Quick notes
- The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is a part of the latest “Phoenix” series, built on the Zen 4 architecture, while the Intel Core i7-8550U belongs to the older 8th generation Kaby Lake Refresh series.
- Both CPUs feature integrated graphics, but the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS utilizes the Radeon 780M, a significantly more powerful graphics solution compared to the Intel UHD Graphics 620 in the Core i7-8550U.
- The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS emerges as the victor in this comparison, offering a significant performance advantage over the Intel Core i7-8550U.
Choosing the right CPU for your laptop can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a plethora of options. Two popular choices often come into play: the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Intel Core i7-8550U. Both processors boast impressive features and performance, but which one emerges as the victor? This comprehensive comparison delves into the key aspects of each CPU, providing you with the insights needed to make an informed decision.
Comparing Generations: A Technological Leap
The first significant difference lies in the generation of these processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is a part of the latest “Phoenix” series, built on the Zen 4 architecture, while the Intel Core i7-8550U belongs to the older 8th generation Kaby Lake Refresh series. This generational gap translates into a substantial performance advantage for the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS.
Core Count and Threading: More Power for AMD
The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS offers a significant advantage in terms of core count and threading. With 8 cores and 16 threads, it can handle demanding tasks like multitasking, video editing, and gaming with greater efficiency. In contrast, the Intel Core i7-8550U features 4 cores and 8 threads, limiting its ability to handle complex workloads.
Clock Speed: A Close Race
While the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS boasts a higher base clock speed of 3.0 GHz, the Intel Core i7-8550U slightly edges out in boost clock speed, reaching up to 4.0 GHz compared to the AMD’s 4.8 GHz. This difference in clock speed can impact performance in specific scenarios, but the overall performance advantage still leans towards the AMD processor.
Integrated Graphics: The AMD Advantage
Both CPUs feature integrated graphics, but the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS utilizes the Radeon 780M, a significantly more powerful graphics solution compared to the Intel UHD Graphics 620 in the Core i7-8550U. This translates to smoother gameplay and better performance in demanding graphics-intensive applications.
Power Consumption: A Balancing Act
The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS boasts a 15W TDP (Thermal Design Power), while the Intel Core i7-8550U operates at a lower 15W TDP. While the AMD CPU‘s higher TDP suggests potentially higher power consumption, it also indicates a greater potential for performance. However, the difference in power consumption is likely to be negligible in real-world usage.
Benchmarks: The Numbers Speak for Themselves
Benchmark results paint a clear picture of the performance gap between these two processors. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS consistently outperforms the Intel Core i7-8550U in various benchmark tests, showcasing its superior multi-core performance, faster single-core speeds, and improved graphics capabilities.
Price: A Factor to Consider
While the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS offers superior performance, it often comes at a higher price point compared to the Intel Core i7-8550U. However, the price difference is often justified by the significant performance advantages offered by the AMD processor.
Choosing the Right CPU: Your Needs Matter
The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Intel Core i7-8550U ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize performance, especially for demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is the clear winner. However, if you’re on a tight budget and your workload doesn’t require the extra power, the Intel Core i7-8550U can still provide a solid performance experience.
The Final Verdict: A Triumph for AMD
The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS emerges as the victor in this comparison, offering a significant performance advantage over the Intel Core i7-8550U. Its superior core count, threading capabilities, faster clock speeds, and powerful integrated graphics make it an ideal choice for demanding users who prioritize performance. However, the Intel Core i7-8550U remains a viable option for budget-conscious users seeking a balance between performance and affordability.
Answers to Your Most Common Questions
Q: What is the difference in performance between the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Intel Core i7-8550U?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS offers significantly better performance than the Intel Core i7-8550U, especially in demanding tasks like video editing, gaming, and multitasking. This is due to its higher core count, faster clock speeds, and more powerful integrated graphics.
Q: Which CPU is better for gaming?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is a better choice for gaming due to its powerful integrated graphics and superior multi-core performance, which can significantly improve frame rates and overall gaming experience.
Q: Which CPU is more power efficient?
A: Both CPUs have similar TDPs, so their power consumption is likely to be comparable in real-world usage. However, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS offers better performance per watt, making it a more efficient option overall.
Q: Which CPU is better for video editing?
A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is the clear winner for video editing due to its high core count, fast clock speeds, and improved multi-core performance, which significantly speeds up rendering and editing processes.
Q: Which CPU is a better value for money?
A: The Intel Core i7-8550U offers a better value for money if you’re on a tight budget and your workload doesn‘t require the extra power of the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS. However, if you prioritize performance and can afford the higher price, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS provides a better value in terms of performance per dollar.
