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AMD Ryzen 7 4800U vs Intel Core i5 120U: Which CPU Reigns Supreme in 2024?

Quick summary

  • Choosing the right CPU for your laptop is a crucial decision, especially when considering the power-packed AMD Ryzen 7 4800U and the innovative Intel Core i5-1235U.
  • The AMD Ryzen 7 4800U is known for its efficient power consumption, making it a popular choice for thin and light laptops.
  • The Ryzen 7 4800U might offer a slight edge in performance, but the Core i5-1235U’s Iris Xe Graphics delivers a smoother gaming experience.

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop is a crucial decision, especially when considering the power-packed AMD Ryzen 7 4800U and the innovative Intel Core i5-1235U. Both processors are designed to deliver exceptional performance, but they differ in their architecture, features, and target audience. This comprehensive guide will delve into the strengths and weaknesses of each CPU, helping you make an informed decision based on your specific needs and budget.

Architecture and Performance: A Tale of Two Designs

The AMD Ryzen 7 4800U is built on the Zen 2 architecture, boasting eight cores and sixteen threads. This multi-core prowess makes it a strong contender for multitasking and demanding applications like video editing and gaming. On the other hand, the Intel Core i5-1235U utilizes the Alder Lake architecture, featuring a hybrid design with ten cores (two performance cores and eight efficient cores). This unique approach allows for optimized performance across various workloads, balancing power and efficiency.
In terms of raw performance, the Ryzen 7 4800U generally excels in multi-threaded tasks, thanks to its higher core count. However, the Core i5-1235U’s performance cores deliver impressive single-threaded performance, making it ideal for tasks like web browsing and productivity.

Integrated Graphics: The Battle for Visual Fidelity

Both CPUs come equipped with integrated graphics, offering a convenient solution for basic tasks and casual gaming. The Ryzen 7 4800U features the Radeon Vega 7 graphics, while the Core i5-1235U boasts the Intel Iris Xe Graphics. While both deliver comparable performance for everyday use, the Iris Xe Graphics offers slightly better performance for light gaming and video editing.

Power Consumption and Efficiency: A Balancing Act

The AMD Ryzen 7 4800U is known for its efficient power consumption, making it a popular choice for thin and light laptops. The Intel Core i5-1235U, while slightly less power-efficient, still manages to deliver impressive performance with its hybrid architecture.

Price and Availability: A Matter of Budget and Demand

The price of these CPUs can fluctuate depending on the specific laptop model and availability. Generally, the Ryzen 7 4800U tends to be more affordable, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious users. The Core i5-1235U, with its newer architecture and advanced features, may command a slightly higher price.

Choosing the Right CPU for Your Needs

The best CPU for you depends on your specific requirements and priorities.
Choose the AMD Ryzen 7 4800U if:

  • You need a powerful CPU for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking.
  • You prioritize affordability and battery life.
  • You prefer a laptop with a slim and lightweight design.

Choose the Intel Core i5-1235U if:

  • You need exceptional single-threaded performance for productivity tasks and web browsing.
  • You value the latest technology and features.
  • You are willing to pay a premium for a powerful and efficient processor.

The Verdict: A Tight Race with Distinct Strengths

Both the AMD Ryzen 7 4800U and the Intel Core i5-1235U are excellent CPUs, offering impressive performance and features. The Ryzen 7 4800U excels in multi-core tasks and affordability, while the Core i5-1235U shines with its single-threaded performance and advanced architecture. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual needs and budget.

Beyond the Specs: Performance in Real-World Applications

While benchmark scores are helpful, real-world performance matters most. Here’s a breakdown of how these CPUs perform in various applications:
Productivity Applications:

  • Word Processing and Spreadsheets: Both CPUs handle these tasks effortlessly, offering snappy performance and smooth responsiveness.
  • Code Compilation: The Ryzen 7 4800U’s multi-core advantage shines here, enabling faster compilation times for complex projects.
  • Video Editing: The Core i5-1235U’s single-core performance assists in smoother video playback and editing, but the Ryzen 7 4800U’s multi-core strength helps accelerate rendering and exporting.

Gaming:

  • Casual Games: Both CPUs can handle casual games like “League of Legends” and “Counter-Strike: Global Offensive” smoothly.
  • Mid-Range Games: The Ryzen 7 4800U might offer a slight edge in performance, but the Core i5-1235U’s Iris Xe Graphics delivers a smoother gaming experience.
  • High-End Games: For demanding games like “Cyberpunk 2077” and “Red Dead Redemption 2,” both CPUs might struggle to maintain high frame rates at high settings.

Overall:
Both CPUs deliver a solid user experience for everyday tasks and light gaming. However, the Ryzen 7 4800U’s multi-core performance makes it a better choice for demanding applications, while the Core i5-1235U’s single-core prowess and hybrid architecture offer a balanced and efficient performance.

The Future of Mobile Computing: A Glimpse into the Next Generation

The AMD Ryzen 7 4800U and the Intel Core i5-1235U represent the pinnacle of mobile computing in their respective eras. However, technology is constantly evolving, and newer generations of CPUs are already on the horizon.
AMD has released the Ryzen 7 5800U and Ryzen 7 6800U, featuring even more powerful Zen 3+ and Zen 4 architectures, respectively. Intel has also launched the 13th generation Core series, with the Core i5-1335U offering significant performance improvements.
As technology advances, we can expect even more powerful and efficient CPUs to emerge, pushing the boundaries of mobile computing further.

1. Which CPU is better for gaming?
For casual gaming, both CPUs offer a decent experience. However, for more demanding games, the Ryzen 7 4800U might provide slightly better performance due to its higher core count.
2. Which CPU is better for video editing?
The Ryzen 7 4800U’s multi-core strength makes it a better choice for video editing, particularly for rendering and exporting. However, the Core i5-1235U’s single-core performance can assist in smoother video playback and editing.
3. Which CPU is more power-efficient?
The AMD Ryzen 7 4800U is known for its efficient power consumption, leading to longer battery life in laptops.
4. How do these CPUs compare to newer models?
The newer Ryzen 7 5800U and 6800U offer even better performance than the 4800U, while the Intel Core i5-1335U surpasses the 1235U in terms of speed and efficiency.
5. What are the best laptops with these CPUs?
Several laptops feature these CPUs, including the HP Envy x360, Lenovo Yoga 7i, Dell XPS 13, and Acer Swift 3. Research specific models and compare their features and prices to find the best fit for your needs.
By carefully considering your specific requirements and priorities, you can choose the AMD Ryzen 7 4800U or the Intel Core i5-1235U that best meets your needs and unleashes the full potential of your laptop.

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About the Author
Jamie is a passionate tech enthusiast and the author behind CPUCheckPro.com. With a deep understanding of computer hardware, he strives to provide comprehensive CPU comparison guides, insightful knowledge, and valuable tips to help users make informed decisions about their CPU choices.