AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS vs Intel Core i5-12600HX Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS and Intel Core i5-12600HX are two mobile processors that approach performance from very different angles, with the data revealing a clear split between raw multi-core might and more specialized workload efficiency. The Intel part claims the overall average benchmark crown with a score of 33375 against the AMD's 33667, a difference of less than one percent, but the head-to-head results tell a more nuanced story where the winner depends entirely on the task.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most dramatic gap between the two processors appears in the Cinebench suite, where the Intel Core i5-12600HX delivers a crushing blow. In Cinebench R23 multi-core, the Intel part scores 20714 against the AMD's 13082, a massive 36.8% advantage. The single-core R23 test is even more lopsided, with Intel leading 2924 to 1737, a 40.6% margin. The older Cinebench R15 tests also favor Intel, though by smaller margins: 2087 versus 2045 in multi-core (a 2% lead) and 294 versus 270 in single-core (an 8.2% lead). These results clearly indicate that for rendering and heavily threaded CPU-bound tasks, the Intel chip is in a different league.

However, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS fights back in a series of PassMark sub-tests, winning 8 of the 15 head-to-head matchups. The most significant AMD victory comes in extended instructions, where it scores 20714 versus Intel's 17328, a commanding 19.5% lead. In integer math, AMD is 13.9% ahead with 90382 compared to 79339. The AMD chip also wins in random string sorting (35517 vs 33110, a 7.3% margin), multithread (24990 vs 24681, a 1.3% edge), data compression (292888 vs 292256, a 0.2% lead), and data encryption (17650 vs 17506, a 0.8% advantage). The single-thread PassMark score is essentially a tie, with AMD winning by a hair at 3626 versus 3623.

Intel's remaining wins come in floating point math, where it leads 58378 to 52582 (a 9.9% margin), physics (1504 vs 1149, a 23.6% advantage), and a narrow 4.8% lead in finding prime numbers (83 vs 79). This distribution suggests Intel's architecture excels at physics simulation and floating-point workloads, while AMD's Zen 4 design is more efficient at integer-heavy and encryption tasks.

Architecture Differences

The two chips are built on fundamentally different foundations. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS uses the Zen 4 architecture on TSMC's 4 nm process node, featuring 8 cores and 16 threads. In contrast, the Intel Core i5-12600HX relies on Alder Lake-HX architecture on Intel's 10 nm process, with a hybrid design of 12 cores and 16 threads. The transistor count tells part of the story: AMD packs 25,000 million transistors into a 178 mm² die, while Intel's die is larger at 215 mm² but has no listed transistor count.

Cache configurations also differ significantly. AMD provides 64 KB of L1 and 1 MB of L2 per core, with 16 MB of shared L3. Intel counters with 80 KB of L1 and 1.25 MB of L2 per core, plus 18 MB of shared L3. The larger per-core caches on Intel likely contribute to its strong single-core performance, while AMD's smaller die and more efficient process node may explain its power efficiency advantages.

Memory support is another differentiator. The AMD chip supports DDR5 only, with dual-channel memory and a listed bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. Intel supports both DDR4 and DDR5 in dual-channel configuration, though no bandwidth figure is given. Intel also includes ECC memory support, which AMD lacks. In terms of PCIe, Intel offers Gen 5 with 20 lanes, while AMD provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes, giving Intel a generational advantage for future expansion.

The integrated graphics differ as well: AMD features the Radeon 780M, while Intel includes UHD Graphics 770. The production status for both is Active, but they were released at different times, with Intel launching in May 2022 and AMD following in December 2023.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher boost clock speed?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS reaches a boost clock of 5.10 GHz, which is higher than the Intel Core i5-12600HX's 4.60 GHz. However, despite the lower clock, Intel still wins all Cinebench single-core tests, suggesting architectural efficiency matters more than raw clock speed.

Q: How does the thermal design power (TDP) compare between the two?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS has a TDP of 28 W, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX has a TDP of 55 W. This nearly 2x difference in power envelope likely explains why Intel can sustain higher multi-core performance in Cinebench R23, though it also implies AMD may be more suitable for thinner, cooler laptops.

