AMD Unveils New Gaming Laptop Chips Using Previous-Gen Architecture

AMD has unveiled its next-generation Ryzen 8000 series processors, tailored specifically for high-performance gaming laptops. Leading the charge is the formidable Ryzen 9 8945HX, which is built on the previous Zen 4 architecture, unlike the newer Zen 5-based Ryzen AI 300 series chips introduced earlier this year.

AMD is set to launch four new processors for gaming enthusiasts, with the Ryzen 9 8945HX boasting 16 cores and 32 threads, and a boost clock that peaks at 5.4GHz. At the other end, the Ryzen 7 8745HX comes with 8 cores, 16 threads, and a 5.1GHz boost clock. Interestingly, these new chips closely resemble their predecessors from the last generation, such as the Ryzen 9 7945HX, which also features 16 cores and a 5.4GHz boost clock, along with 80MB of cache.

These processors are designed to pair seamlessly with the top-tier graphics chips in high-end gaming laptops. My recent review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile, when paired with a lower-power AMD Ryzen AI HX 370, revealed performance struggles, despite the newer Zen 5 architecture. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 8945HX can be configured with a TDP ranging from 55W to 75W, promising a significant performance boost. However, a Zen 5 chip with the same power budget would likely have offered even greater enhancements.

If you're holding out for the latest from AMD to upgrade your gaming laptop, you won't have to wait long. These new Ryzen 8000 series processors are expected to hit the market in high-end gaming laptops in the coming months. Below, I've outlined the detailed specifications of the new chips to help you make an informed decision.

AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX Specs

• CPU Cores: 16
• Threads: 32
• Boost Clock: 5.4GHz
• Integrated GPU: AMD Radeon 610M
• GPU Cores: 2
• Configurable TDP: 55W – 75W
• Total Cache: 80MB

AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX Specs

• CPU Cores: 16
• Threads: 32
• Boost Clock: 5.3GHz
• Integrated GPU: AMD Radeon 610M
• GPU Cores: 2
• Configurable TDP: 55W – 75W
• Total Cache: 80MB

AMD Ryzen 7 8840HX Specs

• CPU Cores: 12
• Threads: 24
• Boost Clock: 5.1GHz
• Integrated GPU: AMD Radeon 610M
• GPU Cores: 2
• Configurable TDP: 45W – 75W
• Total Cache: 76MB

AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX Specs

• CPU Cores: 8
• Threads: 16
• Boost Clock: 5.1GHz
• Integrated GPU: AMD Radeon 610M
• GPU Cores: 2
• Configurable TDP: 45W – 75W
• Total Cache: 40MB