AMD Ryzen or Intel — which CPU is best?
Whether you are looking for gaming performance, database hosting, or simply dedicated server hosting, you must be aware of the fierce battle for CPU dominance between these two titans and the AMD vs Intel battle that has grown in the last few years.
While Intel’s processors have historically outdone AMD processors in single-core raw power, AMD’s CPUs have made significant improvements in their core count and threads, and outsold its competition as a result, when it comes to multi-core performance.
Until 3 or 4 years ago, AMD’s marketing team seemed to struggle to get the same exposure that Intel garnered. Around this time they started targeting the PC gamer and made improvements to their packaging, using different color schemes, and taking a new tack with their marketing efforts. This led to the release of their Ryzen series which changed the game.
When different processors are becoming indistinguishable, it is essential to know which one you should use. In AMD’s favor, they have historically offered more value in their processors, while Intel holds the reins with stronger brand recognition (the Nike of microprocessors).
AMD vs Intel is currently in a battle for market share and are developing different technologies in their effort to get ahead. For example, Intel uses LGA1200 sockets for their processors while Ryzen chips rely on AM4 sockets, meaning that components such as motherboards must be chosen accordingly, or they will be incompatible.
Fortunately, both AMD and Intel offer a wide range of CPUs to suit all applications.
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Consumer vs Enterprise CPUs
Not all CPUs are made the same. The CPUs that are built into your server are meant for sustained workloads and can run at 100% capacity all the time, whereas the parts in the desktop processors are not rated as high. Because of this, server CPUs are generally slightly more costly than would be for a desktop PC, but offer a higher level of productivity performance.
Most desktop processors also cannot handle server-only functions, such as performing error-correcting codes and registered memory. The largest difference between the two is the fact that server CPUs will more often than not have higher core counts than those used on a desktop PC, which results in higher power consumption. This is because server workloads are much more multi-threaded than most desktop workloads, due to the extra cores.
Intel processors have enjoyed supremacy in this segment for years, but AMD’s Ryzen Threadripper has changed the landscape quite a bit since its release. AMD traditionally doesn’t distinguish between its server processors and the desktop space. The AMD CPU used in servers are consumer-grade chips that are so powerful that they work incredibly well in servers (in 2017 AMD released their Epyc line, built specifically for servers). Whereas Intel has nearly always had a line of processors designed specifically for servers.
Intel vs AMD Processors Explained
As is the case for any brand, they usually have names for each model or series.
AMD offers their Ryzen processors: Ryzen 3, Ryzen 5, Ryzen 7, Ryzen 9, and Epyc lines, while Intel offers their Silver, Gold, and Platinum lines as part of their Xeon brand.
AMD has always been a viable option for processors and has only improved with their Ryzen series of CPUs. The most recent line, AMD Ryzen 3, 5 and 7, and 9 chips incorporate solid multi-core performance and deliver affordable processors.
Intel’s Xeon E-2300 series of 3rd gen scalable processors were released in Q2 of 2021 and offer 10 new processor varieties, including options with 4, 6, or 8 cores.
AMD’s Ryzen 3000 CPUs offer a huge difference over the previous Ryzen 1000 and 2000 CPUs. They feature the redesigned Zen 2 architecture, AMD’s then-latest entry into its Ryzen line proved to be more than just a slight generational improvement, it delivered. Ryzen 3000 CPUs are so much in demand that it is very difficult to keep them in stock.
However, while AMD has already jumped to more advanced 10nm and 7nm architectures, many industry watchers were surprised by Intel’s decision to continue with 14-nanometer architecture.
Take AMD’s Ryzen 5800X chip, it comes in at a reasonable price and incredible performance improvements over the last generation, which makes the 5800X one of the best processors currently available. They still use AMD’s AM4 CPU socket, which means that they are backward and forward compatible, while Intel holds a long history of releasing new processors that are incompatible with older socket types.
AMD’s continuous use of AM4 sockets over the previous generations has provided users with tremendous value concerning future upgradability. For instance, if you were using a 3900 chip on an Asrock motherboard, upgrading to the new series is as easy as downloading a BIOS update for your board. While the odds of being able to take an old Intel chip and put it in your newer motherboard or vice versa is slim on Intel’s side.
Intel also offers a dual chipset in many of their lines, whereas AMD only started recently with the release of their Epyc line of server-specific chips.
