Microsoft’s Copilot+ PCs announced Qualcomm as an upcoming major CPU player. But you have to choose AMD or Intel for gaming, high-end graphics designing, and productivity. Still, making the right decision can be more challenging than you think. Intel vs. AMD: you can identify the best CPU by assessing different factors, from price and performance to support and security. My processor comparison will assess both manufacturers using these metrics, but it’s up to you to identify the areas that matter.
Intel vs. AMD: Which CPU Is Best?
The AMD vs. Intel CPU debate can overwhelm any undecided buyer due to the numerous CPU models and variants available from each manufacturer. This deluge of options could easily cause one to pick a chipset for all the wrong reasons.
But you can make the right decision by focusing on CPUs within your price range that offer the best performance for your use case. Using other factors, such as power efficiency, support, stability, and security, can also help you narrow down your choices.
Since it’ll be almost impossible to compare every Intel and AMD CPU in one guide, I’ll focus on the high-end, mid-range, and budget options. I’ll also throw in some honorable mentions for good measure.
My processor comparison focuses on consumer-grade desktop CPUs in the high-end, mid-range, and budget sections. I won’t be talking about HEDT (high-end desktop) CPUs like AMD’s Threadripper and Intel’s Cascade Lake-X processor lines, which cost thousands of dollars.
Before you start, you should know the following:
- Clock rate: The fundamental speed at which a CPU handles instructions. It is also called CPU frequency and is measured in gigahertz (GHz). One gigahertz equals one billion cycles per second. A higher clock rate generally means a faster CPU.
- Boost clock: Also called turbo frequency, the boost clock is the maximum extra speed (above the base clock rate) that a CPU can reach under ideal conditions. It provides higher performance in short bursts when needed during demanding tasks like gaming.
- Cores: These are independent processing units within a CPU. More CPU cores allow for better multitasking and improved performance in software designed for multi-core use.
- Threads: They are virtual cores that allow one physical processor core to behave like multiple units. They are added to CPUs to improve multitasking even further.
- Cache: Small, high-speed memory units built into the CPU to store frequently used data for quicker access. This way, the CPU is able to hold and collect information faster. Most Intel and AMD CPUs can have multiple caches (L1, L2, and L3). The higher the cache size, the better.
- Base power: The typical power consumption of a CPU under normal workload, measured in watts (W). It tells users how much power a CPU requires to run. Lower base power specifications indicate power efficient processors.
Board compatibility
One major difference between AMD and Intel processors is motherboard compatibility. If you want to upgrade to newer Intel CPUs, you may be forced to also upgrade your motherboard, unlike many AMD processors that are more backward compatible.
So, ensure you confirm that your board can accommodate the next CPU on your radar.
Overclocking
Sometimes, the AMD vs. Intel CPU debate focuses on overclocking. AMD has the better reputation among the two, as it allows users to increase their boost clocks beyond default specifications. However, Intel’s CPUs already ship overclocked and may offer hardcore gamers what they would get when they overclock AMD processors.
Be that as it may, Intel is not completely opposed to pushing CPUs, as it offers certain chips, especially the K and X/XE variants, that users can overclock.
Intel vs. AMD: Desktop Processor Comparison
Let’s start with the Intel vs. AMD desktop debate. I mentioned that the best way to make a fair comparison is by pairing CPUs according to their price categories. This method also allows you to compare CPUs that fall within your budget.
AMD vs. Intel: High-end processors
If you need the absolute best performance in things like gaming and 3D rendering and you have a high budget, your choice should be between each manufacturer’s flagship processors. They are the best CPUs for gaming, 3D rendering, content creation, and even productivity. These include Intel’s 14th gen (Core i9-14900K/S) and AMD’s Ryzen 9 7950X3D processors.
However, users won’t go wrong with the previous Core i9 13th gen and Ryzen 9 series CPUs, as they also produce blistering speeds.
