AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS
AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS: Power and Efficiency in a Laptop Body
April 2025
Modern mobile processors are not just components for running browsers and office applications. They handle 3D scene rendering, machine learning, and gaming in Full HD format. The AMD Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS is one such "universal" chip, combining top-level performance with energy efficiency. Let’s explore who this chip is suitable for and why it may be a great choice in 2025.
Architecture and Technology Process: Zen 4 and RDNA 3 Under the Laptop Hood
Cores, Threads, and Cache
The Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS is based on the Zen 4 architecture, utilizing TSMC's 4nm FinFET technology. This allows for 8 cores and 16 threads to be housed in a compact die optimized for mobile devices. Processor frequencies are:
- Base: 3.6 GHz;
- Maximum Turbo Boost: up to 5.2 GHz.
The 16 MB L3 cache speeds up data processing in multi-threaded tasks, such as video rendering or code compilation.
Integrated Graphics Radeon 780M
The integrated GPU Radeon 780M is built on the RDNA 3 architecture and consists of 12 compute units with frequencies of up to 2.8 GHz. It is one of the most powerful iGPUs on the market, capable of competing with entry-level discrete cards like the NVIDIA GeForce GTX 1650.
Performance Examples:
- Gaming: Cyberpunk 2077 at medium settings in Full HD — 35-40 FPS;
- Multimedia: Video encoding in H.265 is 30% faster than with Intel Iris Xe.
Power Consumption and TDP: A Balance Between Power and Longevity
The processor falls under the HS series, indicating optimization for thin and light laptops. Its TDP is 35-54 W, but actual power consumption depends on the workload:
- Idle state: 5-8 W;
- Under maximum load (e.g., rendering): up to 65 W (temporarily).
Power-saving Technologies:
- Precision Boost 4: Automatically adjusts core frequencies based on temperature and available power;
- AMD PowerNow!: Dynamically disables unused processor blocks.
Performance: Real-World Scenario Tests
Office Work and Multitasking
While browsing with 20+ tabs, using Excel spreadsheets, and in Zoom meetings, the Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS maintains smooth performance without lag. In the PCMark 10 test, it scores 7200 points, which is 15% higher than the Intel Core i7-13700H.
Multimedia and Creative Tasks
- Blender (BMW scene): 3 minutes 12 seconds (compared to 4 minutes with Ryzen 7 7735HS);
- Adobe Premiere Pro (4K export): 20% faster than the Apple M3 Pro.
Gaming
When paired with a discrete graphics card (e.g., NVIDIA RTX 4070), the processor reveals its gaming potential:
- Shadow of the Tomb Raider (1440p, Ultra): 98 FPS;
- Apex Legends (1080p, High): 144 FPS.
Turbo Mode: Activating it increases frequencies by 10-15%, but requires efficient cooling. In laptops with insufficient ventilation, throttling may occur after 5-7 minutes of load.
Use Cases: Who Needs the Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS
1. Professionals:
- Video editors, 3D designers, programmers will appreciate the multi-threaded performance.
- Example: The Lenovo ThinkPad Z16 Gen 3 (2025) with this processor is priced between $1800-2000 and is marketed as a portable workstation.
2. Gamers:
- Integrated graphics suffice for Full HD gaming at medium settings. More demanding projects will require a discrete graphics card.
3. Everyday Tasks:
- Overkill for web surfing, but the extra performance is handy for working with heavy web applications (Figma, Photoshop Online).
Battery Life: How Long Will the Laptop Last?
With a battery capacity of 80-99 Wh (typical for ultrabooks in 2025):
- Office tasks: 8-10 hours;
- Video playback: 6-7 hours;
- Maximum load: 1.5-2 hours.
Tip: To save battery, use the “Power Saver” mode in Windows or Linux — it limits CPU frequencies and screen brightness.
Comparison with Competitors
AMD vs Intel
- Intel Core i9-13900H: Superior in single-threaded tasks (Geekbench 6 Single-Core: 2550), but inferior in multi-threaded scenarios (Geekbench 6 Multi-Core: 10800). Laptop prices are higher ($2000+).
AMD vs Apple
- Apple M3 Max: More energy-efficient (12-hour runtime), but limited compatibility with Windows applications. Not suitable for gaming.
Pros and Cons
Strengths:
- High multi-threaded performance;
- Powerful integrated graphics;
- Support for PRO series security features (data encryption, attack protection).
Weaknesses:
- Heating under load (requires a quality cooling system);
- Laptops based on this CPU are rarely priced below $1500.
Recommendations for Choosing a Laptop
1. Device Type:
- Ultrabook: ASUS ZenBook Pro 14 (2025) — weight 1.6 kg, 2.8K 120 Hz display ($1700);
- Gaming: HP Omen 16 — RTX 4070, cooling with 5 heat pipes ($2200);
- Workstation: Dell Precision 5570 — supports ECC memory, 64 GB RAM ($2500).
2. What to Pay Attention To:
- Cooling system (at least 2 fans + copper heat pipes);
- Display: for creative tasks — 100% sRGB, for gaming — 144 Hz;
- Ports: USB4 is essential for connecting external GPUs.
Final Conclusion
The Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS is a processor for those who need maximum performance in a compact form factor. It is suitable for:
- Professionals, valuing mobility;
- Gamers, who are willing to compromise between graphics and FPS;
- Corporate users, for whom data security is a priority.
Key Benefits: The best price-to-performance ratio in the segment, support for modern connectivity standards (Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth 5.4), and future-proof architecture. If your budget allows you to spend $1500-2000 on a laptop, the Ryzen 9 PRO 7940HS will be a reliable choice for the next 3-4 years.