AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX vs AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 Comparison

The Verdict

The benchmark data splits these two mobile processors into distinct roles. The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX wins 9 of 11 head-to-head comparisons, while the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 takes the remaining 2. The 8745HX is the clear choice for sustained multi-threaded workloads. Its PassMark multithread score of 31517 sits 19.6% ahead of the AI 7 450's 26350. The 8745HX also delivers a 15.1% advantage in data compression, a 34.4% lead in data encryption, and a 78.7% margin in prime number finding.

The Ryzen AI 7 450 counters in single-thread performance. Its PassMark single-thread score of 3901 edges out the 8745HX's 3879 by 0.6%. That margin is narrow, but it appears consistently across both single-thread test entries in the database. The AI 7 450 also holds a higher percentile rank among all CPUs at 87, though the 8745HX ranks higher at 92.

The average benchmark score tells a similar story. The 8745HX averages 60104 across its benchmark suite, while the AI 7 450 averages 39485. That 20619-point gap places the 8745HX in the company of desktop-class processors. Its nearest rivals include the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX at 60099 (0% delta) and the Intel Core i9-14900F at 60008 (0.2% ahead). The AI 7 450's nearest rivals are lower-tier mobile chips like the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8840HS at 39603 (0.3% behind) and the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 8845HS at 39325 (0.4% ahead).

For users prioritizing raw throughput in CPU-bound tasks, the 8745HX delivers. For those who need efficient single-core responsiveness in a lower-power envelope, the AI 7 450 provides a viable alternative. The data does not support the AI 7 450 as a multi-threaded performer; it supports it as a balanced, efficient option that trades significant multi-core output for a modest single-thread edge.

Architecture Differences

The two chips come from different design philosophies. The 8745HX uses the Zen 4 architecture on the Dragon Range codename, built on a 5 nm process at TSMC. It packs 8 cores and 16 threads with a base clock of 3.60 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. The AI 7 450 moves to Zen 5 architecture with the Gorgon Point codename, manufactured on a 4 nm process, also at TSMC. It matches the core and thread count at 8 and 16, but drops the base clock to 2.00 GHz while keeping the same 5.10 GHz boost.

The process node difference matters. The 4 nm node allows the AI 7 450 to fit more transistors into a larger die. The AI 7 450's die size measures 195 mm², while the 8745HX measures 71 mm². The 8745HX lists 6,570 million transistors; the AI 7 450 does not report a transistor count in the database. That die size gap suggests the AI 7 450 integrates additional components beyond the CPU cores, likely including a more capable integrated GPU.

Cache configurations diverge significantly. The 8745HX provides 64 KB of L1 cache per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 32 MB of shared L3 cache. The AI 7 450 offers 80 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, but only 8 MB of L3. The 8745HX's four times larger L3 cache explains much of its multi-threaded advantage. More shared cache means better data locality across cores during parallel workloads.

Memory support also differs. The 8745HX supports DDR5 only, while the AI 7 450 supports both DDR5 and LPDDR5X. The AI 7 450's memory bandwidth reaches 89.6 GB/s, slightly ahead of the 8745HX's 83.2 GB/s. The AI 7 450 supports ECC memory; the 8745HX does not. PCIe connectivity favors the 8745HX with Gen 5 and 28 lanes, while the AI 7 450 uses Gen 4 with 16 lanes.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The 8745HX pairs with a Radeon 610M, while the AI 7 450 uses a Radeon 860M. The AI 7 450's newer and larger GPU likely contributes to its bigger die. Power envelopes diverge sharply: the 8745HX has a 55 W TDP, the AI 7 450 a 28 W TDP. The 8745HX uses Socket FL1, the AI 7 450 uses Socket FP8. The 8745HX has an unlocked multiplier; the AI 7 450 does not.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has a higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX averages 60104 across its benchmark suite, while the AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 averages 39485.

Q: How large is the single-thread performance difference?

A: The AI 7 450 scores 3901 in PassMark single-thread tests, beating the 8745HX's 3879 by 0.6%.

Q: Which chip has more L3 cache?

A: The 8745HX has 32 MB of shared L3 cache, four times the AI 7 450's 8 MB.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The 8745HX has a 55 W TDP, while the AI 7 450 has a 28 W TDP.

Q: Which processor supports ECC memory?

A: Only the AI 7 450 supports ECC memory; the 8745HX does not list ECC support.

Q: Do both processors have the same boost clock?

A: Yes, both reach 5.10 GHz boost clocks. Their base clocks differ: 3.60 GHz for the 8745HX and 2.00 GHz for the AI 7 450.

