In AMD’s March 2023 Cinebench R23 multi-thread comparison, the Ryzen 9 7945HX delivered better performance per watt than Intel’s Core i9-13980HX—but that was a vendor-reported result from two different laptops, not proof of a universal performance or power advantage. The result supports a narrower conclusion: the Ryzen looked especially strong in that multi-thread test. Intel published an advantage in a different workload, web browsing, so the better processor depends on what you run and on the laptop doing the testing.
What did the first Ryzen 9 7945HX benchmarks show?
AMD framed its result as a performance-per-watt comparison using Cinebench R23’s multi-thread test. It measured processor package power with HWiNFO and said the tests were run as of March 7, 2023. AMD’s result therefore concerns CPU package power during that benchmark—not total laptop power draw, energy use over a day, or battery life. AMD’s published processor specifications describe the chip, while its comparison document provides the benchmark method and test-system details.
Notebookcheck’s March 1, 2023 launch report also characterized AMD’s early result as beating the i9-13980HX at lower power. Its benchmark summary places the 7945HX noticeably ahead in multi-thread scores. Those reports add independent editorial and aggregated context, but they are not a controlled, matched-laptop test establishing the same advantage for every system or workload. Notebookcheck’s launch coverage and processor benchmark summary provide that context.
How comparable were AMD’s test laptops?
The test systems shared memory capacity and SSD size, but they were different ASUS ROG laptops with different graphics cards. That matters because cooling, power limits, firmware, and the broader system can affect benchmark behavior; the comparison does not isolate the processor in otherwise identical machines.
#1 Best Overall
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Gaming and Content Creation Processor
- Max. Boost Clock : Up to 5.7 GHz; Base Clock: 4.3 GHz
- Form Factor: Desktops , Boxed Processor
- Architecture: Zen 5; Former Codename: Granite Ridge AM5
| Test system | Processor | Graphics | Memory | Storage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar 17 | AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX | GeForce RTX 4090 | 32 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD |
| ASUS ROG Strix Scar 16 | Intel Core i9-13980HX | GeForce RTX 4080 | 32 GB DDR5 | 1 TB SSD |
These configurations are the ones AMD disclosed in its comparison document. AMD cautioned that system configurations vary and performance may vary. The GPU difference is not itself a measure of CPU performance, but it is another reason not to treat the comparison as a universal, controlled ranking.
Did the Ryzen use less power?
AMD’s disclosed method supports a specific claim about processor package power in its Cinebench R23 multi-thread performance-per-watt comparison. Package power is not the same as whole-laptop consumption: it excludes the idea that the test measured the laptop’s display, GPU, memory, storage, and other components together. It also does not establish lower power in web browsing, gaming, or other workloads.
Rank #2
- The best for creators meets the best for gamers, can deliver ultra-fast 100+ FPS performance in the world's most popular games
- 16 Cores and 32 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 5" architecture
- 5.7 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 80 MB cache, DDR5-5600 support
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select motherboards
- Cooler not included, liquid cooler recommended
For the same reason, this benchmark cannot show that a Ryzen-powered laptop will last longer on battery. Battery runtime depends on the complete laptop, including battery capacity, display, GPU activity, firmware, and workload. The available comparison does not supply a matched-system dataset measuring whole-laptop energy across multiple workloads, so a general power-saving percentage or battery-life advantage cannot be drawn from it.
Why Intel can still win some tests
Processor rankings shift with workload and test conditions. Cinebench R23 multi-thread emphasizes work that can use many CPU threads; web browsing and lightly threaded tasks exercise the processor differently. Intel’s own benchmark index for the Core i9-13980HX includes a web-browsing advantage over the Ryzen 9 7945HX. That is Intel-published workload-specific evidence, not a rebuttal of AMD’s Cinebench result: the two claims address different tests.
