AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS
AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS: A Mobile Processor for a Balance Between Performance and Battery Life
Architecture and Process Technology: Zen 4 and 4 nm for Efficiency
The AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS processor, launched under the codename Hawk Point, is built on the Zen 4 architecture and manufactured using a 4-nanometer process. This generation represents an evolutionary step for AMD: engineers have improved energy efficiency, increased IPC (instructions per clock), and optimized cache memory performance.
Key Specifications:
- 6 cores and 12 threads — no hybrid structure, all cores are "performance" (Performance-cores), simplifying load management.
- Base frequency — 3.5 GHz, maximum in turbo mode — 4.9 GHz. This allows the processor to adapt to tasks: saving energy during idle times and rapidly speeding up during loads.
- L3 cache — 16 MB — increased size speeds up data processing in multithreaded scenarios like rendering or code compilation.
- Integrated graphics Radeon 760M — an iGPU based on RDNA 3 architecture with 8 compute units. Supports DirectX 12 Ultimate and 4K output. For integrated graphics, this is an impressive result: in games like _CS:GO_ or _Rocket League_, 60 FPS can be achieved on medium settings.
Zen 4 brought support for DDR5-5600 and PCIe 4.0, which is important for modern laptops with fast SSDs and high-frequency RAM.
Power Consumption and TDP: 15 W for Thin Devices
The Ryzen 5 8640HS belongs to the category of mobile processors with a TDP of 15 W, making it ideal for ultrabooks and compact laptops. However, thanks to Precision Boost, the chip can temporarily increase power consumption to 35-40 W for short bursts (e.g., launching an application or rendering a frame in Photoshop).
Power Management Features:
- Adaptive Power Management — the system dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency based on temperature and load.
- Operating modes — in Windows, you can select "Power Saving," "Balanced," or "Max Performance," which influences processor behavior.
For cooling such a CPU, a compact system with heat pipes and a fan is sufficient, allowing manufacturers to create devices with a thickness of less than 15 mm.
Performance: A Versatile Option for Work and Entertainment
Results from Geekbench 6 (2276 points in single-core and 10469 in multi-core) position the Ryzen 5 8640HS alongside top-tier mobile processors from the previous generation. Let’s consider its real-world performance scenarios:
Office Work and Multitasking
- Running 30 tabs in Chrome + Microsoft Teams + Excel — the processor handles this without lag, with core utilization not exceeding 60%.
- Rendering a PowerPoint presentation with 3D elements — turbo mode activates for 10-15 seconds, speeding up the task.
Multimedia
- Converting 4K video in HandBrake: the 6-core architecture reduces processing time by 20% compared to the Ryzen 5 7640HS (Zen 3+).
- Streaming in OBS: the built-in AMD Media Engine encoder offloads the CPU, maintaining stable FPS.
Gaming
- In _Cyberpunk 2077_ on low settings and 1080p resolution, the Radeon 760M yields 28-32 FPS. A discrete graphics card is needed for comfortable gameplay.
- In _Fortnite_ (medium settings, 1080p) — 45-50 FPS. Turbo mode maintains GPU frequency at 2.2 GHz.
Turbo Mode: Under load, all cores can boost up to 4.2-4.5 GHz, but only if the cooling system can handle it. In thin laptops, peak frequency is often limited to 4.3 GHz to avoid overheating.
Use Cases: Who is the Ryzen 5 8640HS Suitable For?
1. Students and Office Workers — for document work, Zoom meetings, and light video editing.
2. Freelance Designers — photo processing in Lightroom, creating layouts in Figma.
3. Travelers — thanks to low TDP, laptops with this CPU can run 8-10 hours without recharging.
4. Casual Gamers — for games like _The Sims 4_ or _Stardew Valley_, integrated graphics are sufficient.
Not recommended for:
- Professional 3D modeling and rendering in Blender.
- Streaming AAA games at high settings.
Battery Life: How the Processor Saves Battery Charge
During web surfing or watching YouTube, the Ryzen 5 8640HS consumes 3-7 W, which is 2-3 times less than the Intel Core i5-1340P. This is achieved through:
- "Sleep States" Mode — disabling unused cores.
- CPPC Technology — optimizing core switching to minimize latency.
- Adaptive Frequency Adjustment — for example, dropping to 1.2 GHz when typing.
In a laptop with a 60 Wh battery, runtime would be:
- 12-14 hours at minimal brightness and office tasks.
- 6-8 hours during active usage (Chrome, Slack, Spotify).
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 7640HS (Zen 3+)
- Lags in single-core performance (~15%) due to older architecture.
- iGPU Radeon 660M is 20% weaker in gaming.
Intel Core i5-1340P (Raptor Lake)
- Has 12 cores (4P+8E) but lags by 10-12% in multithreaded tasks due to less efficient E-cores.
- Iris Xe graphics fall behind Radeon 760M in gaming.
Apple M2
- Better in energy efficiency (up to 18 hours of battery life in MacBook Air).
- Weaker in multithreaded tasks (by 25%) and compatibility with Windows software.
Pros and Cons of the Ryzen 5 8640HS
Strengths:
- High multithreaded performance for a TDP of 15 W.
- Powerful integrated graphics.
- Support for modern standards (DDR5, PCIe 4.0).
Weaknesses:
- Requires quality cooling in turbo mode.
- Not suitable for heavy gaming without a discrete graphics card.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type: Ultrabooks (ASUS ZenBook, Lenovo Yoga) or business laptops (HP EliteBook).
2. Cooling: Check reviews for fan noise under load.
3. RAM: Minimum of 16 GB DDR5 — critical for multitasking.
4. Storage: Choose models with NVMe SSDs (1 TB ideally).
5. Screen: For graphic work — 100% sRGB, for gaming — 120 Hz.
Final Conclusion
AMD Ryzen 5 8640HS is a processor for those seeking a balance between performance, portability, and battery life. It is suitable for:
- Freelancers needing a lightweight laptop for work in cafes.
- Students for studying and entertainment.
- Travelers valuing long battery life.
Key advantages include powerful graphics for an integrated solution, support for modern standards, and effective power management. If you do not require maximum performance in gaming or professional applications, the Ryzen 5 8640HS is an excellent choice.