The AMD vs. Intel Showdown: Which Processor Is Superior?

Regardless of whether you’re an avid gamer or an average computer user, you can’t do without a processor. The so-called brain of the computer is an essential component, and you’ll need to do your homework to pick the right model.

In this article, we will compare the two CPU-making giants, AMD and Intel, and weigh the pros and cons of each processor with a focus on those for desktop computers. The debate over which one of these is superior has been raging for a long time. So, sit back and enjoy the ultimate AMD vs. Intel showdown. 

High-End Processors

Once you’ve learned how to interpret PC specifications, you’re all set for your CPU hunt. First up in our AMD versus Intel processors battle are flagships. The models we are comparing are AMD Ryzen Threadripper 2950X and Intel Core i9-9980XE.

Key Features

The first step to uncovering the difference between the Intel and AMD high-end processors is to take a look at the specs. The table below displays the most significant characteristics of each model.

Evidently, there are similarities, as the maximum boost clock is exactly the same. However, AMD has two cores and four threads less. On the other hand, AMD offers more cache memory. 

Price Comparison

AMD used to be the obvious choice for those who were looking for a decent-quality budget-friendly processor. However, with the emergence of their Ryzen processors in 2017, this is no longer the case. In this section, we will compare the Intel and the AMD processor price tags.

The Intel candidate currently retails at $1,699 at Newegg, while you can get its AMD counterpart for $1,093. There is a notable difference in price, as AMD is significantly more affordable despite the similarities in specs.

Performance

Although there isn’t a great deal separating the two models when it comes to performance, Intel has a slight edge over AMD. This is largely thanks to its two extra cores. Benchmark tests showed that Intel is 3% faster.

Mid-Range Processors

Since there is an abundance of models to help us compare Intel and AMD, we will use two similar products. We selected two powerful and comparable desktop mid-rangers from each company - AMD’s Ryzen 9 5900X and Intel Core i9-10900K.

Key Features

To determine which is better, the AMD or Intel mid-ranger, we’ll take a closer look at the specs of the aforementioned models. The key characteristics can be found in the following table.

As you can tell, there are quite a few differences between these two models. First off, AMD’s processor has two more cores than the Intel model. Furthermore, AMD supports more threads and has more cache. However, Intel allows for a higher maximum boost clock.

Price Comparison

You can find the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X processor at Walmart for just over $424, while the same store offers the Intel Core i9-10900K for less than $513. Generally, AMD offers more affordable options when it comes to mid-range processors.

Performance

Now that we’ve compared these two processors on paper, it’s time to see how Intel and AMD processors perform when put to the test. 

AMD has a slight advantage over Intel due to its two extra cores. AMD proved to be faster when running on multiple cores by a whopping 40%. When it comes to running on a single core, Intel’s performance improved, but it was still 5% slower. 

Budget-Friendly Processors

Both AMD and Intel have options for those on a budget. Some of the best budget-friendly processors include AMD Ryzen 3 2200G and Intel Core i3-10300. Let’s dive in to see how this Intel model compares to the Ryzen CPU.

Key Features

Since we’re discussing cheaper options, the specs are not going to be as impressive as they were for higher-end products. Nevertheless, these CPUs still get the job done for an average user. Below are the key features of the two processors.

When it comes to the number of cores, there is no difference between the two. However, as opposed to Intel, AMD has fewer threads and less L3 cache.

Price Comparison

There isn’t much separating these two products when it comes to price. For instance, Intel’s processor is currently available for an affordable $177.49, and you can find the AMD model for $199. 

Performance

In this case, once again, Intel performed better than AMD. Overall, Intel is 29% faster, and in terms of single-core speed, Intel outshines its competitor by 35%. When it comes to quad-core speed, the gap between the two is smaller, as AMD is slower by 18%. 

Best Options for Gaming

The choice of processor is of paramount importance when building your own gaming rig. So, is Intel or AMD better for gaming? 

For those looking for a well-performing but not overpriced CPU, AMD Ryzen 7 5800X and Intel Core i7-11700K can be perfect options. In the table, you can see how they compare in terms of specs.

These two aren’t easily distinguishable, as they share multiple features. They have the same number of cores and threads, and the base clock and maximum boost clock are of similar frequency. The only major difference is that AMD has more cache.

There is no significant difference in performance either. However, Ryzen turned out to be around 5% faster than Intel when playing games. But regardless of whether you choose Ryzen or Intel for gaming, you’re in for a solid experience.

Key Takeaways

As you can tell, trying to compare the Intel and AMD processors isn’t necessarily a straightforward ordeal. Now that you’ve seen how particular models perform against each other, you know that Intel is better in some areas, while AMD takes the crown in others. When making the final decision, it all comes down to the user’s specific requirements.