Recommended Free Tools
Rank #3
- AMD Ryzen 9 9950X3D Desktop Processor, 16-Core, 32-Thread, 5.7 GHz Max Boost, Unlocked for overclocking, L2+L3 144 MB cache, DDR5, Default TDP 170W. The world's fastest gaming processor, built on AMD Zen5 technology and Next Gen 3D V-Cache
- For the state-of-the-art Socket AM5 platform, can support PCIe 5.0 on select motherboards. OS Support: Windows 11/ 10-64-Bit Edition. Cooler & Thermal Solution (PIB) not included. AMD Radeon Graphics Integrated
- ASUS ROG Strix X870E-E R2 Gaming WiFi Motherboard, ATX Form Factor, AMD Socket AM5, Dual Channel Memory DDR5 up to 256GB, 3x PCIe 5.0 x4 M.2 Slot, 2x PCIe 4.0 x4 M.2 Slot, 4x SATA 6Gb/s ports, 2 x USB4 (40Gbps) ports support USB Type-C, USB 20Gbps Type-C, 2x2 Wi-Fi 7, Bluetooth v5.4, Windows 11 64-bit, Support AMD Ryzen 9000 & 8000 & 7000 Series Desktop Processors
- Ready for Advanced AI PC: Designed for the future of AI computing, with the power and connectivity needed for demanding AI applications;/Intelligent Control: ASUS-exclusive AI Overclocking, AI Cooling II, AI Networking and AEMP to simplify setup and improve performance;/ ROG Strix Overclocking technologies: Dynamic OC Switcher, Core Flex, Asynchronous Clock and PBO Enhancement
- Robust Power Solution: 18+2+2 power solution rated for 110A per stage with dual ProCool II power connectors, high-quality alloy chokes and durable capacitors to support multi-core processors;/ Optimized Thermal Design: Massive heatsinks with integrated I/O cover, high-conductivity thermal pads, and connected with an L-shaped heat-pipe;/ Latest M.2 Support: Three onboard PCIe 5.0 M.2 slots, and two PCIe 4.0 M.2 slots, all with substantial cooling solutions
To compare laptops for a real purchase, look for results from the same benchmark version and workload, note whether power refers to the CPU package or the whole system, and check each laptop’s cooling and power limits. A result from one chassis should not be assumed to predict performance in another laptop using the same processor.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What kind of processor is the Ryzen 9 7945HX?
The Ryzen 9 7945HX is a laptop processor based on AMD’s Zen 4 architecture. AMD lists 16 cores, 32 threads, a 2.5 GHz base clock, boost clocks up to 5.4 GHz, 64 MB of L3 cache, a 55 W default TDP, and a configurable TDP range of 55–75 W. AMD announced it on February 28, 2023. These published specifications describe the chip; a laptop’s actual behavior still depends on its implementation. See AMD’s product page.
Rank #4
- Powerful Content Creation and Game Performance
- 16 Cores and 32 processing threads, based on AMD "Zen 3" architecture
- 4.8 GHz Max Boost, unlocked for overclocking, 72 MB cache, DDR4-3200 support
- For the AMD Socket AM4 platform, with PCIe 4.0 support
- Cooler not included
At launch, AMD named Alienware, ASUS, Lenovo, and MSI among makers expected to offer Ryzen 7045HX systems beginning in February 2023. That is historical launch information, not confirmation of current stock or a particular laptop configuration. AMD’s February 2023 launch announcement lists those launch plans.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 【Powerful Performance】MINISFORUM BD895i SE Motherboard comes with Ryzen series laptop processor AMD Ryzen 9 8945HX. It has 16 cores based on Zen 4 architecture. With 16 Cores and 32 Threads, the standard clock speed is 2.5GHz, and the max boost speed is up to 5.4GHz. Whether you're assembling a compact gaming system, a home theater, or a content creation workstation, the BD895i SE provides a solid, future-proof base for your projects.
- 【8K@60Hz Video Outpus】This motherboard has three video outputs, one USB-C supports 8K@60Hz and the HDMI&DP1.4 support 4K@60hz. It provides you with a bigger and wider field of view and improve your work efficiency, and and also can increase the immersive feeling when playing games. The onboard CPU offers a straightforward assembly process. It also delivers robust desktop-level performance, but with the advantages of reduced power consumption and quieter operation.
- 【Up to 96GB RAM Slots】This BD895i SE has DDR5 (SODIMM Slots x 2 | up to 5200 MT/s | up to 96GB) memory slot + M.2 2280 SSD (PCIe4.0 x 2) slot, you can easily run the OS. It also comes with a PCle5.0x16 slot, maximize the potential of high-performance components, which is deal for various scenarios that require high-performance graphics.
- 【Rich Interfaces】1x USB3.2 Gen2 Type-C port (8k @ 60Hz Alt DP), 2x USB3.2 Gen1 Type-A port, 2x USB2.0 Type-A port, 1x 4pin CPU fan header, 2x 4pin case fan header, 1x 4pin SSD fan header, 1x USB 3.2 Gen 1 header.
- 【Note】SSD Coolor and WiFi card are not included.
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