Tag: CPU Performance

  • AMD and Intel Chips Show CPU Performance Stagnation in PassMark

    AMD and Intel Chips Show CPU Performance Stagnation in PassMark

    Key Takeaways

    1. Annual Performance Increase: PassMark’s data shows a consistent increase in CPU performance every year since 2004, with a modest 0.5% rise in laptop performance from 2019 to 2020.

    2. 2025 Performance Decline: Early 2025 data indicates a troubling slowdown in CPU performance, with a -0.5% decrease for desktops and -3.4% for laptops compared to 2024.

    3. Data Sampling Context: The performance decline in 2025 is based on a short time frame (first month and a half) compared to the full year of 2024, suggesting that results may change as the year progresses.

    4. Multiple Influencing Factors: The decline cannot be solely attributed to AMD and Intel, as factors like increased sales of lower-cost hardware, a shift to power-efficient machines, and potential software issues may also play a role.

    5. Changing Consumer Priorities: Consumers are increasingly valuing features such as mobility, battery life, and AI integration over raw CPU speed, impacting demand for high-performance CPUs.

    An interesting graph has been released by PassMark that tracks the annual changes in CPU performance, specifically the average CPU Mark, which is a benchmark test suite for processors on their platform. The graph illustrates that PassMark has been gathering data since 2004, and every year has shown an increase in the average performance of both laptop and desktop CPUs. While the performance increase for laptop processors from 2019 to 2020 was a modest 0.5%, it still indicates progress. However, for 2025, there appears to be a troubling slowdown in performance for both types of computers when looking at the average CPU Mark results.

    Data Comparison

    It’s important to note that PassMark is comparing just the first month and a half of 2025 to the entire year of 2024, so the downward trend might change as the year continues. A post from the benchmark site mentions that they haven’t seen this kind of effect in previous years, even with a possible rise in high-end computer sales during November and December. According to the data from PassMark, the average desktop CPU performance has decreased by -0.5% (47,810 samples versus 186,053 in 2024), while average laptop CPU performance dropped by -3.4% (25,541 samples compared to 101,316 in 2024).

    Factors Influencing Performance

    It would be naive to immediately blame AMD and Intel for the lack of generational performance improvements. There could be several reasons for the graph’s first decline in over two decades that may not directly relate to Team Red or Team Blue. PassMark suggests potential causes such as an increase in sales of lower-cost hardware, a push towards more power-efficient machines, issues with bloatware, and possible performance losses from operating systems. Notably, there have been no impressive spikes in performance from desktop chips like the Intel Core i9-7980XE (+71.9%), Ryzen Threadripper 3970X (+96.1%), and Ryzen Threadripper PRO 7995WX (+58.6%), nor from laptop models such as the Intel Core i9-12900HX (+42.8%) and AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX3D (+69.9%) in the early part of 2025.

    Changing Priorities in Computing

    Another clear reason could be linked to the fact that the RTX 50 series GPUs don’t seem to show the same performance improvements as their predecessors, and also why CPU families like Intel’s Arrow Lake and AMD’s Granite Ridge and Strix Point haven’t made a significant impact on average performance. One could argue that raw CPU power is not as vital to Team Blue and Team Red anymore, especially since GPUs and other components have become more advanced. Many consumers might not prioritize a faster CPU; instead, they seek features like mobility, extended battery life, AI integration, and overall efficiency over sheer speed. Furthermore, certain gamers may prefer to invest in the latest from Nvidia rather than upgrading their CPU, particularly if they already have a Zen 3 or Zen 4 Threadripper.

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    AMD and Intel Chips Show CPU Performance Stagnation in PassMark

     

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  • AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Offers Slight Gaming Boost Over 7800X3D

    AMD Ryzen 7 9800X3D Offers Slight Gaming Boost Over 7800X3D

    AMD has announced that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D will be released in early November. While the exact price remains undisclosed, it is rumored to be between $500 and $550. In terms of specifications, this new processor is essentially a Ryzen 7 7800X3D, featuring 8 Zen 5 CPU cores, 96 MB of L3 cache, and a TDP of 120 Watts. However, it does come with an improved base clock speed of 4.7 GHz, compared to the 4.2 GHz of its predecessor. Those expecting significant performance enhancements may feel let down.

    Performance Gains

    Videocardz discovered some marketing information from AMD, indicating that the Ryzen 7 9800X3D is roughly 8% faster in gaming than the previous model. For multi-threaded tasks, AMD asserts that the performance increase could reach up to 15%. Additionally, users can combine this CPU with DDR5-8000 RAM. It’s important to note that older B/X/A series motherboards will need a BIOS update to support the Ryzen 7 9800X3D.

    Caution on Claims

    It’s wise to approach first-party claims with some doubt. The 8% performance increase might be accurate for certain games, but it may not apply universally. Even so, this figure is rather unimpressive, which could be partly due to the 5.2 GHz boost clock. AMD seems to be targeting users of the Ryzen 7 5800X3D with this new release. Meanwhile, those who own the Ryzen 7 7800X3D may want to consider waiting for the upcoming Ryzen 9 9900X3D or Ryzen 9 9950X3D if they are in search of a more substantial performance upgrade.

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  • Ryzen 9000X3D Benchmarks: 9800X3D Outperforms 7800X3D

    Ryzen 9000X3D Benchmarks: 9800X3D Outperforms 7800X3D

    The AMD Ryzen 9000X3D CPUs appear to be on the verge of their launch, as recent leaks and speculations strongly suggest that an announcement for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D and Ryzen 9 9950X3D will take place in October. New information shared by @CodeCommando_ on X indicates that the upcoming X3D CPUs are set to deliver an impressive increase in performance compared to the Ryzen 7000 series.

