Ryzen 9 8940HX vs Ryzen 9 9850HX

PassMark CPU Mark evaluates processor speed through complex mathematical computations. It provides a reliable metric to compare multi-core performance, where higher scores indicate faster processing for multitasking, gaming, and heavy workloads.

Ryzen 9 8940HX vs Ryzen 9 9850HX FPS Benchmarks

Predicted gaming performance across popular games. Tested paired with GeForce RTX 5090 to isolate CPU performance.

Search any supported game below to compare 1080p FPS for both components.

Ryzen 9 8940HX vs Ryzen 9 9850HX: Pros, Cons & Final Verdict

See where each CPU makes more sense in practice: gaming, heavier work, platform cost, power draw, and upgrade path.

Ryzen 9 8940HX

2025

Why buy it

Trade-offs

❌Lower PassMark (51,161 vs 51,665).

Ryzen 9 9850HX

2025

Why buy it

✅+1% higher PassMark.

Trade-offs

❌Fewer obvious downsides in this matchup outside of normal market pricing swings.

Quick Answers

So, is Ryzen 9 9850HX better than Ryzen 9 8940HX?

It depends on what you want from the system. For gaming, Ryzen 9 8940HX is ahead with a 1.0% average FPS lead across 50 shared CPU game tests in our data. For rendering, compiling, streaming, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 9 9850HX pulls ahead with 1% better PassMark.

Which one is better for streaming, content creation, and heavy multitasking?

For streaming, content creation, and heavier multitasking, Ryzen 9 9850HX is the stronger fit. You are getting 1% better PassMark, backed by 12 cores and 24 threads.

Which one is the smarter buy today, not just the cheaper CPU?

Ryzen 9 9850HX still makes the most sense overall. Ryzen 9 9850HX comes in at an unclear MSRP at unclear MSRP versus unclear MSRP, and it still gives you 1% better PassMark.

Which one is more future-proof for 2026 and beyond?

Ryzen 9 9850HX is the safer long-term CPU choice because it gives you more room to grow and a better platform outlook.

Ryzen 9 8940HX vs Ryzen 9 9850HX Technical Specifications

Side-by-side specs, architecture details, clocks, memory, power, and platform differences.

Ryzen 9 8940HX

The Ryzen 9 8940HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 23 April 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Dragon Range (2025) architecture. It features 16 cores and 32 threads. Base frequency is 2.4 GHz, with boost up to 5.3 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 5 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 51,161 points. Launch price was $499.

Ryzen 9 9850HX

The Ryzen 9 9850HX is manufactured by AMD. It was released in 6 January 2025 (less than a year ago). It is based on the Fire Range-HX (Zen 5) (2025) architecture. It features 12 cores and 24 threads. Base frequency is 3 GHz, with boost up to 5.2 GHz. L3 cache: 64 MB (total). L2 cache: 1 MB (per core). Built on 4 nm process technology. Socket: FL1. Thermal design power (TDP): 55 Watt. Memory support: DDR5. Passmark benchmark score: 51,665 points. Launch price was $499.

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Processing Power

The Ryzen 9 8940HX packs 16 cores / 32 threads, while the Ryzen 9 9850HX offers 12 cores / 24 threads — the Ryzen 9 8940HX has 4 more cores. Boost clocks reach 5.3 GHz on the Ryzen 9 8940HX versus 5.2 GHz on the Ryzen 9 9850HX — a 1.9% clock advantage for the Ryzen 9 8940HX (base: 2.4 GHz vs 3 GHz). The Ryzen 9 8940HX uses the Dragon Range (2025) architecture (5 nm), while the Ryzen 9 9850HX uses Fire Range-HX (Zen 5) (2025) (4 nm). In PassMark, the Ryzen 9 8940HX scores 51,161 against the Ryzen 9 9850HX's 51,665 — a 1% lead for the Ryzen 9 9850HX. Both processors carry 64 MB (total) of L3 cache.

Feature	Ryzen 9 8940HX	Ryzen 9 9850HX
Cores / Threads	16 / 32+33%	12 / 24
Boost Clock	5.3 GHz+2%	5.2 GHz
Base Clock	2.4 GHz	3 GHz+25%
L3 Cache	64 MB (total)	64 MB (total)
L2 Cache	1 MB (per core)	1 MB (per core)
Process	5 nm	4 nm-20%
Architecture	Dragon Range (2025)	Fire Range-HX (Zen 5) (2025)
PassMark	51,161	51,665
Geekbench 6 Single	2,800	—
Geekbench 6 Multi	16,000	—

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Memory & Platform

Both processors use the FL1 socket with PCIe 5.0. Maximum memory speed reaches DDR5-5200 on the Ryzen 9 8940HX versus 5600 on the Ryzen 9 9850HX — the Ryzen 9 9850HX supports 7.7% faster memory, which can translate to measurable gains in memory-sensitive workloads. The Ryzen 9 9850HX supports up to 192 GB of RAM compared to 64 GB — 200% more capacity for professional workloads. Both feature 2-channel memory with ECC support. Both provide 28 PCIe lanes. Chipset compatibility: AMD FL1 (Ryzen 9 8940HX) and FL1 (Ryzen 9 9850HX).

Feature	Ryzen 9 8940HX	Ryzen 9 9850HX
Socket	FL1	FL1
PCIe Generation	PCIe 5.0	PCIe 5.0
Max RAM Speed	DDR5-5200	5600+8%
Max RAM Capacity	64 GB	192 GB+200%
RAM Channels	2	2
ECC Support	No	Yes
PCIe Lanes	28	28

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Advanced Features

Only the Ryzen 9 9850HX has an unlocked multiplier for overclocking — a significant advantage for enthusiasts seeking extra performance. Both support AVX-512 instructions, benefiting scientific computing, AI inference, and encryption workloads. Virtualization support: true (Ryzen 9 8940HX) vs VT-x, VT-d, AMD-V (Ryzen 9 9850HX). Both include integrated graphics — Radeon 610M (Ryzen 9 8940HX) and AMD Radeon 610M (Ryzen 9 9850HX) — useful as a fallback for troubleshooting or display output without a dedicated GPU. Direct competitor: Ryzen 9 9850HX rivals Core Ultra 7 255HX.