AMD has unveiled the “Hawk Point” Ryzen 8040 mobile processors, promising faster AI performance for future applications. Ryzen 8040 series is based on Zen 4 and successor to the “Phoenix Point” 7040 series mobile processors.
These chips are now shipping to laptop manufacturers, with the first consumer devices expected in early 2024. This launch anticipates the rise of AI-powered software alongside Windows 12 and generative AI tools.
Here’s everything you need to know about Ryzen 8040 mobile processors.
Ryzen 8040: Repackaged Zen 4 with AI power
AMD is aggressively pushing on-chip AI capabilities in mobile with the launch of the Hawk Point series early next year. However, these processors aren’t entirely new. Instead, they are a direct refresh of the existing Phoenix APUs with repackaging.
- Same silicon, new series: Hawk Point processors use the same TSMC-built 4nm Zen 4 cores as the Phoenix series.
- Expanding the mobile lineup: Five new models join the Ryzen 8040HS series, including the top-of-the-line Ryzen 9 8945HS with 8 Zen 4 cores.
- Lower-power options: AMD introduces two 28W processors for thin and light laptops – the Ryzen 7 8840HS and the Ryzen 5 8640HS.
This refresh focuses on improving AI capabilities rather than introducing significant architectural changes. It remains to be seen how this strategy impacts the market and whether consumers will embrace the repackaged Phoenix series.
Ryzen 8040 series AI performance
While the “Hawk Point” processor uses the same first-generation XDNA architecture for AI processing as its predecessor, AMD has managed to boost its performance significantly. The NPU now delivers 16 TOPS of performance, compared to 10 TOPS in the “Phoenix” series.
This improvement comes from a holistic approach to AI acceleration. AMD has not just beefed up the dedicated NPU, but also optimized other components like the Zen 4 CPU cores (which support AVX-512 VNNI instructions), and the RDNA 3 iGPU (where each compute unit boasts two AI accelerators). This combined effort has resulted in a total AI performance jump from 33 TOPS in “Phoenix” to 39 TOPS in “Hawk Point.”
Benchmarks conducted by AMD further showcase the improvements. The “Hawk Point” processors deliver a 40% improvement in vision models and Llama 2 compared to the Ryzen 7040 “Phoenix” series, demonstrating significant progress in AI performance.
Ryzen 8040 series processors
The new series introduces nine processors, with 7 of them sporting the faster 16 TOPS Ryzen AI NPU
Clock speeds across the board see minor increases, with the flagship Ryzen 9 8945HS boasting an 8-core/16-thread CPU that goes up to 5.20 GHz. Lower-powered U-series models cater to ultraportable devices, offering a balance between performance and power efficiency.
iGPU options vary depending on the model. Ryzen 9 and Ryzen 7 processors benefit from the maxed-out Radeon 780M iGPU with all 12 compute units enabled. Ryzen 5 models utilize the Radeon 760M with 8 enabled units, while U-series devices utilize the cut-down Radeon 740M.
Ryzen 9 8945HS
The Ryzen 9 8945HS is a powerful 8-core/16-thread mobile processor with a max boost clock speed of 5.20 GHz. It features the faster 16 TOPS Ryzen AI NPU for enhanced AI performance and comes with the maxed-out Radeon 780M iGPU for demanding graphics tasks. This flagship processor is ideal for power users and gamers who demand the best performance in a portable device.
Ryzen 7 8040 series
Ryzen 7 also sports 8 cores/16 threads like the Ryzen 9 processor but gets slightly lower speeds and also has a 15W processor.
Ryzen 7 8845HS: This processor packs a punch with its 8-core/16-thread CPU, boasting a 5.10 GHz max boost clock speed. The 16 TOPS Ryzen AI NPU ensures enhanced AI performance, while the maxed-out Radeon 780M iGPU handles graphics rendering with ease. This model is ideal for gamers, content creators, and professionals who need a powerful mobile workstation.
Ryzen 7 8840HS: Striking a balance between performance and power efficiency, the Ryzen 7 8840HS delivers similar CPU performance with its 5.10 GHz max boost. However, it utilizes a tighter 20-30W cTDP range, making it ideal for thin and light laptops that prioritize portability. This model offers a great balance for users who value power on the go without compromising too much on performance.
Ryzen 7 8840U: Designed specifically for ultraportable devices, the Ryzen 7 8840U shares the same 5.10 GHz max boost but utilizes a more restrictive 15-30W cTDP range. This trade-off allows for even thinner and lighter laptops while still offering significant performance for everyday tasks. This model caters to users who prioritize portability and battery life above all else.
Ryzen 5 8040 series
The Ryzen 5 8040 series provides a range of powerful and efficient mobile processors for everyday computing tasks and will be used in more mainstream and budget gaming laptops.
Ryzen 5 8645HS: This processor boasts a 6-core/12-thread CPU with a 5.00 GHz max boost, offering ample power for multi-tasking and demanding applications. It features the 16 TOPS Ryzen AI NPU for enhanced AI performance and comes equipped with the Radeon 760M iGPU with 8 enabled compute units, making it suitable for light gaming and creative work.
Ryzen 5 8640HS: Similar to the 8645HS, the 8640HS offers a 6-core/12-thread CPU with a slightly lower 4.90 GHz max boost. It also features the 16 TOPS Ryzen AI NPU and Radeon 760M iGPU but with a tighter 20-30W cTDP range.
Ryzen 5 8640U: Designed for ultra-thin and light laptops, the Ryzen 5 8640U maintains the 4.90 GHz max boost but utilizes a more restrictive 15-30W cTDP range. This model prioritizes portability and battery life while still delivering adequate performance for routine tasks like web browsing, document editing, and light multimedia.
Ryzen 5 8540U: This processor caters to budget-conscious users or those who prioritize extreme portability. It features a 6-core/12-thread CPU with a 4.90 GHz max boost, but lacks the Ryzen AI NPU and utilizes the cut-down Radeon 740M iGPU. This model focuses on basic functionality for everyday tasks like web browsing and communication while offering excellent battery life.
Ryzen 3 8440U
This entry-level processor offers a 4-core/8-thread CPU with a 4.70 GHz max boost. It shares the same features as the Ryzen 5 8540U, including the lack of the Ryzen AI NPU and Radeon 740M iGPU. This model targets the most basic computing needs and will be used in entry-level, everyday use laptops.
While AMD hasn’t confirmed a specific launch date for the Ryzen 8040 mobile processors, they’re already shipping to manufacturers, hinting at an imminent release. We anticipate a broader announcement, potentially with more detailed information, sometime around or before CES 2024, which runs from January 9th to 12th in Las Vegas.
AMD Ryzen Strix Point, next in line
“Hawk Point” is just a refresh of the previous generation and AMD is working on next-gen “Strix Point” which will start shipping in 2024, maybe Q2 2024. According to leaks, “Strix Point”, is expected to be the company’s first hybrid processor, featuring Big.Little CPU architecture.
We will keep you updated with the news of “Strix Point”. Stay tuned!
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