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Intel vs AMD Performance Comparison
AMD changed its strategy a few years ago and put a focus on gaming performance to take market share from Intel and released the 3000 series. The CPU performance of this line showed a marked increase in workload capacity.
The 3900X features 12 cores, 24 threads, a base clock speed of 3.8GHz, a boost of up to 4.6GHz, and a TPD of 105W.
AMD’s Ryzen 3950X is one of their top server processors with 16 cores, 32 threads, a base clock speed of 3.5GHz, a maximum turbo boost of 4.7GHz, and a TPD of105W. Both these chips are phenomenal, making them perfect for high-end gaming or multimedia editing.
Upon first glance, you would think that the Intel Xeon E5-2695 v2 might not compare. To begin with, the price is dramatically lower than the 3950 and it may not look as beefy from the outset, seeing how it comes with 12 cores, 24 threads, a base clock of 2.
4 GHz, with a max boost to 3.2 GHz.
The interesting thing about the E5-2695 v2 and how it compares directly with the aforementioned 3950X is that the 2695 is not only far more cost-effective than the 3950, but when you consider the capability of the 2695 using a dual chipset, now it becomes a contender and still at a price considerably lower than the 3950.
With multi-core server workloads, these CPUs are perfect for any high-end gaming, creative tasks such as 4k video editing, or 3D rendering that need a large amount of power at an affordable price.
Conversely, AMD’s top-of-the-line variant, the Ryzen Threadripper 3990X is in a league of its own with high clock speeds due to its 64 cores and 128 threads. It has a base clock speed of 2.9GHz, a boost speed of up to 4.3 GHz, and a TPD of 290W. Thanks to its multi-threaded performance, this processor is an all-purpose workhorse that can be used for VPN, large data computations, AI, and military applications.
On the Intel side, its Xeon Silver 4214R is comparable to the Ryzen 3900X, also featuring 12 cores and 24 threads, however, the clock speed on this one is lower, with a base of 2.4 GHz, a max. of 3.5 GHz and a TPD of 100W.
While the Intel E5 2620 V4 matches AMD for cores, coming in at 16, again they fall just a little short on clock speed with the 2620 V4 having a base speed of 2.1 GHz and boosting as high as 3.0 GHz. The TPD is 85W.
It’s difficult comparing anything to Ryzen’s Threadripper, but the Intel Xeon E5-2699 v4 scalable processor compares very well, coming in with a core count of 22, making the thread count 44. The base clock on this chip is 2.2 GHz, while the max. boost comes in at 3.6 GHz.
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Overclocking Headroom
Intel processors have commonly had the most overclocking headroom, which gives you more over the baseline speed performance and, in the past allowed for higher frequencies than AMD Ryzen CPUs.
Still, it is also worth considering how stable your CPU will be with such high clock speeds. Here are some of the other popular Intel models that compare to AMD’s Ryzen 9 line.
CPU Processor Base Frequency Max. Turbo Frequency
AMD Ryzen 3900X 3.8 GHz 4.6 GHz
vs Xeon Silver 4214R 2.4 GHz 3.5 GHz
AMD Ryzen 3950X 3.5 GHz 4.7 GHz
vs E5 2690 v4 2.6 GHz 3.5 GHz
AMD Ryzen 3990X 2.9 GHz 4.
3 GHz
vs Xeon Gold 6338 2.0 GHz 3.2 GHz
AMD Ryzen vs Intel Xeon
With the increased market demand for AMD Ryzen Servers, vendors have had a hard time keeping enough of these in stock to service demands since they often sell out before even hitting the data centers (and is especially the case here at ServerMania). AMD cannot seem to keep up with demand, with many people reselling or even hoarding the 3900s for crypto. The scarcity of hardware is currently an issue for AMD, whereas Intel’s long history has allowed for a more reliable supply chain.
The most popular CPUs among enterprise customers is the beast we know as the AMD Ryzen Threadripper 3990X which offers plenty of power and speed with its remarkable 64 cores, and 128 threads, making this the most powerful processor for product performance. This affordable processor is based on their Zen 2 microarchitecture, and is fabricated on TSMC‘s 7 nm process.
It also supports 64 PCIe lanes at 4.0.
