Differences between Intel and AMD processors
Why are they different and which ones are better between AMD processors and Intel processors and between Intel Core i5, i7 and Intel Core i9 CPUs
When we buy or assemble a new desktop computer, one of the characteristics that we look at most carefully is the type of processor. Nowadays the choice is between two main brands of processors, AMD or Intel, both with a line of processors suitable for all budgets and able to offer the right compromise between computing power (the prerogative of high-end Intel) and cost. (especially if we focus on AMD products, which tend to be cheaper but no less effective).
In this article we will show you in detail the main differences between AMD and Intel CPUs, also showing you which models should pay our attention to and which processors to buy, so as to avoid getting obsolete CPUs after a few years or with lower power than expected. After reading the guide we will be able to choose our future CPU without help.
Which CPU to buy between AMD and Intel
Choosing between AMD and Intel is not just a question of price: it is true that Intel has a reputation for costing more than AMD and offer greater raw power, but AMD has produced truly balanced processors from all points of view. , not forgetting the integrated graphics component (which can really replace a dedicated video card in many tasks). In the following chapters, we will try to explain in simple terms what are the real differences between AMD and Intel and which processors it is advisable to buy at the time of writing.
Features AMD processors
AMD-branded processors offer an interesting economic advantage over Intel processors, but in recent years this savings has not rhymed with the poor processor or a slow processor, on the contrary: AMD processors are increasingly chosen by fans of modding and PCs assembled at the home because they offer adequate power for every type of use (work, graphics, video games, 3D rendering, etc.), they do not have high electricity consumption, we can dissipate them in a simple way (obtaining greater silence in the case) and integrate into many cases a graphics chip that makes the purchase of a dedicated video card completely superfluous (obviously if we do not have advanced videogame ambitions!). The best family of processors produced by AMD is called Ryzen and has a numerical sequence similar to that of Intel: we find AMD Ryzen 3, AMD Ryzen 5, and AMD Ryzen 7.
Among the various families of Ryzen changes the generation (at the time of writing we are in the third generation of Ryzen, so the numbers always start with 3xxx) the frequency of the processor, the number of cores and threads available, the presence of the graphics chip and other optimizations that lower or raise the price.
If we are interested in purchasing one of the AMD Ryzen processors, we recommend that you take a look at the links below:
- AMD Ryzen 3 3200G (less than 200 €): quad-core processor with 4 threads with a maximum frequency of 4 GHz, suitable for budget computers that want to open any type of program without slowing down.
- AMD Ryzen 5 3600 (less than 300 €): Hexa-core processor with 12 threads with a maximum frequency of 4.2 GHz, perfect for building a powerful and balanced computer for any type of work or need. At the moment it is really the best for value for money.
- AMD Ryzen 7 3700X (less than € 400): octa-core processor with 16 threads with a maximum frequency of 4.4 GHz, the maximum of AMD power available for games, heavy 3D programs, and graphics rendering.
If we don’t really know which AMD processor to choose, let’s give the AMD Ryzen 5 in the list above a chance, so as to spend the right amount and get a really powerful processor for home use.
Features Intel processors
Intel processors have the reputation of offering overall faster performance in any usage scenario, becoming an almost constant choice among all those who want to build powerful computers without spared any expense (even if the prices of Intel CPUs have dropped a lot. Compared to the past ) and energy-saving (since the Intel consume a lot of energy and also heat a lot!). The Intel processor family is really numerous, but we can enclose the most interesting models in the home in the models labeled as Intel Core i3, Intel Core i5, Intel Core i7, and Intel Core i9.
To learn more about Intel processors and understand the differences in names and acronyms, just read our guide to the differences between Intel Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 CPUs.
Next to the processor names, we find the generation (at the time of writing we are at the tenth, so we will see the processors start for 1xxx) and the various CPUs differ in the number of cores, the number of threads, the clock frequency, the presence or less of Hyper-Threading and the amount of additional cache.
If we are interested in purchasing one of the Intel Core processors, we recommend that you take a look at the links below:
- Intel Core i3 10100F (less than € 100): quad-core processor with 8 threads with a maximum frequency of 4.3 GHz, Hyper-Threading technology and low power consumption, ideal for small PCs for a computer designed for the study or to browse the Internet only.
- Intel Core i5-10600K (225 €): Hexa-core processor with 12 threads with a maximum frequency of 4.8 GHz, Hyper-Threading technology and unlocked overclocking, ideal for those who play and always look for high levels of power.
- Intel Core i7-10700 (€ 300): octa-core processor with 16 threads with a maximum frequency of 5.1 GHz, Hyper-Threading technology and unlocked overclocking, a real computational monster for advanced computing operations and to manage without slowdowns multiple virtual machines together.
- Intel Core i9-10900 (€ 420): deca-core processor with 20 threads with a maximum frequency of 5.2 GHz, Hyper-Threading technology and unlocked overclocking, the top of the range for home processors with high computing power for 3D processing advanced and for advanced multitasking.
As we have seen, Hyper-Threading technology allows you to increase performance when running multiple programs simultaneously and when doing multimedia operations (such as transcoding and rendering). Virtually all Intel’s close to or exceed 5GHz in frequency, delivering incredible power that needs to be properly cooled, as seen in our CPU Cooler Guide: When to Buy New.
Conclusion
Bottom line, Intel Core processors are good for users who care about their computer’s performance. Those who work with graphics and videos, those who play the latest generation 3D video games, and those who want the most from their PC can focus on the AMD Ryzen 5 or the Intel Core i7, which currently have the best quality/price ratio among all types. of processors.
