Choosing the processors between AMD or Intel is the most difficult decision one can make due to various reasons. Both the companies have variety of products in different price range. So, it is not very easy as it was before, to select one.
Is Intel or AMD a better processor?
Before having a choice between Intel or AMD , it is necessary to know in depth their functions and work. After this we can determine if they have the necessary work capacity to satisfy our needs with the computer. So first we are going to find out what their job is, and then we will delve into how important both brands are.
Before starting to see the differences between Intel or AMD processors , it is necessary to know these companies. That is why we will start with Intel and then give way to AMD and thus learn about their differences.
Intel Corporation has become the largest manufacturer of integrated circuits in the world. Their main job was to create processors that have the x86 architecture, used by a large number of computers. In addition, during the beginning of the 21st century, 80% of computers had these elements.
On the other hand, they are also in charge of designing other elements for computers such as chipsets and motherboards. They also develop elements designed for wireless communications, applications, routers, Ethernet networks and more.
AMD does not want to be left behind
Known as Advanced Micro Devices, it is known as the second company to develop x86-type microprocessors. It has a wide catalog to its credit of processors and units related to graphic processing. Over time it has managed to evolve greatly, to the point of competing with Intel.
The Most Popular Models of Intel and AMD
Within this section we will mention some of the models that most often characterize these brands of processors. Surely if you are on a computer, you are reading with one of these processors that we will mention.
Intel processors
Among the best-known models that are currently on the market, we have the following:
• Intel Core i3 4470
• Intel Core i5
• Intel Core i7 5775
• Intel Core i9 9000
The number that accompanies the “i” refers to the number of cores and threads that the processor has. Instead, the second number refers to the generation, either 4th, 5th or 9th in the cases mentioned. Finally, the 3 numbers at the end refer to the SKU or identifier of each processor.
AMD processors
Now, we will show you the processors that are part of the different generations that AMD has launched on the market:
• AMD Ryzen 3 1000
• AMD Ryzen 5
• AMD Ryzen 7 2000
• AMD Ryzen 9 3000
In this case, the first number refers to how many cores the processor type has. The second number refers to the generation that the processor belongs to, either 1st, 2nd or 3rd in this case. The latest numbers will indicate the power they have, that is, the AMD Ryzen 7 5700 is more powerful than the AMD Ryzen 7 3400.
How to choose between Intel and AMD?
It is time to delve into the differences that exist between the processors of one brand or another. We will know the main factors that can determine that you end up leaning towards one of them. So it’s time to learn how they work and what they can offer each of the computers.
Integrated Graphics
We start with this aspect, since in this case there is no clear winner between both developer brands. There are users who claim that in this AMD is much better for the graphics that are integrated. However, it is usually much better for multitasking computers.
In the case of Intel, users who prefer to have GPUs with higher performance tend to choose it for video games. This means that in the combinations of CPUs with powerful GPUs, it is Intel that has a better development. So everything will depend on the type of user.
Processor performance
In the case of the performance that they may have, it is the Intel processors that manage to win in this aspect. It is a reality that according to its models, AMD is the one with the highest number of cores. However, Intel has much faster chips that offer greater efficiency when working individually.
Something that cannot be denied is that AMD continues to work on the development of more powerful processors. That is why you can already begin to see some models that manage to outperform Intel in this regard.
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Overclock
This is a very important feature and it will improve the speed at which the component clock works. This way, the CPU will be able to go much faster than it was designed for in the first place. Thus, users will be able to have better control over the way in which the components will work.
For this case, it is Intel once again who stands above AMD for its generosity in doing this task. It should be noted that for this to be effective, the Intel processor must have a K-series seal of approval. While for this task, any of the models that AMD has allows you to overclock.
Overheating
Once again, between Intel or AMD , it is Intel that manages to position itself as the best processor. In this case, it is these that have better energy and heat consumption in their models. All this thanks to its HyperThreading integrated in the CPUs since 2002 to keep their cores active.
In the case of AMD, although they have more cores, it is a reality that they have not managed to solve this. That is why there are still problems with your processors related to overheating while working. What has managed to counteract this has been its Ryzen chips that allow it to be reduced.