A comparable processor would be the Xeon 6338 Gold Series with its powerful 32 cores, 64 threads base clock speed of 2.0 Ghz, with max. turbo frequency of 3.2 Ghz. This processor is based on the X86 architecture and is highly sophisticated, allowing the Xeon line to suit a widening array of complex applications. Much like the 3990X, this processor also supports 64 PCIe lanes at 4.0.
It is worth mentioning again the Intel chips come with an integrated graphics card, whereas AMD does not.
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Epyc Considerations
The war for domination must include AMD’s Epyc Series. Released two months prior to the 3950 was AMD’s EPYC 7402P which is a 64-bit tetracosa-core x86 server microprocessor and comes with 24 cores and 48 threads. It has a base clock at 2.8GHz, max speed at 3.35GHz, and a 180W power rating. This processor supports single-socket configurations only and up to 4 TiB of eight channels DDR4-3200 memory per socket.
Epyc 7402P is based on the Rome 7nm family and part of the EPYC series.
Due to its massive memory bandwidth, capacity and exceptional I/O, this monster of a server processor is designed for intensive computational tasks such as artificial intelligence (AI) and high-performance computing such as industrial or military applications.
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Price Comparison
AMD holds the title for more affordable of the two, however, Intel is doubling down AMD’s increased competitiveness over the past few years by adding more cores, threads, and power to the mix. And unlike an AMD processor, there is no increased gen-on pricing for these new processors, resulting in a better price-per-core and price-per-thread. As a response, AMD reduced its prices and stepped up the competition.
If you want an AMD Ryzen 9 (16 cores), you would be looking at a price in the vicinity of $600-800, whereas a comparable Intel processor would be the 2699 E4 would cost around $4000, but if you wanted a Xeon E5 2690 (14 cores), you would be looking at only $2000.
You should note that the Ryzen line does not offer dual CPU formats until you get to the Epyc which will run you around $4000-5000 per chip. If you do go with AMD, you will be required to purchase a separate dedicated graphics card.
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Which is the Best CPU?
This article has covered the never-ending argument of comparing AMD vs Intel and who makes superior CPU architecture between two major corporations. It all comes down to your specific use and preference about AMD vs Intel.
CPU performance is about the same, depending on which line you go with, with the largest difference being the price between Intel and AMD.
Suppose you are looking for a high core count in the top segment. In that case, AMD CPUs hold an advantage with more core and thread count and a better price-per-dollar performance ratio.
On the flipside with Intel allowing for dual CPUs on the motherboard chipset, the Xeon E5-2695 v2 offers the better price-per-dollar performance ratio.
We understand that not everyone has the time to research all of their options, and the information available online can be much to sort through. We would encourage you to book a free server hosting consultation to provide answers to your questions about server hosting from our experts without any obligation or cost.
In addition, if you are looking for more help in deciding between AMD’s Ryzen processors and Intel’s Core series, which have similar features but with different price tags or need some assistance figuring out what type of processor might be best suited for your needs, you can browse our Intel and AMD Dedicated Server Options.
Which Ultra-Fast CPU Should You Choose?
The 13th-Gen Intel Core i9 and the AMD Ryzen 9 7000-Series chips are fast and powerful. But which should you pick if you’re building a new system or upgrading the one you have?
Unless you’re a super fan of either brand, it’s difficult to pick between these two options.
So, let’s compare AMD’s and Intel’s top contenders for the most powerful CPU and see which one you should choose.
Intel Core i9 vs. AMD Ryzen 9: Models and Specifications
You can choose between six 13th-Gen Intel Core i9 and five AMD Ryzen 9 7000-Series desktop chip models at the time of writing. Here’s a breakdown of their model numbers and specifications:
13th-Gen Intel Core i9 Models
Intel introduced its ground-breaking performance and efficiency cores architecture with its 12th-Gen chips and continued implementing it in its 13th-Gen processors. These are the options you get with the Intel Core i9 line. Most of these processors are widely available, except for the Intel Core i9-13900T, which are reserved for low-powered applications.
