AMD Ryzen 5 7400 vs AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 5 7400 and AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS are both Zen 4 parts, but they target different platforms and performance tiers. The benchmark data shows a clear overall winner in the Ryzen 9 PRO, yet the Ryzen 5 has specific attributes that matter for certain buyers. The average benchmark scores are nearly identical, at 42055 for the Ryzen 5 and 41963 for the Ryzen 9 PRO, a delta of just 0.2%. However, this average masks a significant split: the Ryzen 9 PRO wins all 11 head-to-head benchmark comparisons, often by wide margins, while the Ryzen 5 counters with a desktop platform and a lower TDP.

The Verdict

The data points to a straightforward recommendation for most users: the AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS is the superior performer. It wins every single head-to-head benchmark, with deltas ranging from 13.2% in prime number finding to 37.4% in integer math. Its multithreaded score of 30378 is 28.5% ahead of the Ryzen 5 7400's 21712, and its single-thread score of 3920 is 17.1% higher than the 3248 posted by the Ryzen 5. For workloads that stress many cores, the Ryzen 9 PRO's 8 cores and 16 threads provide a decisive advantage over the Ryzen 5's 6 cores and 12 threads. The Ryzen 5 7400 is the right choice only if you specifically need a desktop CPU on the AM5 platform with 24 PCIe Gen 5 lanes and a 65W TDP, accepting a significant performance deficit in exchange for that platform access. The Ryzen 9 PRO, despite being a mobile part, simply dominates in every measured metric.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the Zen 4 architecture, but they are distinct implementations. The Ryzen 5 7400 uses the Raphael codename and is fabricated on a 5 nm process by TSMC, with a die size of 71 mm² and 6,570 million transistors. The Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS uses the Hawk Point codename, a 4 nm process from TSMC, a die size of 178 mm², and 25,000 million transistors. The larger, denser transistor count on the Ryzen 9 PRO is a key enabler of its higher core count. The Ryzen 5 7400 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Ryzen 9 PRO has 8 cores and 16 threads. Both share the same 64 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 cache per core, and a 16 MB shared L3 cache. The integrated graphics differ: the Ryzen 5 7400 has Radeon Graphics, while the Ryzen 9 PRO features the Radeon 780M. The Ryzen 5 is a desktop part on AMD Socket AM5, while the Ryzen 9 PRO is a mobile part on AMD Socket FP7.

Where Each One Wins

The Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS wins in every benchmark category. The largest margins are in compute-heavy tasks: integer math (64733 vs 103390, a 37.4% delta) and floating-point math (40784 vs 63490, a 35.8% delta). It also leads decisively in data compression (261749 vs 368884, a 29% delta) and data encryption (14865 vs 21820, a 31.9% delta). Even in single-threaded performance, where the Ryzen 5 might be expected to compete given its desktop nature, the Ryzen 9 PRO is 17.1% faster. The Ryzen 5 7400 has no benchmark wins; its only advantages are qualitative platform features. It offers a 65W TDP compared to the Ryzen 9 PRO's 45W, and it supports PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, whereas the Ryzen 9 PRO uses PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes. The Ryzen 5 also has an unlocked multiplier, allowing overclocking, while the Ryzen 9 PRO is locked.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU is faster in multi-threaded workloads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS is significantly faster, scoring 30378 in the PassMark multithread test compared to the Ryzen 5 7400's 21712, a delta of 28.5%. Its 8 cores and 16 threads provide a clear advantage over the Ryzen 5's 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: Does the Ryzen 5 7400 win any benchmarks?

A: No. The data shows zero wins for the Ryzen 5 7400 in the 11 head-to-head comparisons. The Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS wins all of them, with deltas ranging from 13.2% to 37.4%.

Q: How do their average benchmark scores compare?

A: They are nearly identical. The Ryzen 5 7400 has an average benchmark score of 42055, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS averages 41963. This places the Ryzen 5 7400 just 0.2% ahead on average, despite losing every individual test.

Q: What are the differences in process node and transistor count?

A: The Ryzen 5 7400 uses a 5 nm process with 6,570 million transistors, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS uses a 4 nm process with 25,000 million transistors. The Ryzen 9 PRO also has a larger die size at 178 mm² compared to 71 mm².

Q: Which CPU has a higher boost clock?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS has a boost clock of 5.20 GHz, compared to the Ryzen 5 7400's 4.30 GHz. The Ryzen 9 PRO also has a higher base clock at 4.00 GHz versus 3.30 GHz.

Q: Are there differences in platform features?

A: Yes. The Ryzen 5 7400 is a desktop CPU on AMD Socket AM5 with PCIe Gen 5 support and 24 lanes, while the Ryzen 9 PRO is a mobile CPU on AMD Socket FP7 with PCIe Gen 4 and 20 lanes. The Ryzen 5 has an unlocked multiplier, while the Ryzen 9 PRO is locked.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is in integer math, where the Ryzen 9 PRO scores 103390 against the Ryzen 5's 64733, a delta of 37.4%. This is the largest margin of any test. Floating-point math shows a similar story, with 63490 versus 40784, a 35.8% difference. These two tests alone demonstrate the raw compute capability of the Ryzen 9 PRO's 8-core configuration. Data encryption is another strong showing for the Ryzen 9 PRO, scoring 21820 versus 14865, a 31.9% delta. Random string sorting shows a 30.4% advantage for the Ryzen 9 PRO (44668 vs 31110), indicating better memory-level parallelism or cache handling. Data compression is 29% faster on the Ryzen 9 PRO (368884 vs 261749), and the multithread score is 28.5% higher (30378 vs 21712). Extended instructions see a 28.1% lead for the Ryzen 9 PRO (27714 vs 19924). Physics simulation is 19.6% better on the Ryzen 9 PRO (1430 vs 1150). Even the find prime numbers test, which often favors raw clock speed, goes to the Ryzen 9 PRO by 13.2% (91 vs 79). The single-thread score of 3920 versus 3248 gives the Ryzen 9 PRO a 17.1% edge, showing its higher boost clock of 5.20 GHz translates into real-world single-core performance. The data is unambiguous: the Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS outperforms the Ryzen 5 7400 in every measurable way.

Specification Differences

The two CPUs differ in several key specifications. The Ryzen 5 7400 has 6 cores and 12 threads, while the Ryzen 9 PRO 8945HS has 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.30 GHz for the Ryzen 5 and 4.00 GHz for the Ryzen 9 PRO; boost clocks are 4.30 GHz and 5.20 GHz, respectively. The TDP is 65W for the Ryzen 5 and 45W for the Ryzen 9 PRO. The Ryzen 5 uses AMD Socket AM5, while the Ryzen 9 PRO uses AMD Socket FP7. Process nodes differ: 5 nm for the Ryzen 5 and 4 nm for the Ryzen 9 PRO. Transistor counts are 6,570 million versus 25,000 million. The Ryzen 5 has a die size of 71 mm², while the Ryzen 9 PRO has 178 mm². Both have 16 MB of shared L3 cache and 1 MB of L2 per core. Memory bandwidth is higher on the Ryzen 9 PRO at 89.6 GB/s versus 83.2 GB/s. The Ryzen 5 offers PCIe Gen 5 with 24 lanes, while the Ryzen 9 PRO offers PCIe Gen 4 with 20 lanes. Integrated graphics are Radeon Graphics on the Ryzen 5 and Radeon 780M on the Ryzen 9 PRO. The Ryzen 5 has an unlocked multiplier; the Ryzen 9 PRO does not.