At a Glance
- However, consider that the Core i7-8700 is a desktop processor, meaning you’ll need a separate motherboard and other components to build a PC around it.
- The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H, on the other hand, is designed for laptops, making it a more convenient option if you’re looking for a complete system.
- While the Core i7-8700 still holds its own in specific scenarios, the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H offers a more future-proof and versatile solution.
Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially with the ever-evolving landscape of processors. Today, we’ll delve into a head-to-head comparison between two popular choices: the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H and the Intel Core i7-8700. This AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H vs Intel Core i7-8700 showdown will explore their strengths, weaknesses, and ultimately help you decide which CPU is the right fit for your specific requirements.
A Glimpse into the Contenders
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H is a powerful mobile processor designed for laptops. It boasts eight cores and sixteen threads, clocking in at a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.7 GHz. This processor is built on the Zen 3+ architecture, known for its efficiency and performance.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i7-8700 is a desktop processor released in 2017. It features six cores and twelve threads, with a base frequency of 3.2 GHz and a boost frequency of 4.6 GHz. This processor is based on the Coffee Lake architecture.
Performance: A Head-to-Head Showdown
The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H outperforms the Core i7-8700 in most benchmarks, particularly in multi-threaded tasks. Its eight cores and sixteen threads provide a significant advantage in applications that can leverage parallel processing, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and gaming.
However, the Core i7-8700 still holds its own in single-threaded performance, due to its higher boost clock speed. In tasks that rely heavily on single-core performance, like web browsing and basic productivity, the Core i7-8700 might edge out the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H.
Power Consumption: Efficiency Matters
The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H shines in terms of power efficiency. Its Zen 3+ architecture is designed to deliver high performance while consuming less power. This is particularly important for laptops where battery life is a key consideration. The Core i7-8700, being a desktop processor, is less focused on power efficiency.
Integrated Graphics: The Visual Advantage
The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H comes equipped with integrated Radeon 680M graphics, offering decent performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks. While not a powerhouse for high-end gaming, it can handle less demanding games and provide a smooth experience for everyday tasks. The Core i7-8700 features integrated Intel UHD Graphics 630, which is less capable than the Radeon 680M.
Price and Availability: Finding the Best Value
The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H is a newer processor, and its price reflects that. While it might be more expensive than the Core i7-8700, it offers a significant performance leap. The Core i7-8700, being an older processor, is generally more affordable.
However, consider that the Core i7-8700 is a desktop processor, meaning you’ll need a separate motherboard and other components to build a PC around it. The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H, on the other hand, is designed for laptops, making it a more convenient option if you’re looking for a complete system.
Choosing the Right CPU: A Guide for Your Needs
The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H and the Intel Core i7-8700 ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget.
Here’s a breakdown to guide your decision:
- For multi-threaded workloads, demanding applications, and gaming: The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H is the clear winner. Its eight cores and sixteen threads provide superior performance, especially for tasks that can leverage parallel processing.
- For single-threaded performance, budget-conscious users, and basic productivity: The Core i7-8700 offers a more affordable option, with still respectable performance for everyday tasks.
- For mobile users who prioritize battery life and portability: The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H excels in power efficiency, making it ideal for laptops.
- For users who need integrated graphics for casual gaming and multimedia: The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H’s Radeon 680M graphics offer a significant advantage over the Core i7-8700’s Intel UHD Graphics 630.
The Verdict: A Modern Processor Reigns Supreme
The AMD Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H emerges as the winner in this showdown. Its superior performance, power efficiency, and integrated graphics make it a compelling choice for most users. While the Core i7-8700 still holds its own in specific scenarios, the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H offers a more future-proof and versatile solution.
What People Want to Know
Q: Can the Core i7-8700 be upgraded to a newer processor?
A: No, the Core i7-8700 is based on the Coffee Lake architecture, and its socket (LGA1151) is not compatible with newer Intel processors.
Q: Is the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H compatible with older motherboards?
A: The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H uses the AM4 socket, which is compatible with several AMD motherboards. However, it requires a motherboard that supports the Ryzen 6000 series processors.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H is better suited for video editing due to its higher core count and multi-threading capabilities.
Q: What is the difference between the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H and the regular Ryzen 7 6800H?
A: The Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H is a business-oriented processor with enhanced security features and longer support lifecycles. The Ryzen 7 6800H is a more mainstream processor designed for general use.
Q: Is the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H suitable for gaming?
A: While the Ryzen 7 Pro 6850H is not a gaming-specific processor, its performance is sufficient for most modern games. However, for high-end gaming, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