First, let’s go through their specs side by side before breaking down their performance in different areas.
| Intel Core i9-14900K | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D | Intel Core i9-13900K | AMD Ryzen 9 7950X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock rate | E-cores: 2.4 GHz, 4.4 GHz max
Performance-cores: 3.2 GHz base, 5.6 GHz max |
4.2 GHz | E-cores: 2.2 GHz, 4.3 GHz max
Performance-cores: 3.0 GHz base, 5.4 GHz max |
4.5 GHz |
| Boost clock rate | 6 GHz | 5.7 GHz | 5.8 GHz | 5 7 GHz |
| Cores | 24 (8 performance- and 16 efficient-cores) | 16 | 25 (8 performance- and 16 efficient-cores) | 16 |
| Threads | 32 | 32 | 32 | 32 |
| Cache | 36 MB (32 MB L2 cache) | 1024 KB (L1), 16 MB (L2), 128 MB (L3) | 36 MB (32 MB L2 cache) | 1024 KB (L1), 16 MB (L2), 64 MB (L3) |
| TDP | 125W (Base)
253W (Turbo) |
120W | 125W (Base)
253W (Turbo) |
170W |
| MSRP | $589 – $599 | $699 (launch price) | $589 – $599 | $599 |
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
As mentioned, chips in this category are the best for running the most demanding PC games and graphics intensive tasks.
Between the two, AMD’s flagships are generally better at gaming, thanks to their higher cache and better power efficiency. However, the difference is not light and day, as Intel’s Raptor Lake Refresh models pull ahead in certain scenarios.
For example, the 7950X3D performs a lot better than the 14900K in games designed to take advantage of CPU cache like F1 21. However, the 14900K wins with games like Ghost Recon Breakpoint.
As for 3D rendering, Tom’s Hardware’s benchmarks (from Cinebench to C-ray and Blender) show both chipsets taking the lead under different test scenarios.
The bottom line is that you can select AMD or Intel for gaming at this price point without regretting your choice. Other factors should help tick the final box. While AMD is generally better, price and other factors may put Intel ahead.
The AMD Ryzen vs. Intel productivity comparison isn’t up for debate, as Intel CPUs beat their AMD counterparts in almost every category. The Core i9 14th gen CPUs boast higher performance single-core frequencies (up to 6.2 GHz) than their comparable counterparts.
These processors also have Intel’s APO (Application Optimization) feature that adjusts processing resources based on programs currently running. Even the Core i7 14th gen chipsets beat AMD’s crown jewel on single-core performance and productivity tasks.
AMD’s CPUs are the clear winners here. Intel’s flagship processors are notoriously power hungry. The 14900KS has a 150W base TDP compared to the 7950X3D’s 120W (which remains the same as it can’t be overclocked). However, the Intel processor can consume up to 253W when the turbo boost kicks in.
The best value for money in this case is the Intel Core i9-14900K when compared against the AMD Ryzen 9 7950X3D. However, you can get similar performance at even lower prices when you choose the Ryzen 9 7950X or Core i9 13900K at slashed retail prices.
AMD vs. Intel: Mid-range processors
Mid-range CPUs offer mainstream users the sweet spot for price to performance value. These are processors that cost between $200 and $350. While not as powerful as the high-end processors, this price range remains one of the best places to consider AMD or Intel for gaming, productivity, and content creation.
The AMD Ryzen vs. Intel CPU face-off in this price category is also quite heated, as it accommodates more users.
These CPUs include Intel’s Core i5 14th gen and AMD’s Ryzen 5 and 7 7000 series processors. AMD’s Ryzen 5 7600 is the cheapest in the 7000 lineup, with the 7600X coming a close second. The pricier ones include the Ryzen 7 7700X and 7800X3D. However, Intel also offers numerous options, such as the Core i5-14500, 14400, 14600, and 14450 models with their K, F, KF, X, XE, and T variants.
