AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS vs Intel Core i7 8706G: The Ultimate Showdown in CPU Power

Quick summary

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS features the Radeon 780M iGPU, which offers significantly better performance than the Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 in the Core i7 8706G.
In CPU-intensive tasks, such as multi-core rendering and video editing, the Ryzen 7 8840HS demonstrates a significant lead due to its higher core count and clock speeds.
In gaming, the Radeon 780M iGPU in the Ryzen 7 8840HS delivers smoother frame rates and better visual fidelity compared to the Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7.

Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular contenders that often come up in discussions are the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Intel Core i7 8706G. Both processors boast impressive performance and efficiency, but which one emerges as the victor in this head-to-head battle? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key features, performance benchmarks, and real-world applications of these CPUs to help you make an informed decision.

Table of Contents

Architecture and Core Count
Clock Speeds and Boost Frequencies
Integrated Graphics
Performance Benchmarks
Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency

Architecture and Core Count

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is built on the Zen 4 architecture, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. This translates to a significant advantage in multi-threaded workloads, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming. In contrast, the Intel Core i7 8706G is based on the older Ice Lake architecture, offering 6 cores and 12 threads. While still capable, it falls behind the Ryzen 7 8840HS in terms of raw processing power, especially in demanding tasks.

Clock Speeds and Boost Frequencies

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS boasts a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz, which can Turbo Boost up to a remarkable 4.8 GHz. This high boost frequency allows for exceptional performance during demanding tasks. On the other hand, the Intel Core i7 8706G has a base clock speed of 1.2 GHz and a Turbo Boost frequency of 4.1 GHz. While still impressive, the lower base clock speed and Turbo Boost frequency place it at a slight disadvantage compared to the Ryzen 7 8840HS.

Integrated Graphics

Both processors incorporate integrated graphics units for basic tasks and casual gaming. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS features the Radeon 780M iGPU, which offers significantly better performance than the Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7 in the Core i7 8706G. This difference is particularly noticeable in games that rely heavily on graphics processing.

Performance Benchmarks

When it comes to raw performance, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS consistently outperforms the Intel Core i7 8706G in various benchmarks. In CPU-intensive tasks, such as multi-core rendering and video editing, the Ryzen 7 8840HS demonstrates a significant lead due to its higher core count and clock speeds. In gaming, the Radeon 780M iGPU in the Ryzen 7 8840HS delivers smoother frame rates and better visual fidelity compared to the Intel Iris Plus Graphics G7.

Power Consumption and Thermal Efficiency

Both processors are designed for efficient power consumption and thermal management. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS, with its Zen 4 architecture, boasts improved power efficiency and lower thermal output compared to the Intel Core i7 8706G. This translates to longer battery life and a cooler operating temperature, which can be crucial for laptops.

Price and Availability

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is generally more expensive than the Intel Core i7 8706G. However, considering the performance gains and features offered by the Ryzen 7 8840HS, the price difference may be justified for users requiring high-end performance.

Real-World Applications

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS excels in demanding tasks such as:

Video editing and rendering: The high core count and clock speeds enable smooth and efficient video editing and rendering.
3D modeling and animation: The powerful processing capabilities handle complex 3D models and animations with ease.
Gaming: The Radeon 780M iGPU delivers playable frame rates in many popular games, especially at lower resolutions.
Multitasking: The 8 cores and 16 threads allow for seamless multitasking, running multiple applications without performance degradation.

The Intel Core i7 8706G, while less powerful, is still suitable for:

Casual gaming: The Iris Plus Graphics G7 can handle less demanding games at lower settings.
General productivity tasks: The 6 cores and 12 threads are sufficient for everyday tasks such as web browsing, email, and office applications.
Basic video editing: The processor can handle basic video editing tasks, although performance may be limited compared to the Ryzen 7 8840HS.

The Verdict: Choosing the Right CPU

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Intel Core i7 8706G ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize raw processing power, multi-threaded performance, and gaming capabilities, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is the clear winner. However, if you are on a tighter budget and require a CPU for casual gaming and general productivity tasks, the Intel Core i7 8706G can still be a viable option.

Beyond the Comparison: A Deeper Look

While the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and Intel Core i7 8706G are excellent CPUs, it’s important to consider the broader landscape. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is part of the Ryzen 7000 series, which represents a significant leap forward in performance and power efficiency for AMD. The Intel Core i7 8706G, on the other hand, is based on an older generation architecture, and Intel is expected to release newer and more powerful processors in the future.

The Future of CPUs: A Glimpse Ahead

The CPU landscape is constantly evolving, with both AMD and Intel pushing the boundaries of performance and efficiency. As we move forward, we can expect to see even more powerful and energy-efficient CPUs, further blurring the lines between desktop and mobile computing.