AMD Unveils Next-Gen Gaming Laptop Chips Using Last-Gen Architecture

AMD has recently unveiled its next-generation Ryzen 8000 series processors designed specifically for high-performance gaming laptops. Leading this lineup is the powerful Ryzen 9 8945HX, which, despite being based on the last-generation Zen 4 architecture, promises to deliver exceptional performance. Unlike the Ryzen AI 300 series chips released earlier, which utilized the newer Zen 5 architecture, the Ryzen 8000 series focuses on maximizing the potential of the established Zen 4 design.

The Ryzen 9 8945HX stands out with its robust configuration, featuring 16 cores and 32 threads, capable of reaching a boost clock up to 5.4GHz. This processor is joined by the Ryzen 7 8745HX, which offers 8 cores and 16 threads with a boost clock of 5.1GHz. Both processors share remarkably similar specs to their predecessors, such as the Ryzen 9 7945HX, which also had 16 cores and a 5.4GHz boost clock with 80MB of cache.

These new processors are set to be paired with the fastest graphics chips available in high-end gaming laptops. My recent review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile highlighted its struggles with the lower-power AMD Ryzen AI HX 370 processor, despite its newer Zen 5 architecture. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 8945HX can be configured to operate at a TDP ranging from 55W to 75W, which should significantly enhance its performance. While a Zen 5 chip with the same power budget might have offered even greater performance gains, the Ryzen 8000 series still promises to deliver top-tier gaming experiences.

If you're in the market for a new gaming laptop and have been waiting for the latest from AMD, you won't have to wait long. The Ryzen 8000 series processors are expected to be integrated into high-end gaming laptops in the coming months. Below, I've outlined the detailed specs of these 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