AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS vs Intel Core i7-7740X Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded data shows a clear split between the two processors across the four shared benchmark tests. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS wins three of the four head-to-head comparisons, while the Intel Core i7-7740X claims only a single victory.

The most dramatic separation appears in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 1863 against the Intel Core i7-7740X's 831. That is a delta of 124.2%, meaning the AMD part more than doubles the Intel chip's multi-threaded rendering performance in this test. This is the largest margin recorded in either direction.

In Cinebench R15 single-core, the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS again leads, posting 193 versus 117 for the Intel Core i7-7740X. The 65% delta is substantial, and it flips the usual expectation that a high-clocked desktop part would dominate a mobile chip in single-threaded work.

GeekBench multi-core results continue the AMD pattern: the Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 6926, while the Core i7-7740X manages 5246. The 32% advantage is meaningful, though not as extreme as the Cinebench R15 gap. This suggests the AMD processor sustains its multi-threaded lead across different benchmark methodologies.

The Intel Core i7-7740X's sole win arrives in GeekBench single-core, where it scores 1619 against the AMD's 1311. That 19% deficit for the Ryzen part is notable, but it is the only test where Intel comes out ahead. The average benchmark score for the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is 2573, while the Intel Core i7-7740X averages 2648, placing both processors within 3% of each other overall.

Looking at percentile rankings, the Intel Core i7-7740X sits at the 50th percentile among all CPUs, while the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS sits at the 49th percentile. For context, the AMD chip's nearest rivals include the Intel Xeon E5-4620 v3 (average score 2587, delta -0.6%), the Intel Xeon E-2174G (2588, -0.6%), the AMD Ryzen 7 4800HS (2557, +0.6%), and the AMD Ryzen 3 PRO 4355GE (2596, -0.9%). The Intel chip's nearest rivals are the Intel Xeon E-2274G (2643, +0.2%), the Intel Core i7-5820K (2642, +0.2%), the Intel Core i9-8950HK (2641, +0.3%), and the Intel Core i7-1195G7 (2638, +0.4%). These rival comparisons show both processors sit in a tight cluster, but the head-to-head data reveals where each has a structural advantage.

Architecture Differences

The two processors come from fundamentally different design philosophies. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is built on the Zen 2 architecture under the Renoir codename, part of the 4000 series and the Ryzen 9 generation. It uses a 7 nm process node manufactured by TSMC, with 9,800 million transistors packed into a 156 mm² die. The Intel Core i7-7740X uses the Kaby Lake architecture under the Kaby Lake-X codename, belonging to the Core i7 X-Series 7th Generation, fabricated on Intel's 14 nm process node. The database does not record transistor count or die size for the Intel part.

Core and thread counts differ sharply. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS provides 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i7-7740X provides 4 cores and 8 threads. The AMD chip's base clock is 3.00 GHz with a boost clock of 4.30 GHz. The Intel chip starts at a higher 4.30 GHz base and boosts to 4.60 GHz. Clock speeds alone do not explain the benchmark gaps, since the Intel part runs faster on paper yet loses most tests.

Cache structures show both similarities and differences. Both processors share 64 KB of L1 cache per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The L2 cache differs: the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS has 512 KB per core, while the Intel Core i7-7740X has 256 KB per core. The AMD chip's larger L2 allocation per core likely contributes to its efficiency in multi-threaded workloads.

Thermal design power presents a stark contrast. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is rated at 35 W, targeting the mobile segment with an AMD Socket FP6. The Intel Core i7-7740X draws 112 W, targeting the desktop segment with an Intel Socket 2066. Despite the 77 W gap in rated power, the AMD chip delivers superior multi-threaded performance in the recorded benchmarks, which speaks to the efficiency of the newer 7 nm process.

Memory support also diverges. Both support DDR4, but the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS uses dual-channel memory with a recorded bandwidth of 51.2 GB/s. The Intel Core i7-7740X uses quad-channel memory, though the database does not list a bandwidth figure for it. The Intel chip's wider memory bus does not translate into benchmark wins in the tests recorded.

The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS includes integrated graphics, specifically Radeon Graphics with 512 SP. The Intel Core i7-7740X has no integrated graphics recorded. Both support PCIe Gen 3. Neither processor supports ECC memory. The AMD chip's multiplier is locked, while the Intel chip's multiplier is unlocked, allowing overclocking for the latter.

Release dates differ by nearly three years. The Intel Core i7-7740X launched on June 25, 2017. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS launched on March 6, 2020. Both are listed as active in production status.

Where Each One Wins

The benchmark data supports a clear use-case split. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS wins in Cinebench R15 multi-core, Cinebench R15 single-core, and GeekBench multi-core. The Intel Core i7-7740X wins only in GeekBench single-core.

