AMD Ryzen 9 7940H vs Intel Core i7-12850HX Comparison
AMD Ryzen 9 7940H
Core i7-12850HX
PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKS
Analysis: AMD Ryzen 9 7940H vs Intel Core i7-12850HX
The Verdict
The benchmark database presents a clear split between these two mobile processors. The Intel Core i7-12850HX wins 10 out of 17 head-to-head tests, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H takes 7. However, the nature of those wins matters more than the count. Intel dominates in multi-threaded integer workloads and physics simulations, while AMD shows decisive advantages in Cinebench R23 and single-core tests. The Intel part holds a higher average benchmark score of 41779 compared to 40431 for AMD, and it sits at the 88th percentile versus the 87th.
For users prioritizing sustained multi-core rendering in older Cinebench versions, the Intel chip is the choice. For those needing modern single-thread performance and R23 multi-core results, the AMD chip leads. The data does not support a universal winner. The i7-12850HX suits workloads like prime number finding, floating-point math, and physics. The Ryzen 9 7940H suits extended instruction sets, random string sorting, and single-thread performance. Each processor answers a different priority, and the verdict depends entirely on the target workload.
Architecture Differences
The Intel Core i7-12850HX is built on Alder Lake architecture with a 10 nm process node, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H uses Zen 4 architecture on a 4 nm TSMC node. Intel's chip has 16 cores and 24 threads, whereas AMD offers 8 cores and 16 threads. The base clocks differ significantly: Intel runs at 2.10 GHz, AMD at 4.00 GHz. Boost clocks also favor AMD, with 5.20 GHz versus Intel's 4.80 GHz. The TDP figures show Intel at 55 W and AMD at 35 W.
Cache layouts diverge sharply. Intel provides 80 KB of L1 per core, 1.25 MB of L2 per core, and 25 MB of shared L3. AMD counters with 64 KB L1 per core, 1 MB L2 per core, and 16 MB shared L3. The Intel die measures 215 mm², while AMD's is 178 mm². AMD integrates 25,000 million transistors, a figure not listed for Intel. The process node and transistor count suggest AMD's design is denser, but the Intel part compensates with more cores and a larger L3 pool.
Memory support differs: Intel accepts both DDR4 and DDR5, AMD only DDR5. Both use dual-channel memory buses, but AMD lists a memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s, a figure absent for Intel. PCIe generations also differ, with Intel supporting Gen 5 at 20 lanes and AMD using Gen 4 at 20 lanes. Integrated graphics vary: Intel includes UHD Graphics 770, AMD includes Radeon 780M. Intel's multiplier is unlocked; AMD's is not. Intel uses the BGA 1964 socket, AMD uses FP8. Both support ECC memory, and both target the mobile segment.
Head-to-Head Benchmarks
The largest Intel win appears in PassMark physics, where it scores 1813 against AMD's 1300, a 39.5% advantage. PassMark find prime numbers also favors Intel heavily, 111 versus 81, a 37% gap. Floating-point math shows Intel ahead by 27.8%, with scores of 79337 versus 62057. These three tests reveal Intel's strength in computation-heavy single-threaded tasks.
Intel also leads in Cinebench R20 multi-core, scoring 10907 versus 10375, a 5.1% margin. The same delta appears in R20 single-core, where Intel scores 1539 against AMD's 1464. Cinebench R15 multi-core gives Intel a 7.6% win, 2679 versus 2490. PassMark integer math shows Intel ahead by 6%, 108076 versus 101977. Data compression favors Intel by 3.9%, 365829 versus 352077. Multithread scores put Intel at 30627 versus 29063, a 5.4% edge. Data encryption is nearly tied, with Intel leading by just 0.1%, 21120 versus 21096.
AMD's biggest win comes in Cinebench R23 single-core, where it scores 3487 against Intel's 1720.5, a 50.7% advantage. Cinebench R23 multi-core also goes to AMD, 24703 versus 16301.5, a 34% lead. R15 single-core shows AMD winning by 25.8%, 351 versus 260.5. PassMark extended instructions favor AMD by 17.1%, 26804 versus 22227. Random string sorting gives AMD a 4.2% win, 42093 versus 40327. PassMark single-thread shows AMD ahead by 6.8%, 3952 versus 3683.
