In the competitive landscape of computing processors, AMD has introduced its newest additions to the market with the launch of the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F APUs. These processors are designed to take on Intel’s Core i5 CPUs by offering powerful alternatives for the mainstream user.
The Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F are part of AMD’s “Hawk Point” series and are based on the Zen 4 CPU core architecture. They are slightly different from their counterparts that feature integrated graphics, as the “F” series does not include the RDNA 3 iGPU core, making them reliant on a separate discrete graphics card for any GPU needs.
Let’s delve into the specifications and performances of these new processing units from AMD.
**Ryzen 7 8700F APU Specifications and Performance:**
The Ryzen 7 8700F boasts 8 cores and 16 threads, with a base clock of 4.1 GHz and a boost clock of 5.05 GHz. It features 16 MB of L3 cache and maintains a thermal design power (TDP) of 65W. Despite lacking the integrated GPU, it retains the 16 TOPS “XDNA” Neural Processing Unit (NPU) for AI processing tasks.
The Ryzen 7 8700F is compared to Intel’s Core i5-14400F and shows promising leads, boasting up to 24% better gaming performance—when paired with a discrete graphics card. It also demonstrates up to a 22% improvement in application performance compared to its Intel rival.
**Ryzen 5 8400F APU Specifications and Performance:**
The Ryzen 5 8400F steps in with 6 cores and 12 threads, a base clock of 4.2 GHz, and a boost clock of 4.75 GHz. Just like its Ryzen 7 sibling, it has a 65W TDP, 16 MB L3 cache, and lacks an integrated GPU. However, it does not feature an NPU.
In competition with Intel’s Core i5-13400F, the Ryzen 5 8400F is noted to offer up to a 14% uplift in gaming performance.
**Pricing and Comparative Value:**
With pricing set at $269 for the Ryzen 7 8700F and $169 for the Ryzen 5 8400F, AMD is targeting a competitive spot in the market. The Ryzen 7 model’s price is a bit higher than the less expensive Intel Core i5-14400F. Meanwhile, the Ryzen 5 8400F’s price is on par with that of the Core i5-13400F, making it an appealing option for budget-conscious consumers.
Comparing these APUs to other AMD offerings, such as the Ryzen 7 7700 or Ryzen 5 7600 CPU, consumers will have to weigh their performance needs against the price, as the “G” series with integrated GPUs is likely to offer better general performance due to the inclusion of integrated graphics.
**Overall Considerations:**
Both the Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F promise overclocking abilities and compatibility with the AM5 platform, making them versatile for various PC builds and applications. Consumers with specific needs for AI processing in the higher-end APU will find the Ryzen 7 8700F’s retained NPU helpful.
When opting for one of these APUs, potential buyers should note the requirement of a separate discrete graphics card, which can influence overall costs and system build considerations.
In summary, AMD’s Ryzen 7 8700F and Ryzen 5 8400F APUs present themselves as formidable contenders in the CPU market, particularly for users who seek high-performance computing power at competitive price points. With the potential for enhanced gaming and application performance, AMD’s latest offerings are sure to spark interest among those looking to build or upgrade their PCs.