For multi-threaded workloads, the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is the obvious choice. The 124.2% advantage in Cinebench R15 multi-core indicates that tasks like video rendering, 3D modeling, or batch photo processing would favor the AMD chip by a wide margin. The 32% lead in GeekBench multi-core reinforces this, showing the advantage extends beyond a single benchmark suite.

For single-threaded tasks where GeekBench is the relevant metric, the Intel Core i7-7740X holds the edge. Its 19% lead in GeekBench single-core suggests that applications relying on lightly threaded performance, such as older games or certain productivity tools, would run faster on the Intel part. However, the AMD chip wins Cinebench R15 single-core by 65%, creating an inconsistent picture. The two single-core tests disagree, so the choice depends on which benchmark better reflects the target workload.

The Intel Core i7-7740X's unlocked multiplier is relevant for users who plan to overclock. The database does not record any overclocked results, but the capability exists, whereas the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS does not offer an unlocked multiplier. For users who intend to push clock speeds manually, the Intel chip provides that option.

The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS's integrated graphics give it a functional advantage for systems without a discrete GPU. The Intel chip lacks integrated graphics entirely, requiring a separate graphics card for any display output. For compact or mobile builds, the AMD chip offers a complete package.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has the higher average benchmark score?

A: The Intel Core i7-7740X has an average benchmark score of 2648, while the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS has an average of 2573. The Intel chip leads by 75 points, or roughly 2.9%.

Q: How does the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS perform in Cinebench R15 multi-core compared to the Intel Core i7-7740X?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 1863 against the Intel Core i7-7740X's 831, a 124.2% advantage. The AMD chip more than doubles the Intel part's score in this test.

Q: In which benchmark does the Intel Core i7-7740X beat the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS?

A: The Intel Core i7-7740X wins GeekBench single-core, scoring 1619 against the AMD chip's 1311, a 19% lead. This is the only head-to-head test where Intel comes out ahead.

Q: What are the core and thread counts for each processor?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS has 8 cores and 16 threads. The Intel Core i7-7740X has 4 cores and 8 threads. The AMD chip offers double the cores and threads of the Intel part.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: No. Neither the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS nor the Intel Core i7-7740X supports ECC memory, according to the recorded data.

Q: Which processor has integrated graphics?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS includes Radeon Graphics with 512 SP. The Intel Core i7-7740X has no integrated graphics recorded.

Specification Differences

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS | Intel Core i7-7740X |

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

| Cores | 8 | 4 |

| Threads | 16 | 8 |

| Base Clock | 3.00 GHz | 4.30 GHz |

| Boost Clock | 4.30 GHz | 4.60 GHz |

| TDP | 35 W | 112 W |

| Socket | AMD Socket FP6 | Intel Socket 2066 |

| Architecture | Zen 2 | Kaby Lake |

| Codename | Renoir | Kaby Lake-X |

| Process Node | 7 nm (TSMC) | 14 nm (Intel) |

| Transistors | 9,800 million | Not recorded |

| Die Size | 156 mm² | Not recorded |

| L2 Cache | 512 KB per core | 256 KB per core |

| Memory Bus | Dual-channel | Quad-channel |

| Memory Bandwidth | 51.2 GB/s | Not recorded |

| Integrated Graphics | Radeon Graphics 512SP | None |

| Market Segment | Mobile | Desktop |

| Multiplier Unlocked | No | Yes |

| Release Date | March 6, 2020 | June 25, 2017 |

| Part Number | 100-000000099 | Not recorded |

The Verdict

The data points to a clear decision for multi-threaded users: the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS outperforms the Intel Core i7-7740X in three of four head-to-head tests, including the two multi-core benchmarks. The 124.2% lead in Cinebench R15 multi-core is decisive, and the 32% lead in GeekBench multi-core confirms it is not a fluke. The AMD chip achieves this while consuming 35 W compared to the Intel chip's 112 W, a 77 W difference that matters for system power budgets and thermal management.

For users prioritizing GeekBench single-core performance, the Intel Core i7-7740X is the better pick. Its 19% lead in that specific test suggests it handles lightly threaded GeekBench workloads better. The unlocked multiplier also appeals to overclocking enthusiasts, though the database records no overclocked results.

The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is the better choice for mobile or compact systems, given its 35 W TDP, integrated graphics, and newer 7 nm process. The Intel Core i7-7740X suits desktop builds with discrete GPUs and a willingness to manage higher power draw. The Intel chip's higher base clock and boost clock do not translate into overall benchmark supremacy, as the AMD chip's architectural efficiency carries the day in most recorded tests.