When purchasing a computer, one of the most important decisions is choosing the right processor. Although you will find models from various brands on the market, Intel and AMD stand out as the two preferred options for most users.
Each of these brands has unique features, advantages and disadvantages. That’s why, in this comparison, you’ll learn the differences between Intel and AMD processors so you can determine which is the best option for your computer based on your needs and budget.
Intel and AMD, the two most popular processors
Processors are responsible for executing program instructions and handling the tasks your computer performs, such as running applications, processing data, and coordinating other system components. But which one is best for your computer? Find out below.
Intel
Intel processors are well known in the market for their innovation and versatility. They cover a wide range of needs, from basic tasks to highly specialized applications and are classified as follows:
-Core i3, i5, i7, i9 series: You should know that Intel processors are divided into these series, each aimed at different levels of performance. The i3 series is perfect for basic tasks such as web browsing and word processing.
The i5 series is very useful if you are looking for intermediate performance, suitable for using multimedia applications or moderate games.
The i7 series is one of the most powerful, in fact, it is the one recommended if you want a computer to use video editors or sign up for high-performance PC games.
For its part, the i9 series is designed to perform extremely demanding tasks, whether it is professional content creation or if you are gaming but at an extreme level.
-Xeon Series: These are processors that are aimed at workstations and servers. They usually offer additional features such as support for multiple cores and increased cache capacity. This is the most suitable processor for intensive work environments.
AMD
These processors are characterized by offering a good quality-price ratio. In addition, they stand out for their ability to work optimally in a wide variety of apps, basic tasks and high-performance processing and are divided as follows:
-Ryzen 3, 5, 7, 9 Series: It is very similar to the one offered by Intel since AMD also categorizes its processors into series to reflect the level of performance they have. The Ryzen 3 series is ideal for you to be able to run basic tasks.
Meanwhile, the Ryzen 5 series is suitable for gaming or multitasking PCs.
On the other hand, the Ryzen 7 and Ryzen 9 processors are designed to satisfy users who require maximum performance, for example, if you are a content creator or professional gamer this is a recommended option.
-EPYC Series: This line is primarily aimed at servers and workstations. They usually offer a high number of cores and threads, and are perfect for applications that typically require extensive parallel processing.
-Athlon: This is another series of processors from AMD. They are actually known for being budget-friendly and perfect for entry-level computers and basic tasks. They offer adequate performance for office computers and applications that are light.
Processor performance
It should be noted that Intel processors use the x86 architecture, and recently, the Alder Lake and Raptor Lake microarchitecture in their latest models. These architectures improve performance and energy efficiency, especially in the i7 and i9 series.
It has a slight advantage in single-core tasks, which is a positive in applications that are not well optimized for multiple cores. Also, processors from this brand usually have better integration with specific software and greater stability in overclocking.
Now, AMD has tried to grow in the market by offering its so-called Zen architecture, which is present in the Ryzen and EPYC series. In this way, they have improved efficiency and performance compared to previous generations. What’s more, the latest generation, Zen 4, has a notable improvement in IPC (instructions per cycle).
Not only that, AMD processors offer more cores and threads for a better price compared to the adversary, making them very attractive for multitasking tasks and applications that benefit from a high core count.
Energy consumption
Over time, Intel processors have improved a lot in terms of energy efficiency. However, in general, these processors tend to consume more energy compared to AMD, especially in the high-performance series. The higher-end models can generate a considerable amount of heat, which may require much more robust cooling solutions at times.
Meanwhile, AMD boasts better power consumption, offering a good balance between performance and efficiency. Of course, these processors also generate heat, but the energy efficiency of the newer models helps keep temperatures under control, meaning they need less cooling compared to some models offered by Intel.
Conclusion
The choice between an Intel or AMD processor will depend on your specific needs and budget. If you’re looking for exceptional performance in single-core applications and don’t mind paying a little more money, then Intel might be a good choice. On the other hand, if you’re more interested in getting more cores and threads for less money, then AMD might be the better choice for you.
Ultimately, both brands are trying to deliver high-quality processors to meet the needs of users. Therefore, it is advisable to first evaluate what your priorities are in terms of performance, price and energy efficiency that you want for your computer and from there make a decision about the processor you are going to buy.