Quality/price ratio
This is one of the most complicated aspects in which you can choose between processors. The truth is that AMD has processors that are cheaper, but Ryzen has pushed them into the high-end market.
As you can see, choosing between Intel or AMD is not an easy task, since both offer a good job. However, what can determine your preference for one brand or another is the use you give the computer. This way you will know which of the two can meet your needs, so keep that in mind when choosing.
Intel and AMD Processors: Major Cost of Production Difference
By the launch of processors based on Zen 2, we can see that in terms of IPC Intel doesn’t have a major advantage. Thanks to Zen architecture which made a complete comeback of AMD. This doesn’t mean that Ryzen 3000 is the best and is outshined than Intel’s Core 10 series. They both are different at the architectural level and hence they offer difference in performance and some other features like sale price, power consumption, working temperatures, overclocking capacity etc.
The design used on Intel processors is a monolithic core design i.e. a single silicon chip is used to build their cores. The MCM architecture used by AMD in Ryzen 3000 series has less advantage than this architecture used in Intel due to the below reasons:
• Lower cache latencies.
• Higher working frequencies can be reached.
• The frequency of RAM is less depended.
• The freedom to overclock is more.
One of the best processor that we can get at below $200 is Core i5 10400F, it has the finest features with the advantage of the monolithic architecture used by Intel. It has outshone Ryzen 3600X under many tests like memory configuration which is slower for Ryzen 3600X (2,666 MHz vs 3,200 MHz).
But there are many disadvantages for this architecture as well, which we need to consider.
• At production level, it is costly.
• The core count is high.
• The defective chips cannot be used in the same degree.
Due to the above reasons, in the present generation there is a major difference in the price for both Intel and AMD processors. We will look into an example to understand better on it.
By using two chpis which contains six active eight-cores each, AMD can produce Ryzen 9 3900X. High frequencies is not required for that.
But Intel Core i9 10900K requires chip with ten functional cores. With an active core and in a stable way it will reach 5.3 GHz and with all active cores it will reach 4.9GHz. Intel has a high profit margin compared to AMD Ryzen processors. But we should understand that the production cost and core count is higher.
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Multi-chip module i.e. MCM design is used by AMD processors. Cores are divided into parts called chiplets. Eight cores are there in each chiplet and it contains two CCX units with four cores each. An Infinity Fabric system is used by different chiplets to communicate. An I/O element communicates with every chiplets and the element is outsourced to an encapsulation.
The important advantages of the above configuration are:
• Helps to reduce cost of production as the success rate per wafer will improve.
• Maintains a low price and makes the chip design with as many cores as possible.
• Even on the processors with core count higher, it facilitates jumps.
• The degree of use of defective chips are higher.
There are many examples for the above advantages, but Ryzen 7 1700 is the best among them which offers MCM design. It has 8 cores and 16 thread, and with a price of $350 approximately. But the Core i7 6900K, the Intel equivalent had $1200 even if it offers the same performance.
An MCM deign can achieve the price-performance ratio without any doubt although the architecture has many disadvantages too like
• It reaches lower working frequencies.
• It has a smaller margin of overclock.
• The latencies of the caches are higher, which forces to integrate a greater amount.
• Greater dependence on the frequency of RAM.
The chiplets are integrated into different silicon pads, which means that there is a small physical distance between them, something that does not happen in monolithic core designs, which integrates all the cores in the same chip, with all that this implies in latency terms.
On the subject of RAM and its dependence on the speed of work we have already spoken previously when citing the Ryzen 5 3600 and Core i5 10400F, so we are left with the question of the working frequencies. As we said just above, the Core i9 10900K clocks in at 5.3 GHz with an active core, and it can run at 4.9 GHz with all of its active cores. In contrast, the Ryzen 9 3900X only reaches 4.6 GHz with an active core, and is around 4.3 GHz with all its active cores.
Therefore it is advised to check the requirements before choosing AMD or Intel.
Intel or AMD Which is best for your computer?
Now that you know the differences between Intel or AMD processors, it’s time to choose the best one to buy and install. It is a reality that Intel has a long history and that its developments have sought the best for users but AMD has also managed to compete with Intel in terms of efficiency and quality of components.