Unleash Desktop-Level Power in a Portable Package!

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Laptop Specifications
3. Performance Comparison: Ryzen 9 3950X vs. Ryzen Desktop Processors
4. Portability: A Trade-Off for Processing Power
5. Gaming Performance: Good but not Spectacular
6. Build Quality: Average and Functional
7. Upgradability: The Unique Advantage of the AM4 Socket
8. Screen Options: 1080p 144hz vs. 4K 60hz
9. Connectivity: A Closer Look at the Ports
10. Battery Life: Still a Challenge
11. Conclusion

Introduction

Laptops have come a long way in terms of performance, and the ability to run powerful desktop processors on a portable machine is a Game-changer. One such laptop is the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X, known as the Thick 15, APEX 15, or Prime AI, depending on the region. In this article, we will delve into the various aspects of this laptop, including its specifications, performance, portability, build quality, upgradability, screen options, connectivity, battery life, and more. So, if you're in the market for a high-performance laptop that can handle CPU-intensive workloads, read on to see if the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop is the right choice for you.

Laptop Specifications

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop boasts impressive specifications, including the powerful 16-core Ryzen 9 3950X processor. The laptop utilizes the AM4 socket, allowing for easy upgradability with AMD's Ryzen desktop processors. It is available under different names in different regions, such as the Thick 15 in the US, Apex 15 in Europe, and Prime AI in Australia. The chassis design is clever and relatively portable, despite being on the thicker side. The laptop comes with NVIDIA RTX 2070 and 2060 graphics options for gaming performance.

Performance Comparison: Ryzen 9 3950X vs. Ryzen Desktop Processors

When it comes to CPU performance, the Ryzen 9 3950X laptop delivers impressive results. If your workload heavily relies on CPU cores, this laptop is definitely worth considering, especially if time is money and you need the convenience of portability. However, it is important to note that while the laptop offers desktop-level processing power, it is not as close to running the same processors in a regular desktop. Nevertheless, the trade-off between performance and portability is still worthwhile for those who prioritize processor power on the go.

Portability: A Trade-Off for Processing Power

Despite its powerful hardware, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop remains somewhat portable. It may not be as slim and lightweight as some other laptops, but it is still manageable for those who need to move around frequently. The downside to this level of processing power is that the battery life is quite poor. However, the battery is removable, which is a unique feature in 2020 and allows users to carry spare batteries if needed. The laptop also offers easy access for upgrades with just five screws to remove the back panel.

Gaming Performance: Good but not Spectacular

While the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop does offer decent gaming performance, it is not meant for those seeking mind-blowing graphics and the highest frame rates. The focus of this laptop is primarily on processor power, making it ideal for users who prioritize CPU performance over gaming capabilities. If you are a content creator or someone who relies heavily on CPU-intensive tasks, this laptop is definitely worth considering. However, if gaming is your main concern, there are other options available that offer better graphics performance.

Build Quality: Average and Functional

In terms of build quality, the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop falls into the average range. The chassis is mostly made of plastic, which is functional but not particularly premium. There is some flex to the chassis, but it is not problematic during normal use. The keyboard is backlit and comfortable to type on, while the precision touchpad works well. However, it is worth noting that the fans can get quite loud, even at idle, which may be a downside for users who value a quiet computing experience.

Upgradability: The Unique Advantage of the AM4 Socket

One of the standout features of the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop is its upgradability. Unlike most laptops where the processors are soldered to the motherboard, this laptop utilizes the AM4 socket, allowing users to swap out the processor in the future. This feature is especially enticing for those who want to future-proof their investment and ensure compatibility with newer processors. While the upgrade process is straightforward, it is important to note that it may not be covered under warranty, depending on the manufacturer's policy.

Screen Options: 1080p 144hz vs. 4K 60hz

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop offers different screen options depending on the region and manufacturer. The tested options include a 1080p 144hz gaming panel and a 4K 60hz option. The 4K panel boasts better color gamut, brightness, and contrast, making it a slightly better choice for content creation. However, the difference is not significant enough to choose one over the other. If gaming is your priority, the 144hz panel is recommended. Both options do not support G-Sync.

Connectivity: A Closer Look at the Ports

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop offers a decent selection of ports for connectivity. On the left side, you'll find a Kensington lock slot, gigabit Ethernet, two USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-A ports, and a microSD card slot. The right side features 3.5-millimeter headphone and microphone jacks, and a USB 2.0 Type-A port. At the back, there is a USB 3.2 Gen 2 Type-C port with DisplayPort 1.4 support. The laptop also features HDMI 2.0 and mini DisplayPort 1.4 outputs for external displays.

Battery Life: Still a Challenge

As expected, the battery life on the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop is not impressive. With such powerful hardware, it is understandable that battery life would be a challenge. However, the removable battery allows users to carry spare batteries for extended usage if necessary. This feature is rare in 2020 and gives the laptop an advantage over others that have non-removable batteries. It is important to manage expectations when it comes to battery life, particularly for users who require long hours of uninterrupted usage.

Conclusion

The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop offers an enticing proposition for those in need of desktop-level processing power on the go. Its specifications, including the 16-core processor and upgradability, set it apart from other laptops in the market. While it may not match the performance of running the same processors in a regular desktop, the trade-off between processing power and portability is well worth it for many users. The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop may not excel in all aspects, such as build quality and battery life, but it gets the job done without any major issues. If you value powerful CPU performance and the option to upgrade in the future, this laptop is definitely worth considering.

Highlights

• The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop offers desktop-level processing power on the go.
• Its upgradability with AMD's Ryzen desktop processors is a standout feature.
• The laptop strikes a balance between portability and performance.
• Gaming performance is decent but not exceptional.
• Build quality is average, but functional.
• The battery life is poor, but the removable battery allows for spares.
• Different screen options are available, catering to different needs.
• The laptop offers a decent selection of ports for connectivity.
• Battery life remains a challenge due to its powerful hardware.
• The AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop is an attractive option for users who prioritize processing power.

FAQ

Q: Can the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop be upgraded in the future? A: Yes, one of the unique features of this laptop is its upgradability. The AM4 socket allows users to swap out the processor for a newer one in the future. However, it is important to note that the upgrade process may not be covered under warranty, depending on the manufacturer's policy.

Q: What are the screen options available for the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop? A: Depending on the region and manufacturer, the laptop offers different screen options. The tested options include a 1080p 144hz gaming panel and a 4K 60hz option. The 4K panel offers better color gamut, brightness, and contrast, while the 144hz panel is recommended for gaming purposes.

Q: How is the build quality of the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop? A: The build quality of the laptop is average. It is mostly made of plastic, which is functional but not particularly premium. There is some flex to the chassis, but it does not pose any problems during normal use.

Q: How is the battery life on the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop? A: The battery life on the laptop is poor, which is expected given its powerful hardware. However, the removable battery feature allows users to carry spare batteries for extended usage if needed.

Q: Is the AMD Ryzen 9 3950X laptop recommended for gaming? A: While the laptop does offer decent gaming performance, it is primarily designed for users who prioritize CPU performance. If gaming is your main concern, there are other options available that offer better graphics performance.