AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS
AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS: A Processor for Thin Laptops with Ambitions
In-depth analysis of architecture, performance, and use cases
Architecture and Process: Zen 4, 4 nm, and Integrated Graphics
The AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS processor, known by its codename Hawk Point, is built on the updated Zen 4 architecture and manufactured using TSMC's 4-nm process. This allows for the integration of 8 cores and 16 threads in a compact chip with improved energy efficiency.
- Cores and Frequencies:
The base frequency is 3.8 GHz, and in Turbo Boost mode, it rises to 5.1 GHz for a single core. This is crucial for tasks requiring quick responsiveness: launching applications, rendering in Photoshop, processing data in Excel. All cores are "full-fledged" (there is no division into Performance and Efficiency cores like with Intel), simplifying load distribution.
- Cache and Memory:
The L3 cache size is 16 MB, which reduces latency when working with RAM. Support for DDR5-5600 and LPDDR5x-7500 ensures high bandwidth, important for integrated graphics and multithreaded tasks.
- Integrated Graphics:
The built-in GPU is the Radeon 780M based on the RDNA 3 architecture with 12 compute units. This is one of the most powerful iGPUs on the market, capable of running games at Full HD resolution on medium settings (for example, _Cyberpunk 2077_ — 25-30 FPS; _Fortnite_ — 60-70 FPS).
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Battery Life
The nominal TDP of the processor is 15 W, but in turbo mode, it can consume up to 54 W (depending on the laptop's cooling settings). This flexibility is characteristic of AMD's HS series processors: they are adapted for thin ultrabooks where compromise between performance and heat is essential.
- Energy-saving Technologies:
- Precision Boost 2 — dynamically adjusts frequencies and voltage based on load.
- Adaptive Power Management — reduces power consumption in idle mode by disabling unused cores.
- Support for Windows Modern Standby — instant wake from sleep with minimal battery loss.
Performance: Tests in Real Scenarios
Office Work and Multitasking
- Chrome with 50+ tabs + Excel + Zoom — the processor handles it without lag, core usage is at 40-60%.
- Rendering presentations in PowerPoint with 3D effects — processing time is 20% faster than that of the Intel Core i7-1360P.
Multimedia
- Adobe Premiere Pro: Rendering 4K video (H.264) takes about 12 minutes (compared to ~15 minutes for the Ryzen 7 7840HS).
- DaVinci Resolve: Real-time color correction is possible thanks to the fast SSD and high memory bandwidth.
Gaming
- In Cyberpunk 2077 (Full HD, low settings) — 28-32 FPS; in CS2 — 90-100 FPS.
- In turbo mode, FPS increases by 10-15%, but after 10-15 minutes, throttling occurs due to overheating in compact enclosures.
Use Cases: Who is the Ryzen 7 8845HS For?
1. Students and Office Workers — for document work, video conferencing, and light editing.
2. Freelance Designers — photo editing in Lightroom, creating vector graphics.
3. Casual Gamers — playing Full HD games without a discrete graphics card.
4. Travelers — battery life of up to 10 hours in video playback mode.
Not Suitable For:
- 3D modeling in Blender or rendering 8K video — for this, processors with a TDP of 45+ W and discrete graphics are needed.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a TDP of 15 W and a 75 Wh battery, the operating times are:
- Web Browsing — 8-10 hours.
- 4K Video Playback — 6-7 hours.
- Gaming — 1.5-2 hours.
Tips for Increasing Battery Life:
- Activate "Battery Saver" mode in Windows.
- Reduce screen brightness to 50%.
- Disable background applications via AMD Software: Adrenalin Edition.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 7 7840HS
- The 8845HS has a higher Turbo Boost frequency by 0.2 GHz (+5% in single-threaded tests), and supports DDR5-5600 compared to DDR5-5200.
Intel Core Ultra 7 155H
- In multithreaded tasks, Ryzen outperforms by 12-15% (Geekbench 6 Multi: 12035 vs 10500).
- However, Intel's iGPU Arc Xe-LPG is better optimized for gaming on the Vulkan API.
Apple M3
- The M3 is more energy-efficient (up to 12 hours of work compared to 10 for Ryzen), but falls short in compatibility with Windows applications.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Best-in-class integrated graphics.
- High performance in multitasking.
- Support for Wi-Fi 6E and USB4.
Weaknesses:
- Heating in turbo mode (requires a good cooling system).
- Limited choices of laptops with this processor.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Type of Device:
- Ultrabook (e.g., Asus Zenbook 14) — for mobility.
- 2-in-1 Hybrid (HP Spectre x360) — if a touchscreen is needed.
- Compact Workstation (Lenovo ThinkPad T14) — for business tasks.
2. What to Pay Attention To:
- Cooling: At least two fans and heat pipes.
- RAM: 16+ GB LPDDR5x.
- Display: IPS panel with Anti-Glare coating.
Final Conclusion
AMD Ryzen 7 8845HS is an ideal choice for those seeking a balance between mobility and performance. It is suitable for:
- Digital nomads working in cafes or airports.
- Students juggling academics and entertainment.
- Designers who need portability without compromising rendering.
Key Benefits:
- Ability to play games without a discrete graphics card.
- Up to 10 hours of battery life.
- Prepared for future upgrades (USB4, Wi-Fi 6E).
If you are not prepared to carry around a 3-kilogram gaming laptop but want to run modern applications and games, the Ryzen 7 8845HS will be a successful compromise.