When it comes to processors for thin and light laptops, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U is a name that has been making waves in the tech world. Part of the Rembrandt generation, this processor boasts a range of features that promise to deliver top-notch performance. In this article, we will dive deep into the details of the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U, scrutinizing its strengths and weaknesses.
CPU Powerhouse
The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U is a true powerhouse, integrating all eight cores based on the Zen 3+ microarchitecture. These cores are clocked at 2.7 GHz as a guaranteed base clock but can turbo up to 4.7 GHz, making this processor an excellent choice for both professional and consumer applications. It supports SMT (Simultaneous Multithreading) or Hyperthreading, allowing for a total of 16 threads to tackle demanding workloads.
Manufactured on the cutting-edge 6nm TSMC process, the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U represents the epitome of modern processor technology. This is the professional version of the consumer R7 6800U, offering additional management features and boasting the Microsoft Pluton Security processor. However, when compared to the similar R7 6850H, it's essential to note that the 6850U offers a lower base clock speed and a lower TDP (Thermal Design Power).
Zen 3+ Microarchitecture
The Zen 3+ microarchitecture, while not a revolutionary change from its predecessor, offers several new features. These features include support for USB 4 with blazing speeds of 40 Gbps, PCI-E Gen 4 for faster data transfer, DDR5-4800MT/s or LPDDR5-6400MT/s for memory, WiFi 6E for enhanced wireless connectivity, Bluetooth LE 5.2, DisplayPort 2 for high-resolution displays, and AV1 decode for efficient video playback.
These advancements indicate that the processor performance should be notably superior to the old Ryzen 7 5800U, thanks to the improved clock speeds and the broader support for the latest technology. However, it's essential to consider that the new Alder Lake U and P-series CPUs, such as the i7-1280P, may offer even higher performance in some scenarios.
Radeon 680M: RDNA2 Graphics
One of the most significant advancements in the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U is the integrated GPU, Radeon 680M. This GPU is based on the RDNA2 architecture and boasts 12 Compute Units (CUs) that can operate at speeds of up to 2.2 GHz. This graphics performance represents a substantial leap forward, promising to deliver excellent visuals for both gaming and professional graphics work.
Power Consumption and Efficiency
As for power consumption, the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U comes with a default TDP that ranges from 15W to 28W. It's worth noting that laptop manufacturers often opt for higher TDP values in exchange for increased performance, which is a trade-off that makes sense for laptops intended for demanding tasks. However, this TDP range is too high for passively cooled designs, meaning that you'll need active cooling solutions to harness the full potential of this processor.
What's truly impressive about this APU is its manufacturing technology. Built using TSMC's 6nm process, it offers impressive energy efficiency, which is crucial for laptops in the current tech landscape. This energy efficiency is a significant selling point for the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U, especially in early 2023.
Key Specifications
Let's summarize the key specifications of the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U:
- Series: AMD Rembrandt (Zen 3+)
- Codename: Rembrandt-U PRO (Zen 3+)
- Clock Rate: 2.7 - 4.7 GHz
- Number of Cores / Threads: 8 / 16
- L3 Cache: 16 MB
- Power Consumption (TDP): 28 Watt
- Manufacturing Technology: 6 nm
- GPU: AMD Radeon 680M ( - 2200 MHz)
- 64 Bit: Yes
- Architecture: x86
Pros and Cons
Now, let's weigh the pros and cons of the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U:
Pros:
- Powerful Processing: With eight cores, Zen 3+ architecture, and impressive clock speeds, this processor offers remarkable performance for a wide range of tasks.
- Advanced Graphics: The Radeon 680M based on RDNA2 architecture ensures excellent graphics capabilities, suitable for both gaming and professional applications.
- Energy Efficiency: Built on TSMC's 6nm process, the processor strikes an excellent balance between performance and energy efficiency.
- Support for Cutting-Edge Technologies: With USB 4, PCIe Gen 4, DDR5/LPDDR5 memory support, and other modern features, the Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U is well-prepared for the future.
Cons:
- Competition: While this processor is undoubtedly powerful, it faces stiff competition from Intel's Alder Lake U and P-series CPUs, potentially offering higher performance in certain scenarios.
- Active Cooling Required: The relatively high TDP range means that laptops with this processor will require active cooling solutions, limiting the feasibility of passively cooled designs.
Final Verdict
The AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U is undoubtedly a significant step forward in the world of laptop processors. With its impressive core count, advanced graphics capabilities, energy efficiency, and support for the latest technologies, it's a compelling choice for many users. However, it's essential to keep an eye on the competition, as Intel's offerings are also gaining ground and may provide a better fit for specific needs.
In conclusion, the AMD Ryzen 7 PRO 6850U is a strong contender, but potential buyers should carefully assess their requirements and compare it with other options on the market to ensure it meets their expectations.