You can still consider previous-gen chips like the Core i5 13600K, as their speeds and performance are not far off from the most recent CPUs.
| Core i5 14600K | Ryzen 7 7700X | Core i5 14500 | Ryzen 5 7600X | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock rate | E-Cores: 2.6 GHz base, 4.0 GHz max P-Cores: 3.5 GHz base, 5.3 GHz max |
4.5 GHz | E-Cores: 1.9 GHz, 2.6 GHz max P-Cores: 2.6 GHz base, 5 GHz max |
4.7 GHz |
| Boost clock rate | 5.3 GHz | 5.4 GHz | 5 GHz | 5.3 GHz |
| Cores | 14 (6 performance- and 8 efficient-cores) | 8 | 14 (6 performance- and 8 efficient-cores) | 6 |
| Threads | 20 | 16 | 20 | 12 |
| Cache | 24 MB (20 MB L2 cache) | 512 KB (L1), 8 MB (L2), 32 MB (L3) |
24 MB (11.5 MB L2 cache) | 384 KB (L1) 6 MB (L2) 32 MB (L3) |
| TDP | 125 W (Base) 181 W (Turbo) |
105W | 65W (Base)
154W (Turbo) |
105W |
| MSRP | $319 – $329 | $232 – $242 | ||
| GPU | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon Graphics | Intel UHD Graphics 770 | AMD Radeon Graphics |
The Core i5-14600K has more core counts (14 vs. 6) and more threads (20 vs. 12) than every AMD in its price range, which makes it the better performer for multitasking. It also has better single-core performance according to every benchmark I’ve seen.
However, AMD’s chips perform better than other lower variants, such as the Core i5-14400 and 14500.
Intel’s Core i5 14600K and 13600K processors are the best performers within this price range.
The story is not different in productivity. Intel’s offerings blow AMD’s out of the water every step of the way. You can pick the 14600K or 13600K and still beat AMD’s best upper mid-range products.
The AMD Ryzen 5 7600X and 7700X chips have a base TDP of 105 watts, while the Intel Core i5-14600K and 13600K processors’ are 181W. AMD’s chips would be the clear choice if you want to go for a CPU that draws less power. However, you’ll be sacrificing a fair bit of performance.
Intel blows AMD out of the water in the mid-range segment. The Core i5-14600K and 13600K are miles better than the Ryzen 5 7700X and 7800X3D, even at their slashed prices. However, AMD is the winner if you’re comparing the Ryzen 5 7600 or 7600X to the Core i5-14400 and 14500.
AMD vs. Intel: Budget processors
Using MSRP launch price ranges when talking about budget chipsets is not quite realistic. You can get older, more capable CPUs at highly discounted prices today, making them great deals when it comes to budget options.
As far as prices go, the AMD Ryzen vs. Intel budget comparison covers CPUs that cost between $90 and $200. However, there are few chips you can get below the $90 mark, but that would mean sacrificing a lot in terms of performance. The best processors you can find in this range are the Intel Core i3 13th gen and AMD Ryzen 5 5600 processors, which fall in the $100 to $200 range.
Let’s compare these processors.
| Core i3-13100 | Ryzen 5 5600 | Core i3-12100 | Ryzen 5 5500 | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clock rate | 3.40 GHz |
3.5 GHz | P-Cores: 3.30 GHz | 3.6 GHz |
| Boost clock rate | 4.2 GHz | 4.4 GHz | P-Cores: 4.30 GHz | 4.2 GHz |
| Cores | 4 | 6 | 4 | 6 |
| Threads | 8 | 12 | 8 | 12 |
| Cache | 12 MB (5 MB L2) | 384 KB (L1), 3 MB (L2), 32 MB (L3) | 12 MB | 384 KB (L1), 3 MB (L2), 16 MB (L3) |
| TDP | 35W (Base)
69W (Turbo) |
65W | 60W (Base)
89W (Turbo) |
65W |
| MSRP | $134 | $125-$199 | $134-$144 | Up to $100 |
| GPU | None | Intel UHD 730 | None |
People going for these chips are not exactly asking, “Is AMD or Intel better for gaming?” as they need them for lighter tasks compared to the mid-range segment. However, you must be mindful about the variants that require installing dedicated graphics cards when comparing AMD vs. Intel CPUs at this price point. They include the F versions for Intel and some X models for AMD.
Their IGPs are good enough to play light and older games at lower graphics settings. Generally, I would pick AMD’s chips over Intel’s in the budget segment when it comes to performance.
Intel has a lot of offerings in the budget range, as users can go for previous generation CPUs that offer similar performance at a lower price. AMD’s Ryzen 5 computers can be more enticing when you account for radical price slashes that see some processors go below the $100 mark.
