AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 vs AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U Comparison

# FAQ

Q: What are the core and thread counts of the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U?

A: Both processors feature 8 cores and 16 threads, making them equivalent in parallel processing capacity.

Q: How do the clock speeds compare between the two chips?

A: The Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The Ryzen Embedded 8840U runs at a base clock of 3.30 GHz and boosts to 5.10 GHz. The 8840U holds a higher base frequency, while the P164 trails slightly in boost.

Q: What process node and foundry are used for these chips?

A: Both processors are built on a 4 nm process at TSMC. The Ryzen AI Embedded P164 uses the Gorgon Point codename, while the Ryzen Embedded 8840U is based on Hawk Point.

Q: Do the two CPUs support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the Ryzen AI Embedded P164 and the Ryzen Embedded 8840U support ECC memory.

Q: What is the L3 cache capacity difference?

A: The Ryzen AI Embedded P164 has 8 MB of L3 cache. The Ryzen Embedded 8840U has 16 MB of shared L3 cache, doubling the P164's capacity.

Q: How do the integrated graphics differ?

A: The Ryzen AI Embedded P164 integrates a Radeon 880M, while the Ryzen Embedded 8840U integrates a Radeon 780M.

# Architecture Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U share a common foundation but diverge in several architectural areas. Both chips are manufactured on a 4 nm process at TSMC, yet they belong to different generations and codenames. The P164 is part of the Ryzen AI Embedded generation, based on the Gorgon Point codename, and uses a hybrid core layout of Zen 5 and Zen 5c cores. The 8840U, by contrast, is from the 8000 series, uses the Hawk Point codename, and relies entirely on Zen 4 architecture.

The cache hierarchy reveals a notable split. The P164 allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core, while the 8840U provides 64 KB per core. Both have 1 MB of L2 cache per core, but the L3 cache differs significantly: the P164 has 8 MB, while the 8840U offers 16 MB shared. This difference in L3 capacity could influence workloads that benefit from larger shared pools of fast memory.

The physical die sizes also differ. The P164 has a die size of 233 mm², whereas the 8840U is smaller at 178 mm². The 8840U's transistor count is listed at 25,000 million, while the P164's transistor count is not recorded. Both processors use the AMD Socket FP8 and support dual-channel memory with DDR5 and LPDDR5X for the P164, while the 8840U lists DDR5 support. Memory bandwidth is identical at 89.6 GB/s.

PCIe lane counts present another distinction. The P164 provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only), while the 8840U offers Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). This gives the 8840U additional PCIe connectivity for peripheral devices or expansion. Integrated graphics differ as well, with the P164 featuring a Radeon 880M and the 8840U a Radeon 780M. Both chips have a TDP of 28 watts, target the mobile market segment, and are currently active in production.

# Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The database contains benchmark results for the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U has no recorded scores. This asymmetry limits direct comparison, but the P164's data can still be examined on its own merits. The P164 achieves an average benchmark score of 52901, placing it in the 91st percentile of all CPUs. In the absence of 8840U scores, the P164's performance profile is defined by its nearest rivals instead.

The P164's nearest rivals in the database include the AMD Ryzen 5 9500F, which scores 52873 on average, putting the P164 just 0.1% ahead. The Intel Xeon 634 scores 52974 on average, placing the P164 0.1% behind. The AMD EPYC 7313P averages 53206, with the P164 trailing by 0.6%. The AMD Ryzen 9 7900X averages 53288, making the P164 0.7% behind. These tight margins indicate the P164 sits in a competitive performance band near these desktop and server processors.

Looking at individual benchmark categories, the P164 delivers strong results in several tests. In passmark_data_compression, the P164 scores 327891, showing robust throughput for compression workloads. The passmark_integer_math test yields a score of 87940, while passmark_floating_point_math reaches 55799. For encryption, the P164 scores 16055 in passmark_data_encryption, and passmark_extended_instructions records 24193. The passmark_find_prime_numbers test produces a score of 71, and passmark_random_string_sorting reaches 34801. In multithreaded performance, the P164 scores 25889 in passmark_multithread, with passmark_physics at 1210. Single-thread performance is measured at 4029 in both passmark_single_thread and passmark_singlethread entries.

