Highlights
- ** This is a clash of generations, with the Ryzen 5 8640HS representing the latest in AMD’s Zen 4 architecture and the Core i9 9940X being a stalwart of Intel’s older 9th Gen lineup.
- The Intel Core i9 9940X, on the other hand, utilizes the older Coffee Lake architecture and a 14nm process node, which might lead to higher power consumption and potentially lower performance.
- The Ryzen 5 8640HS is designed for mobile devices and features a significantly lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) compared to the Core i9 9940X, which is aimed at desktop systems.
The world of CPUs is a constant battleground, with AMD and Intel vying for dominance. Today, we’re going to pit two processors against each other: the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the **Intel Core i9 9940X.** This is a clash of generations, with the Ryzen 5 8640HS representing the latest in AMD’s Zen 4 architecture and the Core i9 9940X being a stalwart of Intel’s older 9th Gen lineup.
A Quick Overview:
- AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS: This is a 6-core, 12-thread processor designed for thin and light laptops. It boasts a base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.8 GHz. It’s built on the powerful Zen 4 architecture and features a 6nm process node, promising efficient performance.
- Intel Core i9 9940X: This is a 10-core, 20-thread beast designed for high-end desktops. It features a base clock speed of 3.0 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.5 GHz. It’s built on the 14nm Coffee Lake architecture and is renowned for its multi-core performance.
Core Count and Threading:
The Intel Core i9 9940X has a clear advantage here, boasting 10 cores and 20 threads compared to the Ryzen 5 8640HS’s 6 cores and 12 threads. This translates to superior multi-tasking capabilities for the Core i9 9940X, allowing it to handle demanding applications and complex workloads with greater ease.
Clock Speeds and Boost Performance:
The Ryzen 5 8640HS holds the edge in this area. Its base clock speed of 3.4 GHz and a boost clock of up to 4.8 GHz are notably higher than the Intel Core i9 9940X’s 3.0 GHz base and 4.5 GHz boost. This translates to faster single-core performance, which is crucial for tasks like gaming and content creation.
Architecture and Process Node:
The Ryzen 5 8640HS benefits from the latest Zen 4 architecture, known for its efficiency and performance gains. It’s also built on a 6nm process node, which allows for a smaller die size and potentially lower power consumption. The Intel Core i9 9940X, on the other hand, utilizes the older Coffee Lake architecture and a 14nm process node, which might lead to higher power consumption and potentially lower performance.
Benchmarks and Performance:
In terms of benchmarks, the Ryzen 5 8640HS consistently outperforms the Core i9 9940X in single-core benchmarks, thanks to its higher clock speeds and modern architecture. However, the Core i9 9940X shines in multi-core benchmarks, leveraging its higher core count to deliver superior performance in multi-threaded applications.
Power Consumption and Thermal Design Power (TDP):
The Ryzen 5 8640HS is designed for mobile devices and features a significantly lower TDP (Thermal Design Power) compared to the Core i9 9940X, which is aimed at desktop systems. This translates to better battery life and less heat generation for the Ryzen 5 8640HS.
Price and Availability:
The Ryzen 5 8640HS is a more recent release and is primarily found in laptops, making it readily available. The Core i9 9940X, being an older model, is more likely to be found in pre-built systems or as a standalone processor. However, it’s worth noting that the Core i9 9940X was a high-end processor at its time and carried a hefty price tag.
Gaming Performance:
For gamers, the Ryzen 5 8640HS is a strong contender. Its high clock speeds and efficient Zen 4 architecture deliver smooth and responsive gameplay. While the Core i9 9940X can handle games well, its older architecture and high power consumption might not be as ideal for portable gaming setups.
Content Creation and Productivity:
Both processors are capable of handling demanding content creation tasks. The Ryzen 5 8640HS excels in single-core performance, making it suitable for video editing and other tasks that benefit from faster single-threaded performance. The Core i9 9940X, with its higher core count, is more suited for multi-threaded tasks like 3D rendering and complex simulations.
The Verdict:
The choice between the AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Intel Core i9 9940X ultimately depends on your specific needs and budget. The Ryzen 5 8640HS is a powerful and efficient processor ideal for laptops and thin and light devices. Its high clock speeds and modern architecture make it a great choice for single-core demanding tasks like gaming and content creation.
The Intel Core i9 9940X, while older, still holds its own with its impressive core count and multi-core performance. It’s a suitable option for desktop systems and tasks that benefit from high thread counts.
Choosing the Right Processor:
- For laptops and thin and light devices: The Ryzen 5 8640HS is the clear winner. Its efficient design and high clock speeds offer great performance without sacrificing battery life.
- For high-end desktop systems: The Core i9 9940X is a solid choice, especially for multi-threaded workloads like 3D rendering or video editing. However, its power consumption might be a concern for some.
- For gaming: The Ryzen 5 8640HS is the better option, offering smooth and responsive gameplay.
- For content creation: Both processors are capable, but the Ryzen 5 8640HS excels in single-core performance, while the Core i9 9940X shines in multi-threaded tasks.
Final Thoughts:
The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS vs Intel Core i9 9940X comparison highlights the evolution of CPU technology. The Ryzen 5 8640HS showcases the advancements in modern architecture and efficient design, while the Core i9 9940X represents the power of older generations. Ultimately, the best processor for you depends on your specific needs and budget.
Top Questions Asked
Q: Is the Ryzen 5 8640HS better than the Core i9 9940X for gaming?
A: Yes, the Ryzen 5 8640HS is generally better for gaming due to its higher clock speeds and efficient architecture.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: Both are capable, but the Ryzen 5 8640HS excels in single-core performance, making it ideal for video editing.
Q: Is the Core i9 9940X still a good processor in 2023?
A: While still powerful, the Core i9 9940X is an older processor and might not be the best choice in 2023, especially considering the advancements in newer processors.
Q: What is the difference between the Ryzen 5 8640HS and the Ryzen 5 8645HS?
A: The Ryzen 5 8645HS features a slightly higher boost clock speed and a slightly higher TDP compared to the Ryzen 5 8640HS.
Q: Can the Core i9 9940X be upgraded to a newer processor?
A: The Core i9 9940X is a desktop processor and uses a different socket than newer processors, so it cannot be upgraded.
