AMD Ryzen 5 4680U Microsoft Surface Edition
AMD Ryzen 5 4680U Microsoft Surface Edition: Balance of Mobility and Performance
Processor Analysis for Modern Ultrabooks (April 2025)
Architecture and Process Technology: 7 nm for Efficiency
The Ryzen 5 4680U Microsoft Surface Edition processor is based on the Zen 2 architecture (though in 2025 Zen 4 is more relevant, this model remains popular in budget ultrabooks). The TSMC 7 nm FinFET process ensures low energy consumption and high transistor density.
- Cores and Threads: 6 cores, 12 threads. Base clock frequency — 2.1 GHz, maximum Turbo Boost up to 4.0 GHz.
- Cache Memory: 8 MB L3 cache, accelerating multithreaded tasks.
- Integrated Graphics: Radeon Graphics based on the Vega 7 architecture (7 compute units, clocked up to 1.8 GHz). Supports 4K displays and light gaming.
Microsoft Surface Edition Features: Driver optimization for high PPI screens (e.g., Surface Laptop 5), improved power management for battery life.
TDP 15 W: Energy Efficiency First
A TDP of 15 W allows the processor to be used in slim ultrabooks without active cooling (as in Surface Go) or with compact coolers.
- Thermal Output: Even under load, temperatures rarely exceed 75°C, reducing the risk of throttling.
- Operating Modes: In power-saving mode, the frequency drops to 1.5 GHz, reducing consumption to 8-10 W.
Performance: From Office Tasks to Light Gaming
Office Tasks
- Chrome with 20 tabs + Zoom + Office: CPU load — 30-40%, no lags.
- Running a virtual machine (e.g., Ubuntu): 6 cores handle it well, but with insufficient RAM (less than 16 GB), there may be slowdowns.
Multimedia
- Rendering a 10-minute video in DaVinci Resolve: ~22 minutes (compared to 18 minutes with Intel Core i5-1240P).
- Working in Photoshop: Filters apply instantly, but for 4K files, it's better to have 32 GB of RAM.
Gaming
- CS:GO (1080p, low settings): 50-60 FPS.
- Genshin Impact (720p, medium settings): 30-40 FPS.
- Turbo mode: Raises GPU frequency to 1.8 GHz, but after 15 minutes, throttling begins due to heat.
Usage Scenarios: Who is the Ryzen 5 4680U Designed For?
- Students and Office Workers: Multitasking, long battery life.
- Freelancers: Video editing at 1080p, working in Figma or Lightroom.
- Travelers: Compact laptops weighing from 1.2 kg (e.g., Surface Laptop 5).
Not Suitable For:
- Gamers requiring ultra settings in AAA games.
- Engineers working with 3D models in SolidWorks.
Battery Life: Up to 12 Hours in Reading Mode
- Web Surfing: 10-12 hours (brightness at 150 cd/m², Wi-Fi on).
- Video (local 1080p): 9 hours.
- Energy-saving Technologies:
- Precision Boost 2: dynamic frequency adjustment.
- C-States: disabling unused cores.
- Adaptive Voltage Control: reducing voltage by 10-15%.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD Ryzen 5 6600U (Zen 3+):
- Pros: Higher IPC, DDR5 support.
- Cons: Costs $100-150 more.
Intel Core i5-1240P (12 cores, 16 threads):
- Pros: Better in single-threaded tasks (e.g., Excel).
- Cons: Battery life is 2-3 hours shorter.
Apple M2:
- Pros: 18 hours of work, cool chassis.
- Cons: Limited compatibility with Windows software.
Laptop Prices (April 2025):
- Microsoft Surface Laptop 5 (Ryzen 5 4680U, 16/512 GB): $899.
- Lenovo Yoga Slim 7 (similar configuration): $799.
Pros and Cons of the Processor
✅ Strengths:
- Ideal price-to-battery-life ratio.
- Sufficient power for everyday tasks.
- Good graphics for integration.
❌ Weaknesses:
- Outdated Zen 2 architecture.
- No support for PCIe 4.0.
- Inferior to Intel Iris Xe in gaming.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Device Type: Ultrabook or 2-in-1 (e.g., HP Envy x360).
2. RAM: Minimum 16 GB LPDDR4X.
3. Storage: 512 GB NVMe SSD.
4. Display: IPS panel with anti-glare coating, 100% sRGB.
5. Ports: 2x USB-C with charging support, HDMI 2.0.
Tip: Avoid models with passive cooling — they can be noisy and overheat under load.
Final Conclusion: Who is the Ryzen 5 4680U Suitable For?
This processor is a choice for those who value mobility and do not want to sacrifice basic performance. With laptop prices starting at $800, it offers:
- Sufficient power for work and study.
- The ability to run less demanding games.
- Record battery life among Windows devices.
It’s worth buying, if you are looking for a lightweight laptop with a large battery and do not plan to use professional 3D applications. For more demanding tasks, consider the Ryzen 7 6800U or Apple M3.