Q: Which chip has more cores and threads?

A: The Intel Core i5-12600HX has 12 cores and 16 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS has 8 cores and 16 threads. Despite having 4 fewer cores, AMD matches Intel's thread count, which is consistent with its 8 core and 16 thread configuration.

Q: What is the difference in their process nodes?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS is manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX uses a 10 nm process at Intel. The smaller 4 nm node allows AMD to fit 25,000 million transistors into a 178 mm² die, compared to Intel's 215 mm² die.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory types?

A: No. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS supports only DDR5 memory, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX supports both DDR4 and DDR5. This gives Intel more flexibility for system builders who may want to use older, potentially more available DDR4 modules.

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS has an average benchmark score of 33667, which is slightly higher than the Intel Core i5-12600HX's 33375. This translates to an 84th percentile ranking for AMD versus 83rd for Intel among all CPUs, though the difference is less than 1%.

Specification Differences

The two processors differ across nearly every major specification. The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i5-12600HX has 12 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are 3.30 GHz for AMD and 2.50 GHz for Intel, while boost clocks are 5.10 GHz and 4.60 GHz respectively. The TDP is a major differentiator at 28 W for AMD versus 55 W for Intel.

The process node is 4 nm for AMD (TSMC) versus 10 nm for Intel, with die sizes of 178 mm² and 215 mm². AMD lists 25,000 million transistors, while Intel's count is not provided. Cache configurations differ: AMD has 64 KB L1 and 1 MB L2 per core with 16 MB shared L3, while Intel has 80 KB L1 and 1.25 MB L2 per core with 18 MB shared L3.

Memory support shows AMD limited to DDR5 while Intel supports DDR4 and DDR5. AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, while Intel does not provide this figure. ECC memory is supported only on Intel. PCIe generations differ with Intel offering Gen 5 (20 lanes) versus AMD's Gen 4 (20 lanes). The integrated graphics are Radeon 780M for AMD and UHD Graphics 770 for Intel. Intel has an unlocked multiplier, while AMD does not. The launch MSRP for Intel is $284, while AMD has no listed launch MSRP.

The Verdict

The data points to a clear specialization: the Intel Core i5-12600HX is the choice for users who prioritize raw multi-core rendering performance, as evidenced by its 36.8% lead in Cinebench R23 multi-core and 40.6% lead in single-core. The Intel chip also wins in physics and floating-point math, making it suitable for simulation and scientific workloads. However, the AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS offers a more balanced profile with wins in integer math, encryption, compression, and extended instructions, suggesting it handles a wider variety of everyday and security-related tasks more efficiently.

The power envelope is a critical factor. With a 28 W TDP versus Intel's 55 W, the AMD chip likely generates less heat and consumes less energy, making it more appropriate for thin-and-light laptops. The Intel part, with its higher TDP and larger die, may require more robust cooling solutions. The AMD chip also has a smaller die size (178 mm² versus 215 mm²) and a more advanced 4 nm process, which could translate to better power efficiency per unit of performance.

Where Each One Wins

The Intel Core i5-12600HX wins decisively in content creation and rendering scenarios. Its Cinebench R23 multi-core score of 20714 is 36.8% higher than the AMD's 13082, making it the clear choice for video editing, 3D rendering, and other heavily threaded applications. The 23.6% lead in PassMark physics also suggests it excels in physics simulation and gaming-related CPU tasks. The 40.6% single-core R23 advantage indicates better responsiveness in lightly threaded applications.

The AMD Ryzen 7 8840HS wins in data-centric and security-related workloads. Its 19.5% lead in extended instructions and 13.9% lead in integer math point to strengths in cryptography, compression, and general-purpose integer processing. The wins in data compression (0.2% margin) and encryption (0.8% margin) are narrow but consistent. The AMD chip also edges out Intel in random string sorting by 7.3%, suggesting better performance in database and sorting operations. For users who prioritize power efficiency, the 28 W TDP is a significant advantage over Intel's 55 W, potentially enabling longer battery life and quieter operation in mobile devices.