|
13th-Gen Intel Core i9 |
Performance Cores |
Efficiency Cores |
Total |
Total L3 Cache |
Base / Max TDP |
GPU |
MSRP |
||
|
Cores (Threads) |
Base / Turbo Freq |
Cores (Threads) |
Base / Turbo Freq |
Cores (Threads) |
|||||
|
13900KS |
8 (16) |
3. |
16 (16) |
2.4GHz/4.3GHz |
24 (32) |
36 MB |
150W/253W |
UHD 770 |
$699 |
|
13900K |
8 (16) |
3.0GHz/5.4GHz |
16 (16) |
2.0GHz/4.3GHz |
24 (32) |
36 MB |
125W/253W |
UHD 770 |
$589 |
|
13900KF |
8 (16) |
3.0GHz/5.4GHz |
16 (16) |
2.0GHz/4.3GHz |
24 (32) |
36 MB |
125W/253W |
— |
$564 |
|
13900 |
8 (16) |
2.0GHz/5.2GHz |
16 (16) |
1.5GHz/4.2GHz |
24 (32) |
36 MB |
65W/219W |
UHD 770 |
$549 |
|
13900F |
8 (16) |
2. |
16 (16) |
1.5GHz/4.2GHz |
24 (32) |
36 MB |
65W/219W |
— |
$524 |
|
13900T |
8 (16) |
1.1GHz/5.1GHz |
16 (16) |
0.8GHz/3.9GHz |
24 (32) |
36 MB |
35W/106W |
UHD 770 |
$524 |
2GHz/5.4GHz
0GHz/5.2GHzAMD Ryzen 9 7000-Series
The 7000-Series processors are the first consumer AMD processors to use the LGA AM5 socket. This allowed AMD to cram more pins into the system, letting it put more transistors in the same package size. It’s also the second generation of AMD Ryzen processors to have 3D V-Cache models.
|
AMD Ryzen 9 7000 Series |
Cores (Threads) |
Base / Turbo Frequency |
Chiplets |
Total L3 Cache |
TDP |
GPU |
MSRP |
|
7950X3D |
16 (32) |
4. |
2 x CCD 1 x I/OD |
128 MB |
120W |
RDNA2 |
$699 |
|
7950X |
16 (32) |
4.5GHz/5.7GHz |
2 x CCD 1 x I/OD |
64 MB |
170W |
RDNA2 |
$699 |
|
7900X3D |
12 (24) |
4.4GHz/5.6GHz |
2 x CCD 1 x I/OD |
128 MB |
120W |
RDNA2 |
$599 |
|
7900X |
12 (24) |
4.7GHz/5.6GHz |
2 x CCD 1 x I/OD |
64 MB |
170W |
RDNA2 |
$549 |
|
7900 |
12 (24) |
3.7GHz/5.4GHz |
2 x CCD 1 x I/OD |
64MB |
65W |
RDNA2 |
$429 |
2GHz/5.7GHzIntel’s 13th-Generation Core i9 offerings have more physical threads than AMD’s Ryzen 9 7000-Series chips because of its performance and efficiency core architecture.
On the other hand, AMD uses two Core Complex Dice (CCD) and an Input/Output Die (I/OD) for its processor. Each CCD has six to eight cores and, paired with the I/OD, acts as a single CPU. This allows the Ryzen 9 chips to have 24 to 32 threads, much like its Intel competitors.
AMD’s offerings also have a higher base and turbo frequency than Intel, along with a greater L3 CPU cache. This means that its chips have a greater base thermal design power (TDP) requirement, except for its X3D chips which trade clock speed for a greater L3 cache.
Although Intel and AMD chips look different on paper, they mostly use the same technology—they both have multiple cores and threads, and you can argue that AMD’s chiplet approach is somewhat similar to Intel’s Performance/Efficiency Core technology.
But one thing that stands out is AMD’s X3D chip, with its massive L3 cache. So, how does this affect performance?
Intel Core i9 vs. AMD Ryzen 9: The 3D V-Cache Advantage
The CPU cache is where the processor stores information it needs to work on next, allowing it to quickly grab it from onboard the chip instead of waiting for the RAM to send it.
AMD’s 3D V-Cache doubles the L3 cache found on the vanilla Ryzen 9 processors, which already has almost double that of Intel’s Core i9 processors.
Given that, AMD’s X3D processors have more than 3.5x greater L3 cache than even the most powerful Intel Core i9 chip. This allows AMD’s X3D CPUs to run more efficiently and help prevent PC performance bottlenecks.
