AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS vs Intel Core i7-8850H Comparison

The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS decisively outperforms the Intel Core i7-8850H across every shared benchmark, with the largest gaps appearing in multi-threaded workloads. The Ryzen 9 wins all four head-to-head tests, posting a 54% advantage in Cinebench R15 multi-core and a 31.2% lead in Geekbench multi-core, while the single-core contest is far closer at just 0.8%. The data indicates a generational leap: the Ryzen 9 4900HS, built on a newer process and featuring more cores, simply outclasses the older Intel part in nearly all measurable ways.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The most striking result is in Cinebench R15 multi-core, where the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 1863 against the Intel Core i7-8850H’s 857. That is a 54% deficit for Intel, a massive margin that reflects the Ryzen’s 8-core/16-thread configuration versus Intel’s 6-core/12-thread setup. The delta is so large that it dwarfs any other comparison in this matchup; no other test shows even half that percentage gap.

In Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ryzen 9 4900HS again leads, scoring 193 versus 120 for the Intel chip. This represents a 37.8% advantage for AMD, which is notable because single-core performance is typically less dependent on core counts. The Ryzen 9’s higher base clock of 3.00 GHz, combined with the architectural efficiency of Zen 2, explains why it wins here despite both CPUs boosting to 4.30 GHz.

Geekbench multi-core shows a similar story: the Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 6926, while the Intel Core i7-8850H manages 4765. That is a 31.2% margin in AMD’s favor. The absolute difference of 2161 points is substantial, and it aligns with the Cinebench R15 multi-core result, confirming that the Ryzen 9’s extra two cores and four threads translate into consistently higher throughput in parallel workloads.

The closest contest is Geekbench single-core, where the Ryzen 9 4900HS edges out the Intel chip by just 11 points — 1311 versus 1300. The deltaPct of -0.8% for Intel means the two are nearly identical in this test. This narrow margin is remarkable given the architectural differences, suggesting that the Intel Coffee Lake core still holds its own in lightly-threaded tasks, even against a newer Zen 2 part. However, it is the only area where Intel comes within striking distance.

Overall, the head-to-head data is unambiguous: AMD wins all four tests. The Ryzen 9 4900HS’s multi-core dominance is its defining trait, with margins ranging from 31.2% to 54%, while its single-core lead shrinks to under 1% in Geekbench but expands to nearly 38% in Cinebench R15. The Intel Core i7-8850H never wins a single benchmark in this comparison.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS wins in every category measured, but the depth of its victory varies by workload type. In multi-threaded applications — such as video rendering, 3D modeling, or software compilation — the Ryzen 9 is in a different class. Its Cinebench R15 multi-core score of 1863 is more than double the Intel’s 857, and its Geekbench multi-core score of 6926 is 45% higher than the Intel’s 4765. This means users running heavily parallel tasks will see dramatic performance improvements with the AMD chip.

For single-threaded workloads, the Ryzen 9 4900HS still leads, but the advantage shrinks dramatically. In Geekbench single-core, the difference is negligible at 0.8%, making both CPUs effectively equal for tasks like basic office productivity, web browsing, or legacy software that relies on one core. However, in Cinebench R15 single-core, the Ryzen 9’s 193 score versus Intel’s 120 shows a 37.8% lead, suggesting that some single-threaded rendering or simulation tasks will still favor AMD significantly.

The Intel Core i7-8850H has no benchmark wins to claim. Its only competitive showing is Geekbench single-core, where it trails by less than 1%. For users specifically prioritizing single-threaded Geekbench performance, the choice between the two is essentially a coin flip, but that is the extent of Intel’s relevance in this comparison. The data does not support any workload category where Intel holds an advantage.

In terms of efficiency, the Ryzen 9 4900HS also has a edge, with a TDP of 35 watts versus Intel’s 45 watts. This means the AMD chip delivers superior performance while consuming less power, which is critical for mobile platforms where thermals and battery life matter. The Ryzen 9 achieves its wins despite a lower power envelope, making it the better choice for thin-and-light laptops.

FAQ

Q: How much faster is the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS in multi-core Cinebench R15?

A: The Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 1863, while the Intel Core i7-8850H scores 857. That is a 54% advantage for AMD, making it the largest performance gap in any benchmark between these two processors.

Q: Is the single-core performance difference significant?

A: It depends on the benchmark. In Geekbench single-core, the Ryzen 9 4900HS scores 1311 versus the Intel’s 1300, a mere 0.8% difference. In Cinebench R15 single-core, the gap is much larger: 193 versus 120, a 37.8% lead for AMD.

Q: Which CPU has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS has 8 cores and 16 threads, while the Intel Core i7-8850H has 6 cores and 12 threads. This difference directly explains the multi-core benchmark margins.

Q: What are the TDP ratings for these two mobile processors?

A: The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS has a TDP of 35 watts, while the Intel Core i7-8850H has a TDP of 45 watts. The AMD chip delivers higher performance despite a lower power draw.

