Quick notes
- The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS takes the lead in this category with its 8 cores and 16 threads, a significant advantage over the Intel Core i3 8120’s 4 cores and 4 threads.
- The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is designed with efficiency in mind, boasting a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45W compared to the Intel Core i3 8120’s 65W.
- The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS emerges as the clear winner in this comparison, offering a significant performance advantage over the Intel Core i3 8120.
Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with the vast array of options available. Today, we’ll delve into a head-to-head comparison between the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS and the Intel Core i3 8120, two processors from different generations and price points. This comprehensive analysis will help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, guiding you towards the ideal CPU for your specific requirements.
A Glimpse into the Contenders: AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS vs Intel Core i3 8120
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is a powerhouse in the modern CPU landscape, belonging to the latest generation of Ryzen processors. It boasts an impressive 8 cores and 16 threads, enabling it to handle demanding tasks with ease. On the other hand, the Intel Core i3 8120 is a more budget-friendly option, featuring 4 cores and 4 threads. While it might not be as powerful as its AMD counterpart, it still offers decent performance for everyday tasks.
Core Count and Threading: A Comparative Look
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS takes the lead in this category with its 8 cores and 16 threads, a significant advantage over the Intel Core i3 8120’s 4 cores and 4 threads. This difference translates to superior multitasking capabilities, allowing the Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS to handle multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing performance bottlenecks. The Intel Core i3 8120, while capable of handling everyday tasks, may struggle when faced with resource-intensive workloads.
Clock Speeds: A Tale of Two Frequencies
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS operates at a base clock speed of 3.8 GHz and can boost up to 5.1 GHz. This impressive clock speed range provides a significant performance advantage over the Intel Core i3 8120, which has a base clock speed of 3.6 GHz and a boost clock speed of 3.8 GHz. The higher clock speeds of the Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS contribute to faster processing and overall responsiveness, making it a better choice for demanding applications like gaming and video editing.
Cache Memory: Storing Data for Faster Access
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS features a generous 16 MB of L3 cache, while the Intel Core i3 8120 has a smaller 6 MB L3 cache. This difference in cache size can have a noticeable impact on performance, particularly for applications that rely heavily on data access. The larger cache of the Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS allows it to store more frequently accessed data, reducing the need to fetch it from slower memory locations, resulting in faster execution times.
Integrated Graphics: A Visual Showdown
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS integrates the AMD Radeon 680M graphics, offering significantly better performance compared to the Intel UHD Graphics 630 integrated into the Intel Core i3 8120. The Radeon 680M is capable of handling casual gaming and demanding visual tasks like video editing. The Intel UHD Graphics 630, while suitable for basic tasks, might struggle to deliver a smooth experience for more demanding applications.
Power Consumption: Efficiency in Action
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is designed with efficiency in mind, boasting a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 45W compared to the Intel Core i3 8120’s 65W. This difference in power consumption translates to lower heat generation and potentially longer battery life in mobile devices. The Intel Core i3 8120, while offering decent performance, might consume more power and generate more heat, potentially leading to thermal throttling issues.
Pricing and Value: Finding the Sweet Spot
The Intel Core i3 8120 is generally more affordable than the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS. This price difference makes the Core i3 8120 an attractive option for budget-conscious users. However, if you prioritize performance and future-proofing, the Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is a worthwhile investment, offering a significant performance boost despite its higher price tag.
The Verdict: Choosing the Right CPU for Your Needs
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS emerges as the clear winner in this comparison, offering a significant performance advantage over the Intel Core i3 8120. Its superior core count, clock speeds, cache size, and integrated graphics make it an ideal choice for demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and professional workloads. However, the Intel Core i3 8120 remains a compelling option for budget-conscious users who primarily use their computers for everyday tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light multimedia consumption.
Final Thoughts: Beyond the Numbers
While the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS reigns supreme in terms of raw performance, the Intel Core i3 8120 still holds its own in certain scenarios. Ultimately, the best CPU for you depends on your individual needs and budget. If you prioritize performance and future-proofing, the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is the way to go. However, if you’re on a tight budget and your needs are more basic, the Intel Core i3 8120 can still provide a satisfactory experience.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
1. What is the difference between the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS and the Intel Core i3 8120 in terms of performance?
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS offers significantly better performance than the Intel Core i3 8120 due to its higher core count, clock speeds, cache size, and integrated graphics. It excels in demanding tasks like gaming, video editing, and professional workloads.
2. Which CPU is better for gaming?
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is a better choice for gaming due to its higher core count, clock speeds, and integrated graphics. It can handle demanding games at higher resolutions and frame rates compared to the Intel Core i3 8120.
3. Which CPU is more energy-efficient?
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is more energy-efficient than the Intel Core i3 8120, boasting a lower TDP and generating less heat. This translates to potentially longer battery life in mobile devices.
4. Which CPU is better for multitasking?
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is better for multitasking due to its higher core count and threading capabilities. It can handle multiple applications simultaneously without experiencing performance bottlenecks, whereas the Intel Core i3 8120 might struggle with resource-intensive workloads.
5. Which CPU is better for video editing?
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 7840HS is a better choice for video editing due to its higher core count, clock speeds, and integrated graphics. It can handle demanding video editing tasks with ease, while the Intel Core i3 8120 might struggle to deliver a smooth experience.
