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

AMD has unveiled its next-generation Ryzen 8000 processors designed specifically for high-performance gaming laptops, with the flagship being the Ryzen 9 8945HX. Unlike the Ryzen AI 300 series chips launched earlier this year, these new processors utilize the last-generation Zen 4 architecture. This decision by Team Red marks an interesting strategy, focusing on enhancing performance within the existing architectural framework.

The lineup includes four new processors tailored for gaming enthusiasts. At the top, the Ryzen 9 8945HX boasts 16 cores and 32 threads, with a boost clock reaching up to 5.4GHz. On the other end, the Ryzen 7 8745HX comes equipped with 8 cores and 16 threads, with a boost clock of 5.1GHz. These processors share remarkably similar specifications with their predecessors, such as the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX, which also features 16 cores and a 5.4GHz boost clock along with 80MB of cache.

Despite using last-generation architecture, these processors are set to be paired with the latest and most powerful graphics chips in high-end gaming laptops. My review of the Nvidia GeForce RTX 5090 Mobile earlier this year highlighted its struggles when paired with the lower-power AMD Ryzen AI HX 370, which is based on the newer Zen 5 architecture. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 8945HX can be configured to operate between 55W to 75W, promising a significant performance boost. Although a Zen 5 chip with the same power budget would have offered even greater improvements, the Ryzen 8000 series still promises excellent performance for gaming.

If you've been holding out for AMD's latest processors to upgrade your gaming laptop, you won't have to wait long. These new chips will soon be integrated into high-end gaming laptops over the coming months. Below, I've outlined the detailed specifications of each new processor in the Ryzen 8000 series:

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