AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX
AMD Ryzen 9 5980HX: Power and Balance in 2025 Laptops
Review of the Processor for Demanding Users
Introduction
In 2025, laptops featuring AMD Ryzen 5000 series processors continue to be in high demand due to their balance of performance and price. The Ryzen 9 5980HX, released in 2021, is still present in new mid-range and premium devices. Let’s explore who this CPU is suitable for, how it handles modern tasks, and what to consider when purchasing.
Architecture and Technology Process
7nm FinFET: Efficiency and Transistor Density
The processor is built using TSMC's 7nm technology, providing high energy efficiency and a compact transistor layout. This allows for 8 Zen 3 cores and 16 threads to fit within a small chip, while maintaining low thermal output.
Zen 3 Cores: A Breakthrough in Multithreading
The Zen 3 architecture combines 8 cores into a single cluster (CCX), reducing latency and increasing data exchange speed between cores. The base clock speed is 3.3 GHz, with a turbo boost of up to 4.8 GHz. The Precision Boost 2 technology dynamically adjusts frequencies based on workload and temperature.
Integrated Radeon Graphics
The iGPU features 8 compute units (512 streams) with a frequency of up to 2100 MHz. This Vega-based solution handles office tasks, light video editing, and 1080p gaming on low settings. For example, CS:GO runs at a stable 60-70 FPS.
Power Consumption and TDP
TDP 45+ W: Power Has Its Trade-offs
The nominal TDP of the processor is 45 W, but during turbo mode, power consumption can reach 65-70 W. This necessitates an efficient cooling system. Compact laptops (e.g., ASUS Zephyrus G14) utilize vapor chambers and fans with liquid crystal blades, but under load, noise levels can reach up to 45 dB.
Power Management
- Precision Boost 2: Dynamically increases frequencies if temperature allows.
- Eco Mode: Limits TDP to 35 W for quieter operation and increased battery life.
- SmartShift: Redistributes power between CPU and GPU in hybrid systems.
Real-World Performance
Office Work and Multimedia
- Chrome with 20+ Tabs + Zoom + Photoshop: No lag.
- Blender Rendering (BMW Scene): 4 minutes 20 seconds (on par with Intel Core i7-12700H).
Gaming
- With Integrated Graphics: GTA V — 45 FPS (1080p, low settings), Fortnite — 55 FPS.
- With Discrete GPU (RTX 3060): Cyberpunk 2077 — 60 FPS (1080p, ultra), Elden Ring — 75 FPS.
Turbo Mode: How Long Can It Hold?
Under load (e.g., rendering), the processor maintains clock speeds of 4.5-4.6 GHz for 3-4 minutes before throttling to 4.2 GHz due to overheating. In gaming laptops with enhanced cooling (like the MSI Delta 15), throttling is less pronounced.
Use Cases
1. Professionals: Video editing in DaVinci Resolve, 3D modeling.
2. Gamers: Live streaming games + recording.
3. Universal Users: Multitasking (work + streaming).
Example: The Lenovo Legion 5 Pro laptop with Ryzen 9 5980HX and RTX 3070 is an ideal choice for a streamer who edits videos and plays AAA games.
Battery Life
Balance Between Power and Energy Saving
- Web Surfing: 6-8 hours (at 150 nits brightness and Eco Mode enabled).
- Gaming: 1-1.5 hours (with a discrete GPU).
Energy-Saving Technologies:
- Adaptive Power Management: Reduces frequencies when running on battery.
- Display Refresh Rate Control: Automatically switches the screen to 60 Hz.
Tip: Disable Turbo Boost in Windows settings to increase battery life by 20-30%.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD vs Intel vs Apple
- Intel Core i9-11980HK: Higher single-core performance (~2100 in Geekbench 6), but TDP of 65 W and heating issues.
- Apple M2 Pro: Better energy efficiency (12 hours of operation), but limited compatibility with Windows applications.
- Ryzen 9 6900HX (2022): 15% increase in multithreading performance, but priced $200-300 higher.
Conclusion: The Ryzen 9 5980HX excels in multithreaded tasks and availability. In 2025, laptops featuring it range from $1200 to $1800, while 13th generation Intel models start at $1500.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High multithreaded performance.
- Support for PCIe 4.0 and DDR4-3200.
- Affordable price in the segment.
Weaknesses:
- Heating under load.
- Integrated graphics are weaker compared to Ryzen 6000 series.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Device Type:
- Gaming laptops (ASUS ROG Strix, MSI Delta).
- Workstations (Lenovo ThinkPad P15).
- Ultrabooks with enhanced cooling (ASUS Zephyrus G14).
2. Selection Criteria:
- Cooling system (at least 2 fans + copper pipes).
- Discrete graphics (RTX 3060 or higher).
- Battery of 80 Wh or more.
Example: GIGABYTE AORUS 15P with Ryzen 9 5980HX and RTX 3080 (priced at $1600 in 2025) is optimal for 4K video editing.
Final Conclusion
The Ryzen 9 5980HX is suitable for:
- Gamers who value the balance between price and power.
- Professionals who work with resource-intensive applications.
- Students who juggle between studies and entertainment.
Key Benefits: The power of Zen 3, support for modern technologies, and accessibility. If maximum battery life and quiet operation aren’t a priority, this processor will be a reliable choice in 2025.