Compare CPUs Head-to-Head. Make the Right Choice.

AMD Ryzen 7 3700U vs Intel Core i9 9980HK: Which CPU is the Ultimate Gaming Beast?

What to know

  • On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 9980HK is a high-end desktop processor designed for gaming and demanding workloads.
  • The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the **Intel Core i9 9980HK** depends heavily on your specific needs and budget.
  • While the Ryzen 7 3700U and **Core i9 9980HK** represent different ends of the spectrum, the market offers a wide range of CPUs catering to various needs.

Choosing the right CPU for your needs can be a daunting task, especially when faced with a wide array of options from different manufacturers. Today, we’ll be comparing two prominent contenders: the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the **Intel Core i9 9980HK**. These processors represent distinct segments of the market, catering to different use cases and budgets. This in-depth analysis will help you understand their strengths and weaknesses, enabling you to make an informed decision.

Understanding the Players: Ryzen 7 3700U and Core i9 9980HK

The AMD Ryzen 7 3700U is a powerful yet energy-efficient processor designed for thin and light laptops. It features four cores and eight threads, clocked at a base frequency of 2.3 GHz and a boost clock of 4.0 GHz. This CPU is known for its impressive performance in everyday tasks, productivity applications, and even light gaming.
On the other hand, the Intel Core i9 9980HK is a high-end desktop processor designed for gaming and demanding workloads. It packs eight cores and 16 threads, with a base frequency of 2.9 GHz and a boost clock of 5.0 GHz. This processor is a powerhouse, capable of handling the most intensive tasks with ease.

Core Count and Threading: A Tale of Two Architectures

The Ryzen 7 3700U boasts four cores and eight threads, leveraging AMD’s multi-threading technology. This allows it to handle multiple tasks concurrently, making it efficient for everyday tasks and productivity applications. However, its core count is significantly lower compared to the **Core i9 9980HK**, which offers eight cores and 16 threads. This translates to superior parallel processing capabilities, ideal for demanding tasks like video editing, 3D rendering, and intensive gaming.

Clock Speeds and Boost Performance: The Race for Speed

The Ryzen 7 3700U has a base clock speed of 2.3 GHz and a boost clock of 4.0 GHz. This allows it to deliver impressive performance in single-threaded applications, although it falls short of the **Core i9 9980HK**’s capabilities. The **Core i9 9980HK** boasts a base clock speed of 2.9 GHz and a boost clock of 5.0 GHz, making it the clear winner in terms of raw clock speed and boost performance.

Integrated Graphics: A Comparison of Visual Prowess

The Ryzen 7 3700U integrates AMD Radeon Vega 10 graphics, offering decent performance for casual gaming and multimedia tasks. It can handle light games at lower resolutions and settings, but it’s not designed for demanding gaming experiences. The **Core i9 9980HK**, on the other hand, relies on Intel’s integrated UHD Graphics 630, which is primarily suitable for basic tasks and not intended for gaming.

Performance in Real-World Scenarios: Benchmarking the Powerhouses

Both processors excel in their respective domains. The Ryzen 7 3700U delivers smooth performance in everyday tasks, web browsing, productivity applications, and light gaming. It excels in power efficiency, making it ideal for portable devices. The **Core i9 9980HK**, with its superior core count and clock speeds, reigns supreme in demanding workloads like video editing, 3D rendering, and high-end gaming. It’s a powerhouse for professionals and enthusiasts seeking the ultimate performance.

Power Consumption and Thermal Performance: Efficiency vs. Intensity

The Ryzen 7 3700U is designed for energy efficiency, boasting a low TDP (Thermal Design Power) of 15W. This allows it to run cool and quiet, ideal for thin and light laptops. The **Core i9 9980HK**, on the other hand, has a much higher TDP of 95W, requiring more power and generating significant heat. This necessitates robust cooling solutions to maintain optimal performance.

Choosing the Right Processor: A Guide for Your Needs

The choice between the AMD Ryzen 7 3700U and the **Intel Core i9 9980HK** depends heavily on your specific needs and budget. If you prioritize portability, energy efficiency, and smooth performance in everyday tasks and light gaming, the **Ryzen 7 3700U** is an excellent choice. However, if you demand the ultimate performance for demanding workloads, high-end gaming, and professional applications, the **Core i9 9980HK** is the way to go.

Beyond the Comparison: Exploring Other Options

While the Ryzen 7 3700U and **Core i9 9980HK** represent different ends of the spectrum, the market offers a wide range of CPUs catering to various needs. If you’re looking for a balance between performance and efficiency, consider exploring other Ryzen 3000 series processors like the Ryzen 5 3500U or Ryzen 7 3700X. Similarly, Intel offers a range of Core i7 and Core i9 processors that might better suit your budget and requirements.

Final Thoughts: Finding the Perfect Fit

Choosing the right CPU is crucial for a satisfying computing experience. By understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each processor, you can make an informed decision that aligns with your specific needs and budget. The Ryzen 7 3700U excels in mobility and efficiency, while the **Core i9 9980HK** reigns supreme in raw power. Ultimately, the best choice depends on your individual priorities and how you intend to utilize your system.

Questions You May Have

Q: What is the difference between the Ryzen 7 3700U and Core i9 9980HK in terms of gaming performance?
A: The Core i9 9980HK significantly outperforms the Ryzen 7 3700U in gaming, especially at high resolutions and settings. The Core i9’s higher core count, clock speeds, and dedicated graphics card support enable it to handle demanding games with ease.
Q: Which processor is better for video editing?
A: The Core i9 9980HK is a better choice for video editing due to its higher core count and threading capabilities. It can handle complex video editing tasks, rendering, and exporting much faster than the Ryzen 7 3700U.
Q: Is the Ryzen 7 3700U suitable for 3D rendering?
A: While the Ryzen 7 3700U can handle light 3D rendering tasks, it’s not ideal for demanding projects. The Core i9 9980HK offers significantly faster performance for 3D rendering due to its superior processing power.
Q: Which processor is more power-efficient?
A: The Ryzen 7 3700U is known for its superior power efficiency, with a much lower TDP compared to the Core i9 9980HK. This makes it ideal for portable devices and users who prioritize battery life.

Was this page helpful?No
About the Author
Ethan is a passionate tech enthusiast and writer at Processor Insight, where he dives into the intricacies of CPUs, providing comprehensive comparison guides, insightful knowledge, and practical tips to help readers make informed decisions.