This feature is helpful if you’re running CPU-bound apps and games, even though 3D V-Cache has a base frequency penalty. It also runs at a lower base TDP, meaning the processor doesn’t demand that much power to deliver on performance.
Intel Core i9 vs. AMD Ryzen 9: Benchmark Results
All these digits, specifications, and other technologies that AMD and Intel advertise are just different ways of achieving the same thing—to deliver performance and power to let you get things done quickly.
So, how do these top-end processors compare? First, let’s check out and compare results from UserBenchmark.
While it’s understood that benchmarks are not the end-all and be-all of computer performance, it helps us determine its average power.
The chart shows that all top-end chips are neck-and-neck regarding their average score, except for the 7950X3D, which gained over 90 points.
However, if you’re looking for value for money and looking strictly at the processor, the «entry-level» 13900F delivers the most bang for your buck.
Intel Core i9 vs. AMD Ryzen 9: Motherboard and RAM Compatibility
Image Credit: AMD
Of course, a computer isn’t just a CPU. Instead, you need several additional parts to make it work. At the very least, you need a motherboard, some RAM, storage, a power supply, and a GPU if your processor doesn’t have an integrated video card.
The most notable issue for AMD’s latest generation CPU is its motherboard and RAM compatibility. If you pick the Intel option, the 13th-gen Core i9 processor is compatible with previous-generation motherboards and both DDR4 and DDR5 RAM.
However, AMD’s 7000-Series chips use the new AM5 socket. So, if you’re upgrading from an older Ryzen chip, you must upgrade to an AMD AM5 socket motherboard.
Furthermore, the Ryzen 7000 processors require faster DDR5 RAM.
So, if you’re building an AMD 7000-Series computer from scratch, you can expect to spend a bit more than assembling a comparable 13th-Gen Intel desktop. Even so, you can expect it to perform better because you’re paying for more modern parts. This means it’ll also potentially last longer before needing an upgrade.
Intel Core i9 vs. AMD Ryzen 9: Launch and Retail Prices
Image Credit: Intel
One of the biggest factors in choosing a processor is its price. If we’re looking at just the chip prices, Intel’s and AMD’s options are priced competitively. Both of their most expensive options—the Intel Core i9-13900KS and the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D have a launch price of $699.
However, if you’re on a budget but still need massive power, the AMD Ryzen 9 7900 starts at just $429. This price is $95 less than Intel’s most affordable offering while still delivering on performance.
But these are just launch prices.
As proven during the 2020 to 2021 pandemic, actual retail prices could vary wildly from what the manufacturer announced at launch. So, let’s check Amazon for current prices.
As of the time of writing, these are the prices we’ve discovered:
- Intel Core i9-13900KS: $999.99 (+43.1% MSRP)
- Intel Core i9-13900K: $569.99 (-3.2% MSRP)
- Intel Core i9-13900KF: $549.99 (-2.5% MSRP)
- Intel Core i9-13900: $569.99 (+3.8% MSRP)
- Intel Core i9-13900F: $551.85 (+5.3% MSRP)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D: $799.99 (+14.4% MSRP)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7950X: $585.99 (-16.2% MSRP)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900X3D: $584.76 (-2.4% MSRP)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900X: $423.99 (-22.8% MSRP)
- AMD Ryzen 9 7900: $429.00 (at MSRP)
While these numbers will change, we can see that the prices of the most powerful processors are heavily inflated. Even so, many of AMD’s offerings are heavily discounted, especially the 7950X and the 7900X.
However, this doesn’t automatically mean getting an AMD system will be more affordable.
After all, you’ll have to shell out more for an AM5 motherboard and DDR5 RAM. On the flip side, these additional investments will mean better performance for your system in the long run.
And since AMD guarantees that it will support this socket until 2025 and potentially longer, you can enjoy future processor upgrades without fearing that your system won’t support the latest chips.
Are You Buying New or Upgrading Your Current System?
If you already have an Intel 12th-Gen desktop computer, it might make more sense to just stick with the 13th-Gen Intel Core i9. That way, you can spend more on higher-tier Core i9 models instead of buying a completely new system.
But, if you’re building from scratch and want something that’ll last longer—or money is not an object—go with AMD’s processors, specifically its X3D options. The 7950X3D and 7900X3D can go head to head with the 13900KS and 13900K, all while being priced competitively.
