AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS vs AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS Comparison

The Verdict

The data presents a fascinating picture: the older AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and the newer AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS are not a generational leap, but rather a near-identical pair with subtle performance redistribution. The 7940HS wins 14 of the 23 head-to-head benchmarks, while the 8945HS wins 9. The overall average benchmark scores are strikingly close: 31593 for the 7940HS versus 31074 for the 8945HS, a difference of roughly 1.7%. Both processors sit at the 82nd percentile among all CPUs, meaning they occupy the same performance tier in the database.

For users, the choice hinges on specific workloads. The 8945HS shows its strength in threaded 3DMark tests, consistently leading by around 2.8% in the 16-thread and max-thread scenarios. It also edges ahead in Cinebench R23, both multicore and singlecore. The 7940HS, conversely, dominates the PassMark suite and takes a clear lead in Geekbench multicore with a 3.6% advantage. The 8945HS carries a higher TDP of 45 watts versus the 7940HS's 35 watts, which may explain its modest lead in sustained multi-threaded 3D workloads. However, the 7940HS outperforms its successor in most everyday and scientific computing tasks. The 8945HS is the pick for 3D rendering and threaded graphics workloads; the 7940HS is the pick for general productivity, encryption, and math-heavy tasks. Neither offers a decisive knockout blow, making the choice workload-dependent rather than generational.

Architecture Differences

Both processors are built on the same fundamental architecture: Zen 4, manufactured by TSMC on a 4 nm process. The die size is identical at 178 mm², and both integrate 25,000 million transistors. The 7940HS uses the codename Phoenix, while the 8945HS uses Hawk Point. Despite the different codenames, the core configuration is exactly the same: 8 cores and 16 threads. Base clocks are identical at 4.00 GHz, and boost clocks match at 5.20 GHz. The cache hierarchy is also identical: 64 KB of L1 per core, 1 MB of L2 per core, and 16 MB of shared L3. Both support DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. PCIe connectivity is the same: Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. Both feature the Radeon 780M integrated graphics.

The key architectural differences lie in a few specific fields. The 8945HS has a TDP of 45 watts, while the 7940HS has a TDP of 35 watts. The 7940HS supports ECC memory, while the 8945HS does not. The 7940HS is part of the 7000 series, while the 8945HS is part of the 8000 series. The 8945HS has a release date recorded as 2023-12-05, while the 7940HS has no release date in the database. The part numbers also differ: the 7940HS lists three variants (100-000000954, 100-000000963, 100-000001128), while the 8945HS lists three different ones (100-000001319, 100-000001383, 100-000001309). Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP, and neither has an unlocked multiplier.

FAQ

Q: Which CPU has a higher clock speed?

A: Neither. Both the AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS and the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS have the same base clock of 4.00 GHz and the same boost clock of 5.20 GHz.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS faster in all benchmarks?

A: No. The 8945HS wins 9 of the 23 head-to-head benchmarks, while the 7940HS wins 14. The 8945HS leads in 3DMark tests and Cinebench R23, but the 7940HS wins in Geekbench and most PassMark tests.

Q: What is the difference in average benchmark score?

A: The 7940HS has an average benchmark score of 31593, while the 8945HS has an average score of 31074. The 7940HS is slightly ahead by about 1.7%.

Q: Do both processors support the same memory?

A: Yes. Both support DDR5 memory with a dual-channel bus and a bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s. However, the 7940HS supports ECC memory, while the 8945HS does not.

Q: What is the TDP difference between the two?

A: The 7940HS has a TDP of 35 watts, while the 8945HS has a TDP of 45 watts. This means the 8945HS is rated for higher power consumption.

Q: Are the integrated graphics different?

A: No. Both processors feature the same integrated graphics solution: the Radeon 780M.

