AMD Ryzen 7 4800H
AMD Ryzen 7 4800H: Power for Gaming and Work in a Compact Form Factor
(Relevant as of April 2025)
Laptop processors have made significant leaps in recent years, and the AMD Ryzen 7 4800H is one of the key players that has proven that mobile devices can compete with desktop systems. Even years after its release, this chip remains in demand, especially in the budget gaming and work laptop segment. Let’s explore what makes it stand out and who should consider it in 2025.
Architecture and Technology Process: Zen 2 at 7nm
Cores, Threads, and Cache Memory
The Ryzen 7 4800H is built on the Zen 2 microarchitecture, manufactured using TSMC's 7nm FinFET technology. It is an 8-core processor supporting 16 threads thanks to SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) technology. The base frequency is 2.9 GHz, with a maximum turbo frequency of 4.2 GHz. The L3 cache size is 8 MB, which is sufficient for efficiently handling resource-intensive tasks on a mobile chip.
The integrated Radeon™ Graphics (7 cores, 1600 MHz) is based on the Vega architecture but optimized for 7nm. It won't replace a discrete graphics card in AAA games, but it handles:
- Rendering simple 3D graphics;
- Streaming video in 4K;
- Less demanding games like Dota 2 or CS2 (60 FPS on medium settings).
Power Consumption and TDP: Balancing Power and Heat
The nominal TDP of the processor is 45 W, placing it in the category of "high-performance mobile CPUs". However, real power consumption under peak loads can reach 60–65 W, requiring a well-thought-out cooling system.
Power Management Features:
- Precision Boost 2 — automatically increases core frequencies depending on the load and temperature;
- cTDP — allows laptop manufacturers to adjust TDP in the range of 35–54 W, adapting the chip for different chassis;
- Efficient idle states (C-states) — reduces power consumption when idle.
The 4800H is rarely found in compact ultrabooks due to cooling requirements. However, in gaming and work laptops with 2–3 fans, it reveals its potential without throttling.
Performance: Real Tests and Turbo Mode
Office Tasks and Multimedia
- Office Applications (Excel, Word): No delays even when working with large tables or documents. In the PCMark 10 test, the score is 6200 points.
- Video Editing in DaVinci Resolve: Rendering a 10-minute 4K video takes about 8 minutes (with a discrete GPU).
- Streaming in OBS: Encoding via CPU (x264) at 1080p/60 FPS — 60–70% load, with no loss of quality.
Gaming
Paired with a GPU like the NVIDIA RTX 3060 or AMD Radeon RX 6600M, the processor demonstrates:
- Cyberpunk 2077 (1080p, High): 65–75 FPS (GPU limited);
- Red Dead Redemption 2: 55–60 FPS;
- Esports titles (Valorant, Fortnite): 120+ FPS.
Turbo Mode: In the Cinebench R23 benchmark, the multi-threaded score reaches 11500 points. However, under load, the chip maintains stable frequencies of 3.8–4.0 GHz on all cores for the first 2–3 minutes, after which frequencies drop to 3.5 GHz due to heat.
Use Cases: Who is Ryzen 7 4800H Suitable For?
1. Budget Gamers. Laptops with this CPU and a discrete GPU currently cost $800–$1100, which is 30–40% cheaper than counterparts with the Ryzen 7 6800H.
2. Programmers and Engineers. Code compilation, working with virtual machines and Docker benefit from 16 threads.
3. Content Creators. Photo and video editing in Adobe Suite, Blender.
4. Students. Versatile for studying, streaming, and light gaming.
Not Recommended For: Users who require battery life exceeding 8 hours — even with power-saving settings, laptops with the 4800H rarely last longer than 5–6 hours.
Battery Life: How Does the Processor Affect Runtime?
Under load (gaming, rendering), the system consumes 80–100 W, but in idle mode, the chip reduces frequencies to 1.2 GHz, cutting power consumption to 10–15 W.
Power-Saving Technologies:
- AMD PowerNow! — dynamic load redistribution between cores;
- Adaptive screen dimming linked with light sensors;
- "Battery Saver" mode in Windows 11, limiting frequencies to 2.0 GHz.
Example: The ASUS TUF A15 laptop (90 Wh) with the 4800H operates:
- 1.5–2 hours during gaming;
- 4–5 hours while web surfing;
- 6–7 hours in PDF reading mode.
Comparison with Competitors: AMD, Intel, and Apple
- AMD Ryzen 7 6800H (Zen 3+): 15-20% faster in single-threaded tasks but more expensive ($1000–$1300).
- Intel Core i7-11800H (Tiger Lake): Falls short in multi-threading (Geekbench 6 Multi: ~5200), but excels in Thunderbolt 4 optimization.
- Apple M2 (8-core): Leader in energy efficiency (up to 18 hours of battery life) but weaker in gaming and compatibility with Windows software.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 7 4800H in 2025 is a choice for those looking for a balance of price and performance. For professional tasks focused on rendering or ML, it may be better to look at the new Ryzen 9 7940HS.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High multi-threaded performance;
- Affordable laptop prices based on this chip;
- Support for PCIe 3.0 and DDR4-3200 (relevant for budget models).
Weaknesses:
- Lack of PCIe 4.0 and DDR5 — may pose a bottleneck for upgrades;
- Integrated graphics are weaker than those in Ryzen 6000/7000 with RDNA 2;
- High heat under load.
Laptop Selection Recommendations
1. Type of Device:
- Gaming Laptop (e.g., Lenovo Legion 5) — focus on cooling and discrete GPU.
- Workstation (HP Victus 16) — at least 16 GB of RAM and a fast NVMe SSD.
- Versatile Laptop (ASUS VivoBook Pro 15) — a combination with a bright screen and lightweight design.
2. What to Pay Attention to:
- Number of heat pipes (optimal 3-4);
- Battery of at least 70 Wh;
- Support for Wi-Fi 6 and HDMI 2.1.
Prices in 2025: New laptops with Ryzen 7 4800H start at $750 (without discrete GPU) to $1100 (with RTX 3060).
Final Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 4800H is a successful compromise for those who need a powerful mobile system without overpaying for the latest innovations. It is suitable for:
- Gamers willing to compromise between price and FPS;
- Freelancers working with "heavy" editors;
- Users upgrading their laptops every 4–5 years.
Key Benefits: 8 cores for $800, compatibility with most games and professional software, as well as availability of spare parts and repairability of laptops based on this chip. If battery life and PCIe 4.0 are not priorities, the 4800H remains a worthwhile purchase even in 2025.