AMD Ryzen 5 4600U
AMD Ryzen 5 4600U in 2025: Is it worth buying a laptop with this processor?
Overview of capabilities, comparison with competitors, and practical recommendations
Architecture and Process Technology: The Foundation of Efficiency
The AMD Ryzen 5 4600U processor, released in 2020, is still found in budget and mid-range laptops. Its codename is Renoir, and it is based on TSMC's 7nm FinFET technology, which by 2025 is no longer considered cutting-edge but remains energy-efficient.
- Cores and Threads: 6 cores and 12 threads. Base clock frequency is 2.1 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.0 GHz.
- Cache: 8 MB L3, which improves data processing speeds in multi-threaded tasks.
- Integrated Graphics: AMD Radeon Graphics (Vega 6) with 6 compute units (384 stream processors) and clock speeds of up to 1500 MHz.
The Zen 2 architecture provides a balance between performance and power consumption. The built-in GPU handles basic graphics tasks but is insufficient for gaming or 3D modeling.
Power Consumption and TDP: Perfect for Thin Laptops
The processor's TDP is 15W, allowing it to be utilized in ultrabooks and compact devices. Thanks to the 7nm process technology, the chip generates less heat and maintains high frequencies for longer without throttling.
- Operating Modes: Support for Precision Boost 2 technology automatically raises core frequencies under load, but in thin chassis (e.g., Lenovo Yoga 7), turbo mode may be limited due to inadequate cooling.
- cTDP: Laptop manufacturers can adjust TDP in the range of 10-25W, tailoring it to specific tasks. For instance, in the 25W mode, the processor shows better multi-threaded performance.
Performance in Real Tasks
Office Work and Multitasking
Ryzen 5 4600U easily handles Office 365, a browser with 20+ tabs, and messaging apps. Tests show:
- Opening Excel with heavy spreadsheets takes 2-3 seconds.
- Rendering a PowerPoint presentation is 15% faster than with the Intel Core i5-1135G7.
Multimedia
- Photo Editing: In Lightroom, processing 100 RAW photos takes about 8 minutes (compared to around 5 minutes on the Apple M1).
- Video Editing: In DaVinci Resolve, rendering a 1080p video takes 12–15 minutes. For 4K, it's better to choose a more powerful processor.
Gaming
The integrated Vega 6 graphics can handle older and less demanding games at low settings:
- CS:GO — 60-70 FPS (720p).
- GTA V — 40-45 FPS (720p).
- Fortnite — 30-35 FPS (720p, Low).
Turbo Mode
Under brief loads (e.g., opening Photoshop), the frequency spikes to 4.0 GHz, but during long tasks (e.g., rendering), it stabilizes at 3.2-3.5 GHz due to overheating in thin laptops.
Usage Scenarios: Who is the Ryzen 5 4600U Suitable For?
- Students and Office Workers: Great for studying, Zoom meetings, and document work.
- Users on the Go: Lightweight laptops with 8-10 hours of battery life (e.g., Acer Swift 3).
- Budget Gamers: Only suitable for indie games or cloud gaming (GeForce NOW).
Not suitable for:
- Professional 4K editing.
- Heavy games like Cyberpunk 2077.
Battery Life: How Long Will the Battery Last?
In laptops with a battery capacity of 50–60 Wh (e.g., HP Envy x360), the working time is:
- 10-12 hours — web surfing, 1080p video.
- 6-8 hours — office tasks at 70% screen brightness.
Power-saving technologies:
- AMD PowerNow! — dynamically adjusts voltage and frequency.
- Windows Battery Saver mode — reduces performance to extend battery life by 20-30%.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 5600U (2021)
- Zen 3 architecture: +18% in single-threaded tests.
- Radeon Vega 7: +25% FPS in games.
- Laptop prices: $100–150 more.
Intel Core i5-1235U (2022)
- 10-core hybrid chip: better in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core — 1580).
- Iris Xe Graphics: 10-15% faster than Vega 6.
- Higher price: laptops starting at $800.
Apple M1 (2020)
- Best energy efficiency: 15 hours of battery life.
- Weaker in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core — 4200).
- macOS is not suitable for everyone.
Pros and Cons of the AMD Ryzen 5 4600U
Strengths:
- High multi-threaded performance for the price.
- Low power consumption.
- Affordable laptop prices (starting from $550 in 2025).
Weaknesses:
- Outdated Zen 2 architecture.
- Integrated graphics weaker than Intel Iris Xe and AMD Vega 7.
- Noisy cooling fans under load in budget models.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Type of Device: Ultrabooks (Asus ZenBook 14) or 2-in-1 hybrids (Lenovo Flex 5).
2. RAM: Minimum of 8GB (preferably 16GB DDR4).
3. Storage: An SSD of at least 512GB is essential.
4. Display: An IPS panel with Full HD resolution.
5. Cooling: Check reviews — in cheaper models (e.g., Acer Aspire 5), fans can be noisy.
Example models for 2025:
- Lenovo IdeaPad 5: $599, 16GB RAM, 512GB SSD.
- Dell Inspiron 15: $649, touchscreen.
Final Conclusion
The Ryzen 5 4600U in 2025 is a choice for those seeking an affordable laptop for work and study. It falls behind new processors in single-threaded tasks and gaming but remains relevant for multitasking due to its 6 cores and 12 threads.
Who it is suitable for:
- Students for studying and Netflix.
- Office workers who value battery life.
- Those who prioritize price over maximum performance.
Key Benefits: low cost, long battery life, sufficient power for everyday tasks. If the budget allows for $700–800, it's better to consider the Ryzen 5 6600U or Intel Core i5-1240P. However, for basic needs, the 4600U is still a solid choice.