AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS
AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS: Power in an Ultraportable Format. A Complete Review of the 2025 Processor
Architecture and Manufacturing Process: Zen 3 in Miniature
The AMD Ryzen 9 5980HS processor, released in 2021, remains a relevant solution for thin laptops by 2025, thanks to its successful combination of Zen 3 architecture and TSMC FinFET 7nm manufacturing process.
Cores and Threads:
With 8 cores and 16 threads, it delivers high multithreaded performance. The base clock is 3.0 GHz, and the maximum in Turbo Boost mode reaches up to 4.8 GHz. This enables the processor to handle both office tasks and resource-intensive applications effectively.
Cache and Optimizations:
The 16 MB L3 cache reduces data processing latency. The Zen 3 architecture combines cores into a single cluster (CCX), improving inter-core communication. For instance, video rendering in DaVinci Resolve is performed 15% faster than with the previous generation Ryzen 9 4900HS.
Integrated Radeon Graphics:
The iGPU features 8 compute units (512 cores) and operates at a frequency of up to 2100 MHz. This is sufficient for comfortable gameplay in Dota 2 at medium settings (60 FPS at 1080p) or working with 4K images in Photoshop. In comparison, Intel Iris Xe in the Core i7-1165G7 offers similar performance but falls short in energy efficiency.
TDP 35W: A Balance Between Power and Battery Life
The Ryzen 9 5980HS belongs to the HS lineup—optimized for thin laptops. With a TDP of 35W, it consumes 20% less energy than the H-series (45W) while retaining 90% of its performance. This is achieved through:
- Dynamic voltage regulation (Precision Boost 2).
- Adaptive temperature management (SmartShift).
- Efficient load distribution among cores.
Thermal Output:
In ultrabooks with passive cooling (for example, ASUS ZenBook 14X), the processor maintains a temperature of 70-75°C under load, avoiding throttling. In gaming models with liquid cooling (MSI Stealth 15M), the temperature drops to 60-65°C, extending component lifespans.
Performance: Real-World Tests and Turbo Mode
Office Tasks:
- Opening 20 tabs in Chrome + Excel + Zoom: no delays.
- PDF conversion in Adobe Acrobat: 25% faster than Intel Core i7-1260P (12-core, 2023).
Multimedia:
- Rendering a 10-minute video in Premiere Pro (4K, H.265): 8 minutes compared to 11 for Ryzen 7 5800H.
- Project export in Blender: 7015 points in Geekbench 6 Multi-Core—equivalent to desktop Ryzen 7 3700X.
Gaming:
- On integrated graphics: GTA V—45 FPS (1080p, medium settings), CS:GO—120 FPS.
- With discrete RTX 4060: Cyberpunk 2077—60 FPS (1080p, Ultra + DLSS). Turbo mode consistently maintains clock speeds of 4.5–4.6 GHz for 20 minutes.
Use Cases: Who is the 5980HS Suitable For?
1. Creative Professionals:
- Video editors, 3D designers. Example: Razer Blade 14 (2025) with 32 GB RAM and 2 TB SSD ($2200) reduces rendering time by 30% compared to MacBook Pro M2 (2023).
2. Minimalist Gamers:
- Fans of portable devices. For example, ASUS ROG Flow X13 with an external Radeon RX 7700M ($1900) allows playing at 1440p.
3. Remote Workers:
- Streaming, working with Big Data. Dell XPS 15 (2025) with this CPU processes data in Python 40% faster than alternatives on Core i7-1280P.
Battery Life: Up to 10 Hours of Operation
Thanks to its TDP of 35W and power-saving technologies, laptops with the Ryzen 9 5980HS demonstrate:
- 8–10 hours of web surfing (brightness at 150 nits).
- 6 hours of video editing in Premiere Pro.
Energy Savings:
- Precision Boost 2 adapts frequencies to current tasks.
- Modern Standby instantly wakes the device from sleep.
- Radeon Software drivers reduce the load on the iGPU in office applications.
Comparison with Competitors: Who’s Ahead?
- Apple M4 (2025): Better in single-thread performance (Geekbench 6 Single-Core—2100) but weaker in multithreaded tasks (6500 points). Price for the MacBook Pro with M4 starts at $2500.
- Intel Core Ultra 7 155H (Meteor Lake): 14 cores but TDP of 45W. 10% faster in games but worse battery life (5–6 hours).
- AMD Ryzen 9 7940HS (Zen 4): 20% improvement in AI tasks, but laptops are more expensive by $300–500.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Ideal for thin laptops.
- Best-in-class multithreaded performance.
- Competitive pricing: devices range from $1200 (Acer Swift X) to $2500 (ROG Zephyrus).
Weaknesses:
- iGPU is weaker than Apple M4 in video rendering.
- No support for PCIe 5.0 (relevant for 2025 SSDs).
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Ultrabooks (ASUS ZenBook, Lenovo Yoga):
- Look for models with a display of 90+ Hz and 100% sRGB coverage.
- Optimal configuration: 16 GB RAM + 1 TB SSD ($1300–1600).
2. Gaming Laptops (MSI Stealth, Razer Blade):
- Discrete graphics at least RTX 4070 or higher are a must.
- Check the cooling system: minimum 3 heat pipes.
3. Workstations (Dell Precision, HP ZBook):
- Choose versions with 32 GB RAM and 2 TB NVMe.
- Support for Wi-Fi 7 and Thunderbolt 5 is a plus.
Conclusion: Is It Worth Buying in 2025?
The Ryzen 9 5980HS is suitable for those seeking a balance between portability and power. Its key advantages include:
- Savings of $300–500 compared to the latest CPUs.
- Versatility: Gaming, work, and creativity.
- Long-term support: AMD guarantees driver updates until 2027.
A clear choice if:
- You need a laptop for mobile work with resource-intensive applications.
- Battery life is important without compromising performance.
However, for tasks focused on AI or 8K video, it would be better to consider the Ryzen 9 8945HS (Zen 4c) or Apple M4 Pro.