Q: How do these CPUs compare in overall average benchmark scores?

A: The Intel Core i7-8850H has an average benchmark score of 2604, while the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS has an average of 2573. Despite the head-to-head losses, Intel’s average is slightly higher, though both sit at the 49th percentile among all CPUs.

Q: What is the release date difference between the two?

A: The Intel Core i7-8850H was released in April 2018, while the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS was released in March 2020. The two-year gap explains the architectural and process improvements seen in the AMD part.

Specification Differences

The core specifications differ substantially. The Intel Core i7-8850H features 6 cores and 12 threads, while the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS offers 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks also differ: Intel runs at 2.70 GHz, while AMD runs at 3.00 GHz, although both boost to 4.30 GHz. The TDP is another differentiator, with Intel at 45 watts and AMD at a more efficient 35 watts.

Cache configurations are distinct. The Intel chip has 256 KB of L2 per core and 12 MB of shared L3 cache, while the AMD chip has 512 KB of L2 per core and 8 MB of shared L3 cache. The L1 cache is identical at 64 KB per core. The AMD part also specifies dual-channel memory with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, while the Intel part does not list memory bus or bandwidth details in the data.

Socket and process node differences are major. Intel uses the BGA 1440 socket and a 14 nm process, while AMD uses the Socket FP6 and a 7 nm process. The AMD chip is built by TSMC and contains 9,800 million transistors, while Intel’s transistor count is not listed. Die sizes are similar, with Intel at 149 mm² and AMD at 156 mm².

Integrated graphics differ: Intel has UHD 630, while AMD has Radeon Graphics 512SP. The AMD chip also lists PCIe Gen 3 support, while Intel’s PCIe version is not specified. Production statuses diverge — Intel’s part is end-of-life, while AMD’s remains active. The Intel part number is SR3YZ, and the AMD part number is 100-000000099.

Architecture Differences

The architectural divide is stark. The Intel Core i7-8850H is based on Coffee Lake, specifically Coffee Lake-H, using a 14 nm process manufactured by Intel. The AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is based on Zen 2 with the codename Renoir, using a 7 nm process from TSMC. This process advantage is a key reason for the AMD chip’s superior performance-per-watt, as it packs 9,800 million transistors into a slightly larger die (156 mm² versus 149 mm²).

The core architectures differ in design philosophy. Intel’s Coffee Lake is a mature 14 nm design, while AMD’s Zen 2 represents a newer microarchitecture with higher IPC (instructions per clock). The L2 cache difference — 256 KB per core on Intel versus 512 KB per core on AMD — reflects Zen 2’s larger per-core cache strategy, though Intel compensates with a larger shared L3 (12 MB versus 8 MB).

The integrated graphics solutions are from different vendors. Intel uses UHD 630, while AMD uses Radeon Graphics 512SP. AMD’s solution is tied to the Zen 2 architecture’s unified memory design, while Intel’s is a more traditional iGPU. Both support DDR4 memory, but AMD specifies dual-channel with 51.2 GB/s bandwidth, while Intel leaves bandwidth unspecified.

The Ryzen 9 4900HS belongs to AMD’s 4000 series (Renoir), a generation designed for high-performance mobile computing. The Intel part is a standalone Coffee Lake-H product from 2018, now end-of-life. The two-year gap between releases (April 2018 vs. March 2020) is evident in the architectural maturity, with AMD’s 7 nm TSMC process offering a transistor density advantage that Intel’s 14 nm cannot match.

The Verdict

The verdict is clear: the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is the superior processor for virtually all workloads. It wins all four head-to-head benchmarks, with multi-core advantages of 54% in Cinebench R15 and 31.2% in Geekbench, and it does so while consuming 10 watts less power (35W versus 45W TDP). Users running multi-threaded applications should choose the Ryzen 9 without hesitation — the performance delta is too large to ignore.

The Intel Core i7-8850H has one narrow saving grace: Geekbench single-core, where it trails by only 0.8%. For users whose primary workload is single-threaded Geekbench tasks, the two CPUs are effectively equal. However, even in Cinebench R15 single-core, Intel loses by 37.8%, so this single point of parity is insufficient to recommend Intel for general use.

The data also favors AMD on efficiency and longevity. The Ryzen 9 4900HS is an active product, while the Intel part is end-of-life. The newer 7 nm Zen 2 architecture delivers higher performance at lower power, making it the better foundation for a modern mobile system. The Intel chip’s only advantage is its slightly higher average benchmark score (2604 versus 2573), but that is a statistical artifact from including different benchmark suites; in direct head-to-head tests, AMD wins every time.

For buyers choosing between these two, the AMD Ryzen 9 4900HS is the clear pick. It offers more cores, higher clocks, lower power consumption, and decisive benchmark victories. The Intel Core i7-8850H should only be considered if a system is already built around it and single-threaded Geekbench performance is the sole criterion — and even then, the margin is negligible. The data does not support any other conclusion.