AMD Ryzen 7 2800H
AMD Ryzen 7 2800H: Review and Practical Guide for Users in 2025
April 2025
Introduction
Laptop processors are constantly evolving, but certain models remain relevant even years later. The AMD Ryzen 7 2800H, released in 2018, is still found in budget and mid-range devices. Let's explore who this chip is suited for in 2025, what tasks it can handle, and what to pay attention to when buying.
1. Architecture and Technology Process
Raven Ridge: AMD's Hybrid Platform
The Ryzen 7 2800H is built on the Zen+ architecture with a 14nm technology process. It is a hybrid chip (APU), combining 4 cores and 8 threads with integrated Radeon RX Vega 11 graphics.
- CPU:
- Base frequency: 3.3 GHz, Turbo Boost up to 3.8 GHz.
- L3 cache: 4 MB.
- Supports DDR4-2400.
- iGPU Vega 11:
- 11 shader units (704 stream processors).
- Frequency up to 1300 MHz.
- Memory: uses system RAM (up to 2 GB is allocated automatically).
Architectural Features:
- Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT) enhances performance in rendering and multitasking.
- Vega 11 is one of the most powerful integrated graphics systems in its class, outperforming Intel UHD 620 and first-generation Iris Xe.
2. Power Consumption and TDP
TDP 45W: A Balance Between Power and Heat
- The chip is designed for gaming and multimedia laptops with active cooling.
- In idle mode, power consumption drops to 5–10W thanks to Precision Boost 2 technology.
- Issues: Under load (e.g., while gaming), the cooling system may become noisy, and the chassis can heat up to 45–50°C.
Tip: Choose laptops with dual fans and copper heat pipes—such as ASUS TUF or Lenovo Legion 5 models from 2021 to 2023.
3. Real-World Performance
Office and Multimedia:
- Office: Easily handles 20+ tabs in Chrome, Excel spreadsheets, and video conferencing.
- Video Editing: Rendering a 1080p clip in Premiere Pro will take about 25–30 minutes (compared to 15 minutes for the Ryzen 5 5600H).
- Photo Editing: Photoshop and Lightroom run smoothly, but applying filters to 4K files is slower than on chips with 6 cores.
Gaming:
- CS2: 1080p, medium settings — 60–70 FPS.
- GTA V: 1080p, high settings — 45–55 FPS.
- Cyberpunk 2077: 720p, low settings — 30–35 FPS (to play comfortably, it’s better to add a discrete GPU like the GTX 1650).
Turbo Mode:
- When plugged in, the CPU frequency increases to 3.8 GHz, providing a 10–15% boost in single-threaded tasks.
- In battery mode, Turbo activates rarely to save battery life.
4. Usage Scenarios
Who is the Ryzen 7 2800H Suitable for in 2025?
- Students: Suitable for studying, Netflix, and light gaming.
- Office Workers: Document handling, video calls, basic editing.
- Budget Gamers: Gaming on low to medium settings or with an external graphics card (via eGPU).
- Not Suitable for: Professionals in 3D modeling, 4K editing, or streamers.
5. Battery Life
Battery and Power Saving
- Laptops with this processor typically come with 50–60 Wh batteries.
- Battery Life:
- Web browsing: 5–6 hours.
- Video playback: 4–5 hours.
- Gaming: 1.5–2 hours (only while plugged in!).
- Power Saving Technologies:
- Precision Boost 2 dynamically adjusts frequencies.
- AMD Cool’n’Quiet reduces voltage during idle periods.
Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in Windows settings to extend battery life by 20–30%.
6. Comparison with Competitors
Analogues from 2018–2021:
- Intel Core i7-8750H (6 cores, 12 threads): Better in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 1200), but weaker iGPU.
- Apple M1 (2020): 50% more energy-efficient, but limited compatibility with Windows applications.
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600H (2021): 30% faster in multi-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: ~4000), built on a 7nm process.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 7 2800H lags behind newer models but is more affordable. Laptops featuring this chip cost $600–800, while those with the Ryzen 5 5600H start at $900.
7. Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- Powerful integrated graphics for its class.
- Sufficient performance for daily tasks.
- Affordable price in 2025.
Weaknesses:
- High TDP (requires good cooling).
- Only 4 cores—limited multitasking.
- Outdated 14nm process (new chips are more efficient).
8. Laptop Selection Recommendations
Types of Devices:
- Entry-Level Gaming Laptops: For example, Acer Nitro 5 (2019–2021) with a supplemental GTX 1650.
- Multimedia Devices: ASUS Vivobook Pro 15 — 1080p screen, 512 GB SSD.
- Ultrabooks: Rare due to the 45W TDP, but some MSI Prestige models have reduced battery life.
What to Look For:
- RAM: at least 16 GB (DDR4).
- NVMe SSD: Speeds up system boot and file handling.
- Ports: HDMI, USB-C for connecting monitors and peripherals.
9. Final Verdict
It's worth buying the Ryzen 7 2800H in 2025 if:
- You need an inexpensive laptop for work, study, and light gaming.
- Your budget is limited to $600–800.
- Heat and noise under load are not critical.
Alternatives: If your budget is $900 or more, it's better to choose a laptop with the Ryzen 5 5600H or Intel Core i5-1240P.
The Ryzen 7 2800H exemplifies a "workhorse" that, despite its age, remains a practical choice for undemanding users.