Intel vs. AMD: Laptops
Both companies use various naming conventions to distinguish their mobile processors as follows:
Intel:
- Y: Lowest power
- U: Low power (Power efficient)
- P: Middle-power (Balanced between power efficiency and performance)
- H, HK, and HX: High power
AMD:
- C: Low power (mostly for Chromebooks)
- U: Power efficient
- HS: High-performance and power-efficient
- H/HX: Highest performance
Both manufacturers’ flagship chipsets (Intel’s Core Ultra and AMD’s Ryzen Mobile 7000 series) offer the best performance for any Windows laptop user. Still, most people lean towards AMD laptops these days considering their power efficiency and incredible performance per watt numbers.
Be that as it may, you shouldn’t stop at comparing just CPUs when considering an AMD or Intel laptop. You must look at reviews for each laptop, since you’re forced to buy everything (screen, keyboard, and GPU) in one package rather than just the chip.
AMD vs. Intel: Artificial Intelligence
When it comes to AI, you’re not just looking at AMD or Intel. Qualcomm pulled a surprise maneuver with Microsoft to create the first Copilot+ PC powered by its Arm-based Snapdragon X processors.
While Intel’s Meteor Lake (Core Ultra) CPUs and AMD’s 8000G series processors came with NPUs built-in, they couldn’t reach the 40 TOPS requirements that Microsoft set for its Copilot+ PCs.
However, AMD’s all-new AI 300 series chips now boast the required TOPS to earn any laptop its Copilot+ PC badge. Their NPUs produce up to 55 TOPS with strong multi-core and single-core performance as well. Intel’s Lunar Lake and Arrow Lake processors also show some promise, with reports showing they will also surpass Microsoft’s NPU requirements.
We’ll have to wait and see how the AI processors from the industry giants stack up against each other.
Intel vs. AMD: Software Support
Intel has a better reputation for software support, as it pushes out timely updates and stays on top of glitches. However, the recent wave of errors plaguing its 14th and 13th gen processors does not help the company’s case.
Still, AMD’s relatively limited resources are laid bare in intermittent chipset and CPU driver issues, even if the company comes around to fix them. But Intel has the workforce and capacity to deliver better software updates and fix impending issues.
But while Intel is ahead in this category, AMD is not a pushover, as it has been making significant strides. Updating AMD drivers is now as seamless as possible, given the tools deployed by the manufacturer.
Intel vs. AMD: Security
Most modern chips ship with the Trusted Platform Module (TPM) that Microsoft made compulsory for running Windows 11. Both manufacturers are also implementing other silicon-level security features like Intel’s Threat Detection Technology and AMD’s Transparent Secure Memory Encryption to get ahead of dangerous vulnerabilities.
However, Intel suffers security attacks more than any other computer CPU manufacturer. That’s not a surprise, given the company’s larger market share and user base. These security attacks, such as the Spectre Vulnerability attacks in 2022, can be quite dangerous because they grant access at the chip level and can go undetected.
AMD also has a lot on its plate and has suffered its fair share of attacks. These include the revelation that its TPM technology is hackable and other security vulnerabilities exposed in the past.
That said, AMD is still the safer choice overall since it suffers fewer attacks than Intel and implements more security controls.
Intel vs. AMD: Verdict
Go for Intel if:
- Your focus is on productivity, and your apps are designed to favor single-core performance.
- You want to purchase a relatively cheaper mid-range CPU with better performance offerings.
- You have the required motherboard supported by most Intel processors.
- Software and driver support are a big deal for you.
Choose AMD if:
- You’re a fan of AMD’s dedicated GPUs and want to take advantage of the manufacturer’s sync features.
- You’re big on power efficiency.
- You want the best raw performance for gaming.
- Your apps favor more CPU cache and multi-core processing.
- You have an older motherboard.
You also have to determine other factors that matter to you, like whether the chip you want to purchase supports the Intel VT-x or AMD-V virtualization feature and if you will rely on AI tasks.
AMD vs. Intel CPUs: The Right Choice
People will never stop asking, “Is AMD or Intel better for gaming?” as long as these manufacturers continue pushing each other. While it’s fun to join these unending fan debates, you must focus on personal preference when choosing to buy a processor that meets your work or play needs.
