Now that next-generation graphics cards are available, high-end laptops are starting to appear. These often include Intel Core Ultra 200H-series or AMD Ryzen AI HX 300-series processors, but soon we may see AMD Ryzen 8000HX-series ‘Dragon Range Refresh’ chips in gaming laptops.
AMD recently announced these processors, which include the AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX, Ryzen 7 8840HX, Ryzen 9 8940HX, and Ryzen 9 8945HX. Although these models are not entirely new, they are updated versions of the previous Zen 4 chips designed for the latest generation of laptops. Here are some details:
| CPU Model | Cores / Threads | Base / Boost Clock | Cache (L2 + L3) | TDP / Configurable TDP |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 7 8745HX | 8 / 16 | 3.6 / 5.1 GHz | 40 MB | 55 W / 45 - 75 W |
| AMD Ryzen 7 8840HX | 12 / 24 | 2.9 / 5.1 GHz | 76 MB | 55 W / 45 - 75 W |
| AMD Ryzen 9 8940HX | 16 / 32 | 2.4 / 5.3 GHz | 80 MB | 55 W / 55 - 75 W |
| AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX | 16 / 32 | 2.5 / 5.4 GHz | 80 MB | 55 W / 55 - 75 W |
The ‘HX’ designation indicates these are nearly desktop-grade chips adapted for mobile use. They promise higher power and cache, which benefits gaming performance.
There is a notable speed increment in the Ryzen 9 8940HX compared to its predecessor, reaching a boost clock of 100 MHz higher than the Ryzen 9 7940HX. However, in most other respects, these processors are very similar to the previous generation.
In the coming months, we can expect these chips paired with high-end Nvidia GPUs in numerous gaming laptops, providing the muscle to compete effectively. Features such as up to 75 W configurable TDPs and boost clocks in the mid-5 GHz range signify considerable power.
The next-gen Zen 5 processors, branded as AMD’s ‘Fire Range’ 9000HX series, are also on the horizon and expected to include cutting-edge technologies, including a potentially high-performing X3D chip in the AMD Ryzen 9 9955HX3D, anticipated to be revealed soon.
