Overview: Understanding AMD CPU Naming (Ryzen & Ryzen AI)

1) AMD Basics: Family → Tier → Model number → Suffix

With AMD, many processor names can be broken down into building blocks:

Ryzen / Ryzen AI → Ryzen 3/5/7/9 → Model number → Suffix (letters)

Examples:

AMD Ryzen 7 7840U
AMD Ryzen 5 7640U
AMD Ryzen 9 7945HX
AMD Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

Important: Especially with laptop CPUs, a similar “7000/8000” number does not automatically mean the same architecture. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at the digit logic and the suffix.

2) AMD Ryzen: Performance tiers (3 / 5 / 7 / 9)

Ryzen tiers work similarly to Intel (roughly, depending on generation and TDP):

This classification is meant as a guideline. Real-world performance depends heavily on whether it’s a power-efficient U CPU or an HX model with significantly higher power limits.

3) Laptop Ryzen: the 4-digit scheme (e.g. 7840U)

For many Ryzen laptop CPUs, the model number consists of four digits plus a suffix. Example:

Ryzen 7 7840U

How to read the 4 digits

• 1st digit = model year / generation within the mobile lineup (e.g. 7xxx, 8xxx, 9xxx)
• 2nd digit = performance class (roughly corresponds to Ryzen 3/5/7/9 positioning)
• 3rd digit = architecture/platform level (this often indicates the “Zen” generation and its classification)
• 4th digit = fine positioning within the lineup (SKU/variant)

In practice, what matters most is that AMD may use multiple architectures within the same “number family”. That means the “7xxx” or “8xxx” number alone is not always enough to clearly identify the underlying technology.

4) The AMD suffix is purchase-critical (U / HS / H / HX)

The letter or letters at the end indicate which device segment the CPU belongs to. In everyday use, this is often the most important part of the name:

A Ryzen 7 with a U suffix can be ideal for office work and mobility, while a Ryzen 7 with HX can be much more powerful, but usually requires more energy and generates more heat.

5) In practice: quickly “translating” AMD models

Example 1: Ryzen 7 7840U

• Ryzen 7 = upper performance class
• 7840 = mobile 7xxx series with a specific platform/architecture position
• U = efficient laptop processor (focus on battery life)

Example 2: Ryzen 5 7640U

• Ryzen 5 = all-rounder class
• 7640 = 7xxx laptop series, solid mid-range positioning
• U = efficient/ultra-mobile

Example 3: Ryzen 9 7945HX

• Ryzen 9 = high-end
• 7945 = positioned very high within the series
• HX = maximum laptop performance (gaming/workstation)

These examples show why it often makes sense to compare models first by suffix (U/HS/H/HX), and then by performance tier and model position.

6) AMD Ryzen AI: new naming logic with an NPU focus

Alongside classic Ryzen models, there are AMD processors with the Ryzen AI label. This typically highlights a particular focus on an integrated AI/NPU unit (e.g. for AI features within the system).

Example:

Ryzen AI 9 HX 370

Interpretation (simplified):

• Ryzen AI = product family with an AI/NPU focus
• 9 = high-end class
• HX = very high-performance laptop segment
• 370 = model number within the AI lineup

For many buyers, Ryzen AI is especially interesting when looking for modern laptop platforms that combine high efficiency, strong integrated graphics, and additional AI features.

7) Quick rules for web shop comparisons

• Rule 1: Read the suffix first: U (efficient) vs. HS/H/HX (more performance).
• Rule 2: Then classify the performance tier (Ryzen 3/5/7/9).
• Rule 3: After that, compare the model number (position within the series).
• Rule 4: For similar-sounding names, check the datasheet, because different architectures are possible within the same series.

8) Cheat sheet: typical profiles

9) Reliable information sources

For exact technical specifications (cores, clocks, iGPU, cache, power limits), it is always worth checking official AMD specifications as well as the product details provided by the respective notebook or PC manufacturers. For purchase decisions in a web shop, reputable benchmarks and reviews are also helpful, since real-world performance and noise levels depend heavily on the individual device (cooling/power limits).

Official AMD product pages are often the best starting point: amd.com