Benefits of Choosing Older AMD CPUs Over Newer Models

Key Takeaways

1. AMD and Intel often recycle older processors under new names, with AMD releasing Zen 4 (Ryzen 200) and Zen 5 (Ryzen AI 300) CPUs for laptops.
2. The HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14 can be configured with either Zen 4 or Zen 5 processors, with pricing differences reflecting the older model being more budget-friendly.
3. The Zen 4 CPU, despite being older, performs well in terms of speed, efficiency, battery life, and heat generation, while the Zen 5 shows only marginal improvements.
4. The main advantage of the Zen 5 is its enhanced NPU, offering features like Copilot+, though this is not essential for all users.
5. Choosing the Ryzen 200 version of the EliteBook saves $450, making it a more cost-effective option for most users compared to the Ryzen AI 300.

Recycling old processors under new names is a common practice in the PC industry. Both Intel and AMD engage in this strategy. At present, AMD has made available both Zen 4 and Zen 5 CPUs for laptops. The Zen 4, also known as Hawk Point Refresh, is marketed as the AMD Ryzen 200, whereas the Zen 5, referred to as Krackan Point, appears as the Ryzen AI 300 series. The previous generation CPUs serve as budget-friendly alternatives.

Pricing Insights

This trend is evident in the pricing of laptops equipped with these processors, like the HP EliteBook 8 G1a 14. This compact business laptop, featuring an aluminum body and powered by AMD processors, can be configured with either CPU generation. We thoroughly examined the model that comes with the Zen 4 based AMD Ryzen 7 250, but there’s also an option to purchase it with the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 (which is available on Amazon).

Performance Review

Our evaluations demonstrated that the older Zen 4 CPU is far from outdated. While the GPU performance may not be top-tier, it performed admirably in our tests, ensuring the HP EliteBook remains both speedy and efficient with impressive battery life and minimal heat generation. Although we haven’t tested the Krackan Point variant, we have access to multiple benchmarks for the Krackan Point CPU in our database. To give a hint: the newer Zen 5 CPU doesn’t significantly outshine its predecessor in most aspects. It does achieve marginally better single-core CPU scores, but that’s the extent of the performance enhancement.

Key Differences

The primary benefit of the Krackan Point lies in its more powerful NPU, which transforms it into a Copilot+ PC. However, while this might be beneficial for some users, for many, it serves as an added feature rather than a critical necessity for now.

On the flip side, the savings associated with picking the Ryzen 200 version of the EliteBook are quite real: the model featuring the older processor is priced at $1,450 in the HP US online store, whereas the Zen 5 EliteBook with identical screen, SSD, and RAM is priced at $1,900.

In our opinion, keeping that extra $450 in your wallet is a smart move. For most users, opting for the AMD Ryzen AI 7 350 over the AMD Ryzen 7 250 isn’t justifiable at this time.

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