The 8840U has no benchmark entries in the database, so no head-to-head wins can be recorded for either processor. The winsA and winsB counts are both zero, reflecting the absence of direct comparative data. The P164's percentile ranking of 91 versus the 8840U's percentile ranking of 50 does suggest a substantial gap, but this is based on the P164 having measured scores while the 8840U lacks them entirely. The P164's average benchmark score of 52901 stands against the 8840U's average of 0, which is not a meaningful comparison given the missing data.

# Specification Differences

The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 and the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U differ in several recorded specifications. The most prominent distinction is architecture: the P164 uses Zen 5 / Zen 5c cores under the Gorgon Point codename, while the 8840U uses Zen 4 under the Hawk Point codename. The P164 belongs to the Ryzen AI Embedded generation, whereas the 8840U is part of the 8000 series.

Clock speeds differ as well. The P164 has a base clock of 2.00 GHz and a boost clock of 5.00 GHz. The 8840U has a base clock of 3.30 GHz and a boost clock of 5.10 GHz. This gives the 8840U a 1.30 GHz higher base clock and a 0.10 GHz higher boost clock.

Cache configurations vary. The P164 has 80 KB of L1 cache per core, while the 8840U has 64 KB per core. Both share 1 MB of L2 cache per core. The L3 cache is 8 MB on the P164 and 16 MB on the 8840U, with the 8840U's L3 described as shared.

Die size and transistor counts differ. The P164 has a die size of 233 mm², while the 8840U measures 178 mm². The 8840U has a transistor count of 25,000 million, while the P164's transistor count is not recorded.

Memory support shows a minor difference. The P164 supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, while the 8840U lists only DDR5. Both have dual-channel memory buses and identical memory bandwidth of 89.6 GB/s.

PCIe lanes differ, with the P164 offering Gen 4 with 16 lanes (CPU only) and the 8840U providing Gen 4 with 20 lanes (CPU only). Integrated graphics differ, as the P164 uses a Radeon 880M and the 8840U uses a Radeon 780M.

Release dates are also different. The P164 has a release date of March 8, 2026, while the 8840U was released on April 1, 2024. Neither processor has a recorded launch MSRP.

# The Verdict

The data in the database presents a clear picture for the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164, while the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U lacks recorded benchmark scores. The P164's average benchmark score of 52901 and 91st percentile ranking indicate strong performance relative to all CPUs. Its nearest rivals, the AMD Ryzen 5 9500F, Intel Xeon 634, AMD EPYC 7313P, and AMD Ryzen 9 7900X, all fall within 0.7% of its average score, placing the P164 in an elite performance band.

For users selecting between these two processors, the P164 offers the newer Zen 5 / Zen 5c architecture, a larger die size, and support for both DDR5 and LPDDR5X memory. The 8840U counters with a higher base clock of 3.30 GHz versus 2.00 GHz, a slightly higher boost clock of 5.10 GHz versus 5.00 GHz, double the L3 cache at 16 MB versus 8 MB, and more PCIe lanes at 20 versus 16. The 8840U also has a lower die size at 178 mm² compared to 233 mm², which may indicate lower manufacturing costs, though price data is not recorded.

The P164's performance data shows it is competitive with high-end desktop and server processors, as evidenced by its proximity to the AMD Ryzen 9 7900X and AMD EPYC 7313P. The 8840U's lack of benchmark scores means the database cannot confirm its performance level, despite its higher clock speeds and larger L3 cache. The percentile rankings, with the P164 at 91 and the 8840U at 50, suggest the P164 is positioned higher in overall CPU performance, although this comparison is based on incomplete data for the 8840U.

From the recorded information, the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P164 appears to be the stronger choice for workloads that benefit from the newer Zen 5 architecture and the demonstrated benchmark results. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8840U may appeal to configurations requiring more PCIe lanes or a larger L3 cache, but its performance cannot be verified from the database. The P164's release date of March 2026 is later than the 8840U's April 2024 release, making the 8840U an older but potentially more established platform. Both processors share a 28-watt TDP, making them suitable for similar power-constrained designs. The verdict from the data is that the P164 has measurable performance advantages, while the 8840U remains an unverified option in the database.