AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P174i vs AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U Comparison

Head-to-Head Benchmarks

The recorded database contains no direct benchmark scores for either the AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P174i or the AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U. Both processors hold a 50th percentile ranking against all CPUs in the database, and neither has an average benchmark score or a list of nearest rivals. This absence of measured performance data means the head-to-head comparison must be derived from the architectural and specification differences recorded for each part, rather than from empirical test results.

The most significant differentiator is core count. The Ryzen AI Embedded P174i uses 10 cores and 20 threads, while the Ryzen Embedded 8640U uses 6 cores and 12 threads. In threaded workloads, the P174i offers 66.7% more cores and 66.7% more threads. This is a structural advantage for multi-threaded tasks such as server-side virtualization, database processing, or concurrent container workloads. The 8640U, by contrast, has fewer threads to draw upon, which will cap its parallel throughput regardless of clock speed.

Clock speeds tell a different story. The 8640U has a base clock of 3.50 GHz, which is 1.50 GHz higher than the P174i's 2.00 GHz base clock. The boost clock is closer: the P174i reaches 5.00 GHz, while the 8640U reaches 4.90 GHz. The P174i leads by 0.10 GHz at maximum boost. The 8640U therefore maintains a much higher floor for sustained all-core operation, while the P174i relies on its additional cores to compensate for a lower baseline frequency. In lightly threaded workloads that scale with single-core speed, the 8640U's higher base clock suggests it can sustain more consistent performance without relying on boost headroom.

The L1 cache configuration also differs. The P174i allocates 80 KB of L1 cache per core, while the 8640U allocates 64 KB per core. This per-core L1 advantage on the P174i may reduce memory latency for frequently accessed data. The L2 cache is identical at 1 MB per core. Total L3 cache is effectively the same: 16 MB for the P174i and 16 MB shared for the 8640U. The P174i must distribute that 16 MB across 10 cores, giving it 1.6 MB of L3 per core, while the 8640U provides roughly 2.67 MB of L3 per core. The 8640U's larger per-core L3 share benefits workloads with moderate working sets that fit within the shared cache.

The integrated graphics differ as well. The P174i carries a Radeon 880M, while the 8640U carries a Radeon 760M. The 880M represents a higher-tier integrated graphics solution within AMD's lineup, which suggests improved GPU compute and display capabilities for embedded systems that need on-chip rendering or video encode/decode acceleration. The 760M is a lower-tier part, adequate for basic display output and light graphics duties but likely less capable in GPU-intensive workloads.

Memory support is another area of divergence. Both parts support DDR5 and run on a dual-channel memory bus with identical 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth. However, the P174i also supports LPDDR5X memory, which the 8640U does not. Low-power DDR5X allows for more compact system designs with lower energy consumption for memory, a relevant factor in embedded deployments where thermal and power envelopes are constrained. Both processors support ECC memory, so data integrity features are equivalent.

PCIe lane allocation differs. The 8640U provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU, while the P174i provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes from the CPU. The 8640U offers 25% more CPU-attached PCIe lanes, which matters for embedded systems that need to connect multiple peripheral devices, storage controllers, or network interfaces directly to the processor. The P174i's reduced lane count could require a chipset or switch for systems with extensive I/O requirements.

The process node is identical: both are built on TSMC's 4 nm process and use AMD Socket FP8. The die size differs, with the P174i measuring 233 mm² and the 8640U measuring 178 mm². The P174i is 55 mm² larger, which is consistent with its additional cores and larger graphics block. The 8640U has a recorded transistor count of 25,000 million, while the P174i's transistor count is not recorded in the database.

The Verdict

The data indicates two distinct design intents within the same 28 W TDP envelope. The Ryzen AI Embedded P174i prioritizes parallel compute density: 10 cores, 20 threads, a larger L1 allocation per core, LPDDR5X support, and the higher-tier Radeon 880M graphics. The Ryzen Embedded 8640U prioritizes responsiveness and I/O flexibility: a base clock 1.50 GHz higher, 20 Gen 4 PCIe lanes, and a smaller die size.

Systems that run many concurrent virtual machines, handle high-throughput data processing, or need stronger integrated graphics should favor the P174i. Its 10-core configuration and 20 threads provide a 66.7% advantage in thread count over the 8640U, and the Radeon 880M is a higher-tier GPU option for embedded workloads that include display output or GPU acceleration. The additional LPDDR5X memory support also gives system designers a lower-power memory path that the 8640U cannot offer.

Systems that rely on sustained single-thread performance or need more direct peripheral connectivity should favor the 8640U. Its 3.50 GHz base clock is substantially higher, which helps in workloads that do not scale well across cores. The 20-lane Gen 4 PCIe interface provides more room for storage and networking expansion directly from the CPU. The smaller 178 mm² die also suggests a lower production cost per wafer, though pricing data is not recorded.

