In the ever-evolving landscape of computing, performance benchmarks serve as a critical barometer for evaluating the capabilities of processors. Recently, the dual setup of Hygon 16-core CPUs, which are based on AMD’s aging 2017 Zen 1 architecture, has come under scrutiny. Recent testing reveals that these CPUs have failed to impress, barely edging out a nearly decade-old Intel quad-core mobile CPU, the Core i7-6700HQ, in key performance metrics. This article delves into the stark contrasts between the Hygon processors and their competitors from Intel and AMD, unraveling the architectural limitations that hinder Hygon’s ability to compete at a modern level. By analyzing these findings, we aim to provide a comprehensive understanding of the current state of Hygon CPUs and their place in the market.
Key Takeaways
- Dual Hygon CPUs struggle to outperform a decade-old Intel i7-6700HQ, highlighting significant performance limitations.
- The aging Zen 1 architecture of Hygon CPUs lacks modern features, hampering their competitiveness against newer AMD processors.
- U.S. sanctions restrict Hygon’s use of advanced AMD technologies, further exacerbating their performance shortcomings.
Performance Metrics: Hygon vs. Intel and AMD
### Performance Metrics: Hygon vs. Intel and AMD
Recent benchmarks have unveiled a stark contrast in performance when comparing Hygon’s dual 16-core CPUs, which are built on AMD’s older 2017 Zen 1 architecture, against contemporary processors. Shockingly, the Hygon setup shows only marginally better performance than the Intel Core i7-6700HQ, an older quad-core mobile CPU that debuted nearly a decade ago. For instance, in Geekbench’s AI benchmark tests, Hygon CPUs recorded scores of 1,412 in single precision, 531 in half precision, and 1,523 in quantized scores. In direct comparison, the i7-6700HQ achieved scores of 1,113 (single precision), 589 (half precision), and 1,394 (quantized), showcasing that even an older Intel model can yield competitive performance.
As we move to more recent models, the differences become even more pronounced. The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X, a modern processor, delivered exemplary scores of 3,542 for single precision, 1,686 for half precision, and an impressive 6,281 for quantized scores. This disparity highlights not only the benefits of newer architecture but also underscores Hygon’s limitations—stemming mainly from its adherence to the aging Zen 1 architecture, which has been stymied by U.S. sanctions prohibiting the integration of advanced AMD technologies. These constraints mean that Hygon’s dual CPUs face significant challenges in single-core performance and latency, along with missing access to modern instruction sets such as AVX-512. Thus, while the dual configuration of Hygon CPUs might suggest superior potential, the benchmarks clearly demonstrate an unmistakable performance gulf when juxtaposed to newer Intel and AMD offerings.
Architectural Limitations: The Impact of Zen 1 on Hygon CPUs
The performance challenges faced by Hygon CPUs can be predominantly traced back to their architectural limitations rooted in the Zen 1 technology. This foundational architecture lacks several optimizations and features introduced in later AMD models, which have significantly enhanced both processing power and efficiency. The inability of Hygon to adapt to newer advancements not only reflects the technical constraints imposed by U.S. sanctions but also the resulting stagnation in innovation. For instance, modern processors benefit from enhancements like advanced manufacturing processes, enhanced multi-threading capabilities, and sophisticated cache architectures, all of which contribute to higher performance. The outdated Zen 1 architecture limits the ability of Hygon CPUs to leverage such crucial developments in semiconductor technology, effectively positioning them several generations behind their competitors. Consequently, the dual Hygon CPUs, despite their potential for scalability, struggle against the efficiency and performance enhancements seen in contemporary processors, ultimately leading to disappointing results in practical applications.