Today Is the Best Time to Buy a Powerful Processor
If you want the most powerful consumer desktop that money can buy, you can never go wrong with either the 13th-Gen Intel Core i9 or the AMD Ryzen 9 7000-Series processors.
Their performance is all comparable with each other, and they’re all priced competitively. You just have to look at your situation to get the best option.
But before purchasing, ask yourself, «Do you really need all that power?»
What is better Intel and AMD processors ☑️ performance comparison ☑️ Artline 2022 review
If you are going to buy a gaming PC, then most likely you are comparing models with Intel and AMD processors. The question of whose processors are better — Intel or AMD, has been raised for many years. At the beginning of 2021, we at Artline decided to answer it. To do this, we have collected the main criteria, a list of which you can see in the table of contents below, and examined whose products perform best in each of them.
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Content:
- Gaming performance
- Productivity and efficiency in content creation
- Specifications
- Acceleration
- Drivers and Software
- Process
- CPU architecture
- CPU Security
- Conclusions — which processor is better: AMD or Intel?
- Where can I buy a PC or workstation with the best CPU?
Gaming performance
Let’s just say AMD is the winner.
This manufacturer wins in this round of confrontation with Intel processors. And the reason here is very simple — because the CPU of this company has a higher maximum performance. If you’re a frequent gamer and, shall we say, appreciate every frame you can get, especially if you’re also into overclocking, AMD is your best bet. The cutting-edge performance will pay off if you plan on using this GPU for the next 2-7 years.
AMD is also often the best mid-range option. However, unless you’re running a fancy build with the fastest GPUs paired with low resolution, high refresh rate monitors, the gaming performance tweaks will be so subtle you’ll hardly notice them. In this case, an AMD or Intel chip will provide a more than acceptable level of gaming performance. Still, it’s always good to have some headroom for future GPU upgrades, and AMD’s Zen 3 chips hold the lead, at least for now.
Content Creation Performance and Efficiency
Intel’s troubles moving to denser technology nodes left it behind in the core count race, and AMD now has offerings for both HEDT and regular desktops, that Intel simply can’t match.
AMD chips offer much more performance, which is why they cost more than the corresponding Intel flagships. However, you don’t need to spend big money to see the benefits of AMD chips.
The Ryzen 5000-series processors are the undisputed leaders in single-threaded performance in all of our tests. This means that they will provide better performance in all workloads, especially in everyday applications that rely on instant processor response.
So, once again AMD is the winner in content creation performance. At the same time, for professionals who need high performance in multimedia applications, the victory of AMD processors over Intel may not mean anything. AMD’s lack of integrated graphics on 8-core and higher processors (at the moment) means you still have to go with Intel if you want a workstation without dedicated graphics. Most pros will need a dedicated graphics card anyway.
Specifications
High Performance Desktop (HEDT) is a product for professional developers.
They are multi-core monsters that can handle any task. Intel has been the undisputed leader in this segment for many years. AMD’s first generation Threadripper line disrupted the status quo, however later the Threadripper 3000 line seemed to shatter any hopes AMD had of overtaking Intel. At least, many reviewers wrote about it.
However, we have found that when it comes to AMD and Intel HEDT processors, AMD holds the clear lead with 64 cores and 128 threads in its flagship Threadripper 3990X, with the 32 and 24 core Threadripper 3970X and 3960X maintaining an overwhelming lead over Intel chips.
Intel divides its HEDT product line into two classes: Xeon W-3175X and W-3265, which work well with exotic LGA3647 motherboards with attractive price tags. However, these are systems that developers will enjoy and should be treated as if they were intended for professional workstations.
Winner: AMD. You’ll get more cores, cache, and faster PCIe 4.0 connectivity with AMD’s Threadripper line, but they come with a higher price tag that’s appropriate for such high-end processors.
Overclocking
When it comes to overclocking AMD and Intel processors, the latter company has much more options and much higher maximum frequencies. AMD’s approach is more suitable for entry-level users. They will get excellent overclocking based on the capabilities of their system. But it will be impossible to get such great performance as that of a competitor. However, we were able to find out that AMD Ryzen 5000 processors are often faster than Intel chips, even after aggressive overclocking. So overclocking makes no sense in this case.
