If you're buying a new laptop, the processor is one of the first considerations. Unfortunately, laptop CPU naming schemes are confusing, combining letters and numbers that most people don't understand.
Luckily, with a few tips and tricks, you can understand AMD's laptop naming scheme and find the right CPU for your new machine.
Understand AMD's naming scheme
The naming scheme for computer hardware is confusing, with numbers and letters making it difficult to understand what you're buying in terms of power and performance; AMD laptop chips are notoriously vague.
With AMD Ryzen processors, the numbers after the Ryzen name indicate the level of performance – for example, Ryzen 3 is the low-cost option, while Ryzen 9 is often the most powerful chip in a particular generation. However, the letters added to the model number add another layer to AMD's processor naming scheme, and these letters indicate the laptop processor's performance level based on power consumption and a more specific features.
AMD Ryzen U: Energy-saving laptop chip
AMD Ryzen U is typically the most affordable chip variant of the bunch and has the lowest power consumption. But that doesn't mean you should ignore it, as U, which stands for ultra-low power, offers the best battery life and generates the least amount of heat. That's why you often see U processors implemented in thin and light devices, allowing laptop manufacturers to install smaller batteries and fewer cooling solutions without affecting battery life.
Because U processors are more energy efficient than similar processors, you can stay unplugged and multitask for longer. Also, note that even Ryzen 7 processors come in multiple U variants, meaning gamers and other users who need computing power but don't want to lug around a heavy laptop can pick something up. That's like AMD Ryzen 7 8840U.
Even some Windows handheld gaming consoles like the OneXPlayer 2 Pro – one of the best handheld gaming consoles to buy in 2024 – use this processor to enable longer battery gaming experiences without affecting affect performance.
AMD Ryzen HS: Balance between power and efficiency
AMD's Ryzen HS processors emphasize performance more than their Ryzen U counterparts. However, they still focus on battery life. For example, we can compare the AMD Ryzen 5 8640U with the Ryzen 5 8640HS. Both models are practically the same processor, with the same clock speed (3.5 GHz base clock, 4.9 GHz boost clock), number of threads and number of cores (12 threads/6 cores), L3 cache size (16MB) and integrated GPU (Radeon 760M).
However, the HS model has a higher base TDP at 20W compared to the U model's 15W. This allows PC makers to get more performance from the HS chip while still providing good battery life. You could say that the HS processor is AMD's mainstream offering, allowing it to do almost anything at a slightly lower power efficiency price than the U.
AMD Ryzen H: For those who need more performance
If you want performance over battery life and power efficiency, choose a Ryzen H processor. Processors with this designation will require more power, with TDPs up to 54 watts. For this reason, don't expect to find Ryzen H chips in thin and light laptops. Instead, you're more likely to find them in bulkier gaming laptops with two or more fans to meet the cooling requirements of this processor.
This means you can get better performance from your laptop and achieve higher clock speeds due to improved cooling and increased power delivery. However, this means your laptop will have significantly less battery life, meaning you'll have to leave it plugged in most of the time, especially when pushing its performance. However, this may not be a big deal, as the discrete GPU on your gaming laptop probably consumes more power than the AMD Ryzen H processor it houses inside.
AMD Ryzen HX: Comprehensive power
While the AMD Ryzen H delivered a ton of performance, it lacked something you could only get on an HX processor: Overclocking ability. This allows laptop manufacturers to push system performance up, allowing you to get higher clock speeds than comparable processors.
Of course, higher clock speeds mean higher power consumption and more heat, so the laptop will need a large chassis to accommodate the larger battery. It will also have a more robust cooling system to prevent clock drops due to heat.
We can compare AMD Ryzen 9 6980HX and 6980HS to see the difference. Both processors have 8 cores and 16 threads, but the HX processor will have a higher boost clock of 5.0 GHz (compared to 4.9 GHz on the HS chip). It also has a higher TDP of 45 watts, which is 10 watts more than the HS chip requires.
AMD Ryzen HX3D: Designed for gaming laptops
If you're an AMD fan, you may have heard about the company's legendary X3D processor with 3D V-Cache. This feature provides 3x larger L3 cache than other non-X3D AMD processors, helping to accelerate gameplay. So, if you are a professional gamer and also want to carry your gaming laptop, look for a machine with the HX3D brand.
Note that currently, there is only one HX3D processor: the AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D. Due to heat and power requirements, laptops with this chip will be large and bulky. For example, only two laptop models have this processor: 16 or 17 inches. This means they are large, bulky machines that you don't want to have to carry around with you all the time.
Which AMD laptop processor should I buy?
Now, you know the difference between these types of laptops. You can decide on the right laptop processor based on your needs. After considering your budget, you can first look at different laptops based on processor level. For example, if you're on a tight budget, you might want to go with a Ryzen 3 or Ryzen 5 chip, but choose a Ryzen 7 or Ryzen 9 CPU if you need more performance and are willing to spend more money.
Once you know which Ryzen you want, you can look at the letters in the model name. If you work outside, away from a power outlet, you may want to go with a Ryzen U chip, but if performance is more important to you than battery life, a Ryzen HX processor is a better choice.
Note that laptop manufacturers also vary how much power these processors get, so if you want to make sure you get the performance you expect, it's better to check out laptop reviews. under consideration. That way, you can verify that it will perform as expected before spending your precious money.
