the 8700 can still offer a reliable solution.

Power Consumption and Battery Life: Efficiency Matters

The AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS is designed to be energy-efficient, thanks to its 6nm manufacturing process. This translates to longer battery life in laptops equipped with this processor. The Intel Core i7 8700, being an older processor, might consume more power, potentially leading to shorter battery life.

Which CPU Should You Choose?

Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and budget. Here’s a quick breakdown to help you decide:

Choose the AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS if:
You need the best possible performance for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and multitasking.
You’re willing to pay a premium for the latest technology and features.
Battery life is a priority.

Choose the Intel Core i7 8700 if:
You’re on a tighter budget and don’t need the absolute top-tier performance.
You’re looking for a reliable processor that can handle most everyday tasks.
You’re not concerned about battery life as much.

A Final Verdict: The Power of Progress

The AMD Ryzen 9 6980HS emerges as the clear winner in this comparison. Its superior performance, energy efficiency, and modern features make it a compelling choice for users who demand the best. However, the Intel Core i7 8700 remains a solid option for those on a budget or who don’t require the absolute top-tier performance.
Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your specific needs and priorities. By carefully considering the factors discussed in this article, you can make an informed decision and choose the processor that best fits your requirements.