In addition, AMD has the advantage of TSMC’s 7nm node, which is more efficient than Intel’s 14nm node. AMD loses this edge a little in its Ryzen 3000 and 5000 series processors due to the large 14nm central I/O die that is included with the CPU. However, collectively, AMD’s 7nm chips either consume less power or deliver a much better power-to-performance ratio. As a result, you get more work per watt, which is a great option, and AMD’s cooling requirements are not as high.
In fact, the Ryzen 5000 series chips are the most energy efficient desktop chips we’ve ever tested, and the Ryzen 5 5600X offers the best efficiency.
Formally, Intel can be recognized as the winner in overclocking, but AMD is more powerful even in comparison with overclocked chips from its competitor on the market. Plus, the latest Ryzen processors use less power, which means less heat.
Drivers and software
In this case, Intel is winning the battle against AMD. Over the past year, Intel has addressed issues with slow driver updates for its integrated graphics. The company has an army of software developers who help ensure that its products are supported on time with the latest software.
This was greatly influenced by the fact that Intel has been releasing better CPUs for so many years, so most software developers have optimized their products exclusively for Intel architectures. AMD has had amazing success in convincing many developers to optimize their radical new Zen architectures.
However, there is still a lot of work ahead and so far AMD is lagging behind.
Process
Winner: AMD. Intel has been sticking to 14nm process technology in its desktop products for over 5 years. The company has achieved amazing performance in its legacy design through a series of optimizations. However, these improvements are not enough to help this company win the battle against AMD who have 7nm TSMC. Intel needs a good 10nm or 7nm desktop chip to catch up, and the sooner the better.
CPU architecture
Winner: AMD again. Looking at the processor architectures of AMD and Intel, it is clear that the former brand is moving faster. Intel has been using its Skylake microarchitecture since 2015. AMD has made rapid progress with its Zen designs, while Intel continues to build on a six-year-old microarchitecture.
CPU Security
Winner: AMD. Currently, Intel products are subject to many more vulnerabilities than AMD.
This may change as AMD gains market share as security researchers increasingly look at its architecture. At the moment, Intel processors need a lot more protection to improve their security. These measures often lead to performance degradation, and Intel has to endure heavy losses.
Which processor is better AMD or Intel
AMD with its Zen-based processors has upended developer expectations for both the mainstream desktop market and the HEDT market. Intel got bogged down in 14nm process technology and Skylake architectures. Over the past few years, AMD processors have moved from cost-effective and power-hungry solutions to cutting-edge designs that deliver more cores, more performance, and lower power requirements.
Intel is very slow to add features and cores to its products, resulting in negative side effects such as increased power consumption and heat dissipation. The new products of this company only highlight its problems in the field of design and production.
Intel cuts prices for its mainstream line. However, this manufacturer still has a «draconian» segmentation policy that limits overclocking and makes chips and motherboards more expensive. The tactic of «squeezing every penny» out of every feature Intel has has allowed AMD to offer more convenient and cheaper designs throughout the desktop processor market.
AMD processors offer superior performance and are not as expensive as the competition. AMD also holds the leading position in terms of performance per core, which also gives it leadership in the entire gaming market.
Intel continues to be more popular, especially among customers who do not use discrete GPUs. Therefore, the company has time to try to regain its leadership in the entire market. The company’s Comet Lake processors helped close Intel’s gap in the critical midrange. But, as we have seen, the guys from AMD are also not sitting still. The Ryzen 5000 has completely changed things, giving AMD performance-leading performance across all important metrics including gaming and single-threaded work, forcing Intel to release Rocket Lake processors faster.
In short, AMD is winning the processor war right now! But in some cases, you will be better off buying an Intel processor. For example, this goes for when you need overclocking, software support, performance without buying a discrete GPU. But if you’re looking for the best balance of price and performance, or simply the highest performance in a power efficient package, AMD is your choice.
Where to buy a PC or workstation with the best CPU
In our store you can choose the best assemblies of workstations and personal computers at the lowest prices. Artline employs the best specialists who can help you with your choice. Be sure that you buy the best model within your budget.
Kyiv, st. Kirillovskaya, 104
- (080) 033-10-06
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Which processor to choose? Comparison of AMD or Intel
processors
Published: February 18, 2019
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The computer processor market has long been competing between two giant companies with their ideas of the ideal processor — AMD and Intel . Which processor is better to choose, Intel or AMD?