The Cinebench R23 results are striking. AMD's multi-core score exceeds Intel's by over 8000 points, despite having half the cores. This suggests AMD's higher clock speeds and newer architecture overcome Intel's core count advantage in this specific test. Conversely, Intel's physics and floating-point wins highlight its strong execution units for those workloads.
FAQ
Q: Which processor has more cores?
A: The Intel Core i7-12850HX has 16 cores and 24 threads. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940H has 8 cores and 16 threads.
Q: Which processor wins in Cinebench R23 multi-core?
A: The AMD Ryzen 9 7940H wins with a score of 24703, versus 16301.5 for Intel, a 34% difference.
Q: How do the single-thread scores compare?
A: AMD leads in PassMark single-thread, 3952 versus 3683, a 6.8% advantage. In Cinebench R23 single-core, AMD wins 3487 versus 1720.5, a 50.7% gap.
Q: What is the launch MSRP for the Intel part?
A: The Intel Core i7-12850HX has a launch MSRP of $428. No MSRP is listed for the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H.
Q: Which processor has a higher TDP?
A: The Intel Core i7-12850HX has a TDP of 55 W. The AMD Ryzen 9 7940H has a TDP of 35 W.
Q: Does either processor support ECC memory?
A: Yes, both the Intel Core i7-12850HX and the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H support ECC memory.
Where Each One Wins
The Intel Core i7-12850HX dominates in physics simulations, scoring 39.5% higher than AMD. It also excels at prime number finding with a 37% lead, and floating-point math with a 27.8% advantage. These results point to use cases in scientific computing, financial modeling, and any workload requiring heavy arithmetic. Intel's integer math also wins by 6%, making it suitable for general-purpose coding and data processing. The multithread score, 5.4% ahead, supports parallel tasks like video encoding or compilation. Data compression, with a 3.9% win, suits archiving and database operations.
The AMD Ryzen 9 7940H wins decisively in Cinebench R23 single-core, where it doubles Intel's score. This makes it the choice for applications that rely heavily on single-thread performance, such as legacy software or lightly threaded games. Its R23 multi-core result, 34% ahead, indicates strong all-core rendering performance despite fewer cores. Extended instructions show a 17.1% advantage, benefiting workloads like cryptography or specialized SIMD operations. Random string sorting wins by 4.2%, useful for sorting algorithms and text processing. PassMark single-thread also favors AMD by 6.8%, reinforcing its single-core strength.
Specification Differences
The Intel Core i7-12850HX uses a 10 nm process node, while the AMD Ryzen 9 7940H uses 4 nm. Intel's die size is 215 mm², AMD's is 178 mm². AMD lists 25,000 million transistors, a figure not provided for Intel. Core counts differ: 16 versus 8. Thread counts differ: 24 versus 16. Base clocks are 2.10 GHz for Intel and 4.00 GHz for AMD. Boost clocks are 4.80 GHz for Intel and 5.20 GHz for AMD. TDP is 55 W for Intel and 35 W for AMD. Sockets are Intel BGA 1964 and AMD Socket FP8.
Cache configurations differ in every level. Intel has 80 KB L1 per core, AMD has 64 KB. Intel has 1.25 MB L2 per core, AMD has 1 MB. Intel has 25 MB shared L3, AMD has 16 MB shared L3. Memory support: Intel accepts DDR4 and DDR5, AMD accepts DDR5 only. Memory bandwidth is listed as 89.6 GB/s for AMD, no figure for Intel. PCIe: Intel Gen 5 with 20 lanes, AMD Gen 4 with 20 lanes. Integrated graphics: Intel UHD Graphics 770, AMD Radeon 780M. Intel has an unlocked multiplier, AMD does not. Intel's launch MSRP is $428, AMD has no listed MSRP.