Specification Differences

The table below lists only fields where the two processors differ.

| Field | AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX | AMD Ryzen AI 7 450 |

|---|---|---|

| Series | 8000 series | null |

| Base Clock | 3.60 GHz | 2.00 GHz |

| TDP | 55 W | 28 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FL1 | AMD Socket FP8 |

| Architecture | Zen 4 | Zen 5 |

| Codename | Dragon Range | Gorgon Point |

| Generation | Ryzen 7 (Zen 4 (Dragon Range)) | Ryzen AI 400 (Zen 5 / Zen 5c) |

| Process Node | 5 nm | 4 nm |

| Transistors | 6,570 million | null |

| Die Size | 71 mm² | 195 mm² |

| L1 Cache | 64 KB (per core) | 80 KB (per core) |

| L3 Cache | 32 MB (shared) | 8 MB |

| Memory Support | DDR5 | DDR5, LPDDR5X |

| Memory Bandwidth | 83.2 GB/s | 89.6 GB/s |

| ECC Memory | false | true |

| PCIe | Gen 5, 28 Lanes (CPU only) | Gen 4, 16 Lanes (CPU only) |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon 610M | Radeon 860M |

| Release Date | 2025-04-22 | 2026-01-04 |

| Multiplier Unlocked | true | false |

| Part Number | 100-000001851 | 100-000001868 |

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The 8745HX dominates the benchmark suite. Its largest win comes in PassMark find prime numbers, where it scores 159 against the AI 7 450's 89, a 78.7% margin. That test isolates integer-heavy, latency-sensitive computation, and the 8745HX's larger cache and higher base clock produce a decisive gap.

Data encryption shows a 34.4% lead. The 8745HX scores 21840 versus 16247. Encryption workloads rely on AES instructions and memory bandwidth, and the 8745HX's 28 PCIe lanes and higher TDP give it more headroom. Random string sorting follows at 24.8% ahead: 44494 versus 35648. This test stresses memory access patterns and cache behavior, again favoring the 8745HX's 32 MB L3.

Extended instructions show a 23.4% advantage (27638 versus 22400). Multi-threaded throughput delivers a 19.6% win in PassMark multithread, with 31517 against 26350. Data compression comes in at 15.1% ahead (363759 versus 315906). Floating-point math favors the 8745HX by 13.8% (61972 versus 54447), and integer math by 13.3% (100328 versus 88531). The physics test shows the narrowest multi-threaded margin at 6.5% (1681 versus 1578).

The AI 7 450 wins only the single-thread tests. Both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread record 3901 for the AI 7 450 against 3879 for the 8745HX, a 0.6% margin. This consistency across duplicate test entries reinforces the result. The AI 7 450's Zen 5 architecture and higher L1 cache per core (80 KB versus 64 KB) likely contribute to this edge.

Where Each One Wins

The 8745HX wins in every multi-threaded category measured. Its 55 W TDP and 5.10 GHz boost clock support sustained heavy loads. The 32 MB L3 cache provides ample shared storage for parallel tasks. Data compression, encryption, extended instructions, prime number finding, floating-point math, integer math, multithread, physics, and random string sorting all fall to the 8745HX. This processor suits workloads that hammer all cores simultaneously: rendering, scientific computation, database processing, and software compilation.

The AI 7 450 wins in single-thread responsiveness. Its 3901 single-thread score, achieved at a 28 W TDP, indicates efficient per-core performance. The Zen 5 architecture and 4 nm process deliver higher instructions per clock. The 80 KB L1 cache per core reduces latency for single-threaded access patterns. This processor fits scenarios where one or two cores dominate: general desktop navigation, office productivity, and lightweight development tasks. Its lower TDP also makes it suitable for thin-and-light laptops where thermal headroom is limited.

The AI 7 450's Radeon 860M integrated graphics and LPDDR5X support suggest stronger integrated GPU performance, though the database does not include graphics benchmarks. Its larger die size (195 mm² versus 71 mm²) implies additional integrated components. The 8745HX's Radeon 610M is a more modest iGPU, and its 55 W TDP targets gaming laptops with discrete graphics.

The release dates reveal positioning. The 8745HX arrived on 2025-04-22, while the AI 7 450 launches on 2026-01-04. The newer AI 7 450 builds on newer architecture, but the 8745HX's older Zen 4 design still outperforms it in aggregate. The percentile ranks confirm this hierarchy: 92nd percentile for the 8745HX, 87th for the AI 7 450. Users who prioritize raw performance should select the 8745HX; users who prioritize efficiency and single-thread agility should consider the AI 7 450. The data does not support a third conclusion.