    Performance Gains

    If the multi-core Cinebench R23 results are to be believed, the Ryzen 9 9950X3D could be 18.4% quicker than the Ryzen 9 7950X3D (currently priced at $618 on Amazon), which averaged 35794 points during our testing. However, it’s worth mentioning that Cinebench R23 is becoming somewhat outdated, with Cinebench 2024 taking its place due to better accuracy and higher CPU loads, making it more fitting for today’s powerful processors. This improvement in performance aligns well with what we’ve come to expect from the Ryzen 9000 series.

    Gaming Relevance

    The eight-core Ryzen 7 9800X3D, which is typically more important for gamers, shows particularly exciting developments, with both single-core and multi-core performance metrics experiencing a notable uplift in comparison to the Ryzen 7 7800X3D.

    When we examine the performance results of the Ryzen 7 7800X3D from our thorough testing, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D seems to boast about a 35.6% advantage in multi-core tests. The single-core benchmark is just as striking, with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D achieving a 24.3% enhancement over the 7800X3D.

    Reasons Behind the Boost

    These substantial performance gains are likely attributed to the efficiency improvements brought by the Ryzen 9000 series. Additionally, there are whispers of significantly larger V-Cache chips, with one dedicated chip assigned to each CCD, which may help resolve some scheduling problems that affected prior X3D models.

    According to @CodeCommando_ on X, these developments could signal an exciting new chapter for AMD’s CPU lineup.

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  • Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Leak: Big GPU Upgrades, Modest CPU Gains

    Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 Leak: Big GPU Upgrades, Modest CPU Gains

    Qualcomm is preparing to roll out its latest high-end mobile processor, the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4. This new version is anticipated to bring notable enhancements in both performance and efficiency, attributed to the custom-designed Oryon cores and TSMC’s second-generation 3nm manufacturing process.

    GPU Performance

    A recent leak presents a mixed outlook — the Adreno 750 GPU in the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 is expected to deliver significant performance-per-watt improvements, while the CPU performance improvements seem to be more modest.

    User @negativeonehero on X (formerly Twitter) revealed that internal tests of the 8 Gen 4’s GPU show performance levels comparable to the MediaTek Dimensity 9300’s GPU but at half the power consumption. This efficiency could result in extended battery life and cooler phones during high-demand activities such as gaming.

    CPU Performance

    On the CPU front, the projections are less encouraging. The leak indicates that the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4, featuring custom Oryon cores, achieves a multi-core score of approximately 7,300 at just 8W. This performance is comparable to the Snapdragon 8 Gen 3 and still lags behind Apple’s A17 Pro in the iPhone 15 Pro. Alarmingly, the tipster suggests that the 8 Gen 4’s CPU power efficiency will only improve by a single-digit percentage compared to its predecessor.

    As a result, consumers who prioritize CPU performance may want to wait for the Snapdragon 8 Gen 5.

    Future Expectations

    However, it’s essential to remember that Qualcomm’s custom cores in the Snapdragon X Elite for Windows laptops have shown impressive results, rivaling Apple’s M3 in benchmarks despite initial doubts. Therefore, similar outcomes are expected from the forthcoming Snapdragon 8 Gen 4.

    Balancing heat management, power consumption, and raw performance within the confines of a smartphone remains a significant challenge. Ultimately, the true potential of the Snapdragon 8 Gen 4 will be revealed through independent testing and real-world use.

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  • Finnish Startup Flow Boosts Processor Performance by 100X

    Finnish Startup Flow Boosts Processor Performance by 100X

    Flow Computing, a Finnish startup, has introduced an innovative chip technology designed to significantly enhance Central Processing Unit (CPU) performance. Their Parallel Processing Unit (PPU) is projected to double a CPU's capabilities and, with software optimizations, achieve up to 100x speed improvements—all without increasing power consumption or heat output.

    PPU Promises Compatibility and Efficiency

    Traditionally, CPUs execute tasks sequentially, one after another. Flow’s PPU operates as an auxiliary chip, optimizing these tasks in real-time. This enables the CPU to shift from a serial processing model to a parallel processing model, greatly improving efficiency. Flow’s CEO, Timo Valtonen, likens this transformation to converting a single-lane road into a multi-lane highway, resulting in smoother traffic flow and faster processing speeds.

    The PPU accomplishes this by managing tasks at extremely brief nanosecond intervals. By handling numerous processes concurrently, it enhances overall throughput without necessitating changes to the CPU’s clock speed or base architecture.

    Challenges in Adoption

    While the potential advantages are clear, Flow recognizes the challenges in adoption. Integrating the PPU requires modifications at the chip design stage, which could disrupt existing manufacturing processes.

    Despite these obstacles, Flow has showcased the technology’s effectiveness through FPGA-based testing. Additionally, they have secured an initial €4 million in funding from venture capital firms. The company is currently seeking industry partnerships to further develop and commercialize their solutions.

    Future Prospects

    Flow’s success will depend on overcoming integration challenges and proving its effectiveness in real-world applications. If successful, the PPU could mark a significant advancement in CPU performance, affecting various sectors reliant on intensive processing power. Potential applications range from artificial intelligence and scientific computing to edge computing and autonomous systems.

    The tech industry will be closely monitoring Flow’s progress to see if their PPU technology can truly usher in a new era of high-performance, low-power CPUs.

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