Like desktop-class processors, Intel and AMD share a similar model-naming scheme. The two main processor families — Core and Ryzen, respectively — use 3, 5, 7, and 9 to differentiate the CPU tiers. Generally, the lower the number, the less capable the processor usually is. A Ryzen 3 processor won't be able to outpace a Ryzen 7 CPU.
Here's a breakdown of the different AMD Ryzen mobile processor brackets:
- Ryzen 3 — Up to 4-core processors.
- Ryzen 5 — Up to 6-core processors.
- Ryzen 7 — Up to 8-core processors.
- Ryzen 9 — Up to 8-core processors.
Within each bracket, the processors are named by model number — the higher the model number, the more powerful the CPU. For example, a Ryzen 5 4500 is less powerful than a Ryzen 5 4600. Different suffixes follow each model number. Here's what they mean:
- H: High-performance with a TDP of 35-45W.
- U: Mid-tier with a TDP of 15-28W.
Picking the right CPU for your laptop
Ryzen 3
The AMD Ryzen 3 is designed for more budget-friendly laptops and those who won't be using intensive applications or playing games. Still, these processors still sport four physical cores and are perfect for daily work. Just don't expect magical levels of performance for gaming or high workloads.
3000 Series
Ryzen 3
| Category | 3300U |
|---|---|
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Clock speedBoost | 2.1GHz3.5 GHz |
| Cache | 2 MB4 MB |
| GPU | Vega 6 |
| TDP | 15W |
4000 Series
Ryzen 3
| Category | 4300U |
|---|---|
| Cores | 4 |
| Threads | 4 |
| Clock speedBoost | 2.7GHz3.7 GHz |
| Cache | 2 MB4 MB |
| GPU | Vega 8 |
| TDP | 10-25W |
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Ryzen 5
AMD Ryzen 5 is where things get interesting. These mobile processors rock up to six physical cores, some with hyperthreading. It's a solid mid-tier family of CPUs that match good battery life with capable on-demand performance. With the higher Ryzen 5 processors, you'll have enough power for video editing and other intense workloads.
3000 Series
Ryzen 5
| Category | 3550H | 3580U |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 8 |
| Clock speedBoost | 2.1GHz3.7 GHz | 2.1GHz3.7 GHz |
| Cache | 2 MB4 MB | 2 MB4 MB |
| GPU | Vega 8 | Vega 9 |
| TDP | 35W | 15W |
4000 Series
Ryzen 5
| Category | 4500U | 4600U | 4600HS | 4600H |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 6 | 6 | 6 | 6 |
| Threads | 6 | 12 | 12 | 12 |
| Clock speedBoost | 2.3GHz4.0 GHz | 2.1GHz4.0 GHz | 3.0GHz4.0 GHz | 3.0GHz4.0 GHz |
| Cache | 3 MB8 MB | 3 MB8 MB | 3 MB8 MB | 3 MB8 MB |
| GPU | Vega 6 | Vega 6 | Vega 6 | Vega 6 |
| TDP | 10-25W | 10-25W | 35W | 35-54W |
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Ryzen 7
AMD Ryzen 7 processors are designed with gaming and intense workloads in mind. Video editing, numerous open browser tabs, multiple apps running simultaneously, these CPUs can handle it all.
3000 Series
Ryzen 7
| Category | 3700U | 3750H | 3780U |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 4 | 4 | 4 |
| Threads | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Clock speedBoost | 2.3GHz4.0GHz | 2.3GHz4.0GHz | 2.3GHz4.0GHz |
| Cache | 2 MB4 MB | 2 MB4 MB | 2 MB4 MB |
| GPU | Vega 10 | Vega 10 | Vega 11 |
| TDP | 15W | 35W | 15W |
4000 Series
Ryzen 7
| Category | 4700U | 4800U | 4800HS | 4800H |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 8 | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 8 | 16 | 16 | 16 |
| Clock speedBoost | 2.0GHz4.1GHz | 1.8GHz4.2GHz | 2.9GHz4.2GHz | 2.9GHz4.2GHz |
| Cache | 4 MB8 MB | 4 MB8 MB | 4 MB8 MB | 4 MB8 MB |
| GPU | Vega 7 | Vega 8 | Vega 7 | Vega 7 |
| TDP | 10-25W | 10-25W | 35W | 35-54W |
.
Ryzen 9
The AMD Ryzen mobile CPUs may not appear to be much faster than Ryzen 7, but these beasts sport faster clock speeds, as well as better GPUs, but come with higher TDPs as a result.
4000 Series
Ryzen 9
| Category | 4900HS | 4900H |
|---|---|---|
| Cores | 8 | 8 |
| Threads | 16 | 16 |
| Clock speedBoost | 3.0GHz4.3GHz | 3.3GHz4.4GHz |
| Cache | 4 MB8 MB | 4 MB8 MB |
| GPU | Vega 8 | Vega 8 |
| TDP | 35W | 45W |
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