Specification Differences

The following table summarizes the fields where the two processors differ, based solely on the recorded data:

| Specification | AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS | AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS |

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

| Series | 7000 series | 8000 series |

| TDP | 35 | 45 |

| Codename | Phoenix | Hawk Point |

| Generation | Ryzen 9 (Zen 4 (Phoenix)) | Ryzen 9 (Zen 4 (Hawk Point)) |

| ECC Memory | True | False |

| Release Date | Not recorded | 2023-12-05 |

| Part Numbers | 100-000000954, 100-000000963, 100-000001128 | 100-000001319, 100-000001383, 100-000001309 |

| Average Benchmark Score | 31593 | 31074 |

All other specifications, including cores, threads, clocks, cache, memory support, PCIe, integrated graphics, process node, foundry, die size, and transistor count, are identical.

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The 8945HS takes a clear lead in the 3DMark suite. In the 16-thread test, it scores 7774 versus 7553 for the 7940HS, a delta of -2.8%. The max-thread test shows a similar pattern: 7775 versus 7558, also -2.8%. The 8-thread test yields 6385 versus 6205 (-2.8%), and the 4-thread test shows 3809 versus 3725 (-2.2%). The 2-thread test is closer, 1985 versus 1952 (-1.7%), and the single-thread test shows 1013 versus 1003 (-1.0%). These results suggest the 8945HS has a consistent advantage in the 3DMark workload, likely benefiting from its higher TDP.

In Cinebench, the results are mixed. The R23 multicore test favors the 8945HS, scoring 16795 versus 16713, a delta of -0.5%. The R23 singlecore test also goes to the 8945HS, 1805 versus 1790 (-0.8%). However, the R15 multicore test goes the other way: the 7940HS scores 2656 versus 2640, a delta of 0.6%. The R15 singlecore test also favors the 7940HS, 283 versus 281 (0.7%).

The 7940HS dominates the Geekbench and PassMark categories. In Geekbench multicore, the 7940HS scores 12724 versus 12276 for the 8945HS, a substantial delta of 3.6%. Geekbench singlecore also favors the 7940HS, 2144 versus 2116 (1.3%). In PassMark, the 7940HS wins the majority of tests. Data compression shows 365352 versus 356508 (2.5%), data encryption shows 21777 versus 21323 (2.1%), extended instructions show 27480 versus 26964 (1.9%), floating point math shows 62897 versus 61821 (1.7%), integer math shows 103044 versus 101226 (1.8%), multithread shows 30098 versus 29780 (1.1%), physics shows 1450 versus 1434 (1.1%), and single-thread shows 3878 versus 3850 (0.7%). The find prime numbers test is a tie at 92 for both. The only PassMark test the 8945HS wins is random string sorting, scoring 43202 versus 42386, a delta of -1.9%.

Where Each One Wins

The AMD Ryzen 9 8945HS is the clear winner in 3DMark threaded workloads. Its consistent 2.8% lead across 16-thread and max-thread tests points to a tangible advantage in scenarios that utilize all cores and threads, such as 3D rendering and complex physics simulations. The higher TDP of 45 watts likely contributes to this sustained performance. It also edges out the 7940HS in Cinebench R23, both multicore and singlecore, which is a common indicator for video editing and 3D animation workloads. Users who prioritize these specific tasks should favor the 8945HS.

The AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS, despite its lower TDP of 35 watts, is the stronger performer across a broader range of tests. Its Geekbench multicore win of 3.6% is the largest margin in any benchmark, suggesting an advantage in general-purpose multi-threaded applications. The PassMark suite shows the 7940HS leading in 8 out of 10 tests, with wins in data encryption, integer math, floating point math, and extended instructions. This makes it the better choice for scientific computing, cryptography, data processing, and any workload that relies on heavy mathematical computation. It also wins the Cinebench R15 tests, which are older but still relevant for compatibility testing. The 7940HS wins 14 total benchmarks versus 9 for the 8945HS, indicating that for most users, the older chip is the more versatile option. The data suggests the 7940HS is the better all-rounder, while the 8945HS is a specialist for 3D and high-thread count tasks.