Both processors share the same TDP, memory bandwidth, dual-channel bus, ECC support, socket, process node, and foundry. The choice depends on whether the workload demands more threads or more per-core speed and I/O capacity.

FAQ

Q: Which processor has more cores and threads?

A: The AMD Ryzen AI Embedded P174i has 10 cores and 20 threads. The AMD Ryzen Embedded 8640U has 6 cores and 12 threads.

Q: What are the clock speed differences?

A: The P174i has a 2.00 GHz base clock and a 5.00 GHz boost clock. The 8640U has a 3.50 GHz base clock and a 4.90 GHz boost clock. The 8640U is 1.50 GHz higher at base, while the P174i is 0.10 GHz higher at boost.

Q: Do both processors support ECC memory?

A: Yes, both the P174i and the 8640U have ECC memory support enabled.

Q: What memory types does each processor support?

A: Both support DDR5. The P174i additionally supports LPDDR5X, which the 8640U does not. Both use a dual-channel memory bus with 89.6 GB/s bandwidth.

Q: How do the integrated graphics compare?

A: The P174i uses a Radeon 880M, while the 8640U uses a Radeon 760M. The Radeon 880M is the higher-tier integrated graphics solution of the two.

Q: How many PCIe lanes does each CPU provide?

A: The 8640U provides Gen 4 with 20 lanes from the CPU. The P174i provides Gen 4 with 16 lanes from the CPU.

Specification Differences

The two processors share their manufacturer, TDP of 28 W, socket (AMD Socket FP8), process node (4 nm from TSMC), foundry (TSMC), L2 cache per core (1 MB), total L3 cache (16 MB), memory bus (dual-channel), memory bandwidth (89.6 GB/s), ECC support, market segment (mobile), production status (active), and unlocked multiplier status (both locked).

The differences are as follows:

• Cores: P174i has 10, 8640U has 6.
• Threads: P174i has 20, 8640U has 12.
• Base clock: P174i is 2.00 GHz, 8640U is 3.50 GHz.
• Boost clock: P174i is 5.00 GHz, 8640U is 4.90 GHz.
• Codename: P174i is Gorgon Point, 8640U is Hawk Point.
• Generation: P174i is Ryzen AI Embedded (Zen 5 / Zen 5c), 8640U is Ryzen Embedded (Zen 4, Hawk Point).
• Die size: P174i is 233 mm², 8640U is 178 mm².
• Transistor count: 8640U is 25,000 million, P174i is not recorded.
• L1 cache per core: P174i is 80 KB, 8640U is 64 KB.
• Memory support: P174i supports DDR5 and LPDDR5X, 8640U supports DDR5 only.
• PCIe lanes: P174i has 16 Gen 4 lanes, 8640U has 20 Gen 4 lanes.
• Integrated graphics: P174i uses Radeon 880M, 8640U uses Radeon 760M.
• Series: 8640U belongs to the 8000 series, P174i has no recorded series.
• Release date: P174i was released 2026-02-28, 8640U was released 2024-04-01.

Architecture Differences

The P174i is built on the Zen 5 / Zen 5c architecture under the Gorgon Point codename. The 8640U uses the Zen 4 architecture under the Hawk Point codename. Both are manufactured on TSMC's 4 nm process and use AMD Socket FP8.

The Zen 5 / Zen 5c hybrid arrangement in the P174i combines full-size Zen 5 cores with dense Zen 5c cores, allowing the 10-core, 20-thread configuration to fit within the 28 W TDP. The larger 233 mm² die accommodates these cores plus the Radeon 880M graphics block. The per-core L1 cache is 80 KB, and L3 is 16 MB total.

The Zen 4 architecture in the 8640U uses 6 cores and 12 threads with a 178 mm² die. Its per-core L1 cache is 64 KB, and L3 is 16 MB shared. The smaller die and fewer cores allow a 3.50 GHz base clock, which is 1.50 GHz higher than the P174i's base clock. The 8640U also provides 20 Gen 4 PCIe lanes, 4 more than the P174i.

Cache hierarchy differs in per-core allocation. The P174i's 80 KB L1 per core is larger than the 8640U's 64 KB per core. L2 is identical at 1 MB per core. L3 is 16 MB in both, but the P174i spreads it over 10 cores while the 8640U shares it across 6 cores, giving the 8640U a larger L3 share per core.

The P174i adds LPDDR5X memory support, allowing lower-power memory configurations. The 8640U supports only DDR5. Both maintain 89.6 GB/s memory bandwidth on a dual-channel bus. The Radeon 880M in the P174i is a higher-tier integrated GPU than the Radeon 760M in the 8640U, reflecting the newer architecture generation and larger die area dedicated to graphics. Both processors support ECC memory.