What are the Pros and Cons of AMD and Intel CPUs?
When you purchase a processor from AMD or Intel, you are purchasing not only the CPU but also the company’s platform. A motherboard with an AMD chipset and socket is needed to use an AMD CPU. The same is true for Intel, which uses a motherboard with an Intel chipset and socket. To swap companies, you’d need to replace the CPU and motherboard after purchasing one.
Choosing Intel or AMD binds you to the platform unless you change motherboards.
The same is true when purchasing a pre-built PC with all of the components already assembled. If you go for an AMD platform, you’ll be stuck with it unless you swap out the motherboard. Similarly, Intel. But, in the long run, which is preferable? Can you choose Intel or AMD?
This is largely determined by cost. AMD processors are typically less expensive than Intel equivalents, allowing you to save money on both the processors and pre-built PCs. Purchasing an Intel PC with comparable specifications could cost you $100 or more. In terms of monitors, this is equivalent to AMD and NVIDIA.
AMD – have always been the underdog, but they developed better ways to advance than simply overclocking.
Pros of AMD CPU’s:
- per core $ value
- cluster threading (paired cores) for multithread
- most of the CPU family supported by same motherboard
- all of the CPU family unlocked for overclocking
Cons of AMD CPU’s:
- lower thermal throttle boundary (starts at~ 68C) hence better coolers and solder used in them – heat issues persist.
- high end system requires expensive motherboard, vastly reducing cost gap*
- until recently, lower stock clock (worse for gaming)
- higher power consumption
- sometimes the cluster threading (paired cores) has an internal conflict with data wait time, resulting in less than optimal cluster performance.
Intel CPU’s – Always dominated the market, using their position to bully. Have many partnerships and most games and programs are designed to make the best use of an intel CPU.
Pros of Intel CPU’s
- higher l2 cache resulting in faster data compute.
- higher thermal throttle boundary (starts at 90C).
- system may include optane – a hastle free cache sytem that can help boost system performance when coupled with a hdd (cost saving $$$).
- used to have the highest base clocks (good for gaming) now on par or worse than AMD in some cases.
- generally, still highest single core clock boost (good for non-AAA gaming)
- lower power consumption
Pros of Intel CPU’s
- cost per core substantually higher in some cases
- most of the ‘family’ require whole new motherboards when upgrading
- only a few cpus can be overclocked
- used to have the highest base clocks (good for gaming) now on par or worse than AMD in some cases.
Conclusion
As you would expect, these architectural variations highlight the fact that if we use Intel or AMD processors, we will succeed in some areas while losing in others. Since neither is placed on the other in all important aspects that should direct the purchasing of a processor. However, when it comes to value for money, AMD is unquestionably the simple winner.
That means we’ll keep resolving and developing the concept that Intel and AMD processors can have tangible advantages and disadvantages. Before we go any further, it is important to note that the option of Intel or AMD processors has a significant impact today at the platform level and with advanced features.