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE OF AMD PROCESSORS FROM INTEL
Each processor has a different architecture, which directly affects its performance. Each processor has a number of basic parameters:
— Frequency
— Number of cores
— Graphics core
— Process technology
— Cache
While similar in performance, performance comparison results may differ quite dramatically — a 4-core Intel Core i3-8350K with a frequency of 4 GHz ($210) is 60% faster than an AMD Athlon X4 840 with a dynamic frequency of 3.
1-3.8 GHz ($40). It is by performance that you need to compare processors, and not by frequencies and the number of cores.
«PICKING STONES» IN CHOOSING A PROCESSOR
If you are going to buy a processor for an already assembled computer, everything is greatly simplified. Just choose the right processor for your motherboard — the more expensive the processor, the more powerful it is. And although the increase in performance drops significantly closer to the most expensive models, there are simply no options to get a more powerful processor for a ready-made system unit.
However, planning a budget for the processor of a future computer is somewhat more difficult. When comparing, do not forget about the cost of components that match the processor parameters and your requirements. The difference in price will be different when choosing the following components:
— Motherboard (sometimes the difference reaches $10-15)
— CPU cooler (the difference is up to $10-15 depending on the type of mounting and power dissipation)
— Power supply (the difference is usually small, but pay attention to the processor consumption is all but worth it)
HOW TO KNOW THE PERFORMANCE OF THE PROCESSOR?
There are many target sites for this, but SERVER.
BY recommends userbenchmark.com. This performance comparison site contains real measurements of user performance (processors, video cards, SSD drives, and other components). You can test the components of your computer yourself by downloading a free test on the site. When comparing processors, pay attention to the number of points scored in the following categories:
— SC Mixed — SingleCore (single core computing)
— QC Mixed — QuadCore (4 core load)
— 902 13 MC Mixed — MultiCore (test for multithreading)
TEST RESULTS, COMPARISON OF DIFFERENT SEGMENTS INTEL AND AMD
AMD A6-9500 and Intel Celeron G4900 ($50-60)
Intel Celeron G4 900 and AMD Athlon X4 950
If you are going to use a graphics card rather than integrated graphics, we recommend that you look at the 4-core AMD Athlon X4 950
AMD Ryzen 3 2200G and Intel Core i3-8100 ($110-130)
900 02 V In this case, Intel is slightly ahead of AMD: the power of a single core in the i3-8100 is higher.
However, the third Ryzen is cheaper (-$20) and has more powerful integrated graphics Radeon Vega 8 (+55% performance) — you can easily run any game, even the most demanding today, but at minimum settings (for example, Assassin`s Creed: Odyssey). Both processors are good in their own way, and are able to open most video cards.
Intel Core i5-8400 vs. AMD Ryzen 5 2600 ($190-215)
Core i5 wins in core power, but notice what a gap in the multi-threaded test! Support for twelve AMD threads against six Intel ones. Overall, Ryzen’s $190 price tag is more attractive than the Core i5’s $215 price tag.
Intel Core i7-8700K versus AMD Ryzen 7 2700X ($370-450)
Intel processor outpaces AMD due to the power of individual cores. Although Ryzen 7 is significantly faster in multi-threaded tasks. The $370 Ryzen 7 2700X looks much more interesting than the $450 Core i7-8700K.
CONCLUSIONS
Looking at these tests, one thing can be said for sure?
— AMD processors are better at multi-threaded tasks, more than 4 threads are mathematical calculations , archiving and copying large file arrays, converting files, working with video and rendering .
— Intel processors show themselves faster in tasks using 1-4 threads — this is everyday work, web surfing, leisure, games and streaming , audio work .
This doesn’t mean that you can’t render on Intel and run broadcasts on AMD — these processors do an excellent job with all tasks. But if the question is about maximum efficiency in relation to the money invested, then try to stick to the list above.
WHO IS THE WINNER, INTEL OR AMD?
There is no clear winner and never will be — every company is strong in certain segments. AMD processors focus on cheap multitasking, the ability to perform many tasks at the same time and inexpensively. Intel processors often have more power per core, and are better at tasks that don’t require a lot of processing power from multiple cores.
As for the price, AMD processors are leading in the average price range of $100-200, but everything can change dramatically at any time, as it already happened with Intel processors in the fall of 2018.