Which is better AMD or Intel. Which is better Intel or AMD Which processor manufacturer is better amd or intel

How much money would you like to spend on a CPU? Depending on the price segment, the difference in performance can be very significant. Of course, it also depends on what requirements you place on your computer. It all starts with CPU models costing up to about 10,000 rubles, which are intended for simple PCs with low performance, but sufficient for office work and web surfing.

In the category from 15,000 rubles, it is possible to get much more power. These models can be equipped with already good gaming computers. At this price point, AMD offers some attractive quad-core models, but Intel also has something to offer, such as Core i5 processors with four cores and high clock speeds.

Core i7 from Intel and high-end AMD Ryzen 7 series models usually cost from 20,000 rubles and justify their use only in serious systems. Even more money will need to be spent only by those who want to achieve fast operation of a resource-intensive specialized software, optimized for multi-core systems.

CoolerMaster V8: A CPU cooler can be truly huge.

Choosing a processor: what to look for

Anyone who wants to get the best option for their money should first of all pay attention to the overall performance of the model when purchasing a processor. However, the level of energy consumption also plays an important role. When evaluating a specific model, parameters such as clock speeds, number of cores, and the presence of special functions are also important.

We talk about how the CHIP laboratory tests processors comprehensively and objectively in. Next, we will tell you what you should pay attention to when choosing a specific model.

1. CPU performance

Performance is the most important parameter when evaluating a processor. Anyone who knows exactly what tasks will be assigned to the computer can glean additional useful information from the corresponding benchmarks. For office work, a high score in the Excel benchmark is important.

1.

Overall score: 100

Price/quality ratio: 76

2.

Overall rating: 93.6

Price/quality ratio: 100

3.

Overall rating: 86.6

Price/quality ratio: 73

2. Processor manufacturer

Essentially the question is: Intel or AMD? Both processor manufacturers have their advantages and disadvantages. Intel CPUs now feature higher clock speeds and execute a higher number of instructions per cyclic clock (IPC), making them shine in applications that require single-core performance.

Since 2017, AMD has entered the arms race with new Ryzen processors. The manufacturer presented very good 6- and 8-core CPUs with multi-threading support, beating Intel's price offer in every segment.

3. CPU power consumption level

Processors convert a large amount of energy into heat. AMD chips need up to 95 W, while Intel’s this parameter reaches 140 W for the fastest models. In the segment of mainstream CPUs for desktop systems, power consumption levels are at 65 and 95 W, respectively.

Those who are not assembling a workstation and do not plan to overclock the processor may not bother too much when purchasing a power supply and a cooler. However: before purchasing components, you should add up the power consumption of all parts of the system to select a power supply with the appropriate characteristics.

4. Specifications

Anyone who wants to equip an existing computer with a new processor must ensure that the CPU matches the motherboard and its socket. For current models (which are no more than 2-3 years old), the choice will be quite simple: processors with Skylake and KabyLake architecture from Intel require socket 1151, Ryzen processors from AMD require socket AM4.

The fact that the CPU is compatible with the socket type does not guarantee that everything will work as it should. Your best bet would be to find an up-to-date instruction manual. motherboard on the manufacturer's website - this usually contains an exact list of supported processors.

Rating leader (extreme processors): Intel Core i9-7900X

This CPU from Intel with its ten cores set the heat during testing, as they say, and demonstrated performance of the highest level. Of course, the cost is also enormous - about 73,000 rubles. For ordinary users, such a processor is still redundant.

But those who need it will find in it a chip for the high-end LGA2066 socket platform with a base clock frequency of 3.3 GHz, which can increase to 4.5 GHz if necessary. At the same time, technically, despite the index “7” in the designation, we are talking about a processor of the generation not of Kaby Lake, but of Skylake in an extreme version.

Test results

Intel Core i9-7900X is a new top-level processor from Intel. During testing, the Skylake X generation processor performed fantastically: in many benchmarks it confidently beats its predecessor, the Intel Core i7-6950X. In many, but not all. The new cache structure requires its toll. However, the processor is a definite buy recommendation for anyone looking to maximize their computer's processing power.

Advantages

Highest performance
Ten CPU cores
Very promising
Good value for money
Large L2 cache size

Flaws

Very expensive
High energy consumption

Intel Core i9-7900X test results

  • Price-quality ratio
    Fine
  • Place in the overall ranking
    7 of 28
  • Price/quality ratio: 65
  • CPU performance (100%): 84.1

In one of our previous articles, we already wrote about that, now let’s approach this issue a little more carefully, namely, let’s look at: “Which is better AMD or Intel?” The choice of these two companies is not accidental, since they are the main giants in this area, however, even when choosing from two options, users may get lost, since AMD captivates us with its low prices, and Intel with its powerful characteristics and positive reviews. So what then should you give your preference to?! Let's find out!

Each chip has its own architecture, manufacturing process, cache, number of cores and their frequency. Intel and AMD have completely different architectures, which determine the stability and power of the CPU. If you take two processors with the same number of cores and identical clock speeds, you will get completely different performance. The site’s specialists, therefore, hint to you that, for example, 4-core processors: AMD Athlon II X4 740 3.2GHz ($70) and Intel Core i5-4570 3.2GHz ($200) will differ greatly in power. Therefore, cores and frequency are not an indicator when comparing chips. You need to compare based on performance. For such purposes, there are sites where you can select any processor and see its performance in tests and comparison with the performance of analogues and competitors.

Is it really cheap?AMD is better expensiveIntel?
However, despite the above, AMD chips can be considered an excellent solution for a budget PC, and Intel chips can be considered for the purpose of gaming assembly and other tasks that require high computing power. But Intel also has inexpensive processors. Many people are familiar with the dual-core Pentium and Celeron. In terms of performance, in many tests they are superior to similarly priced AMD ones. But in multitasking with 4-core cheap AMDs they lose a little. If your preference is towards Intel, then we recommend immediately buying the latest generation chip. Currently it is Haswell with socket 1150.

Comparison and selection of processors (between AMD and Intel) by price range

In the segment up to $100- We advise you to choose a processor depending on the tasks. Internet, movies, office programs– Intel would be an excellent solution. For games here it is better to buy a 4-core AMD, since it is designed for multitasking. An example here will be the same AMD Athlon II X4 740/750k/760k for Socket FM2. Also note that some processors with socket FM2 (besides Athlon) are equipped with a good integrated graphics core, which replaces a discrete video card. You can use it only if your plans do not include entertainment in the form of powerful games. For games you only need a discrete video card, and no integrated one will replace it. For the average user (not a gamer), it will be quite enough AMD processor with a built-in graphics processor, while saving on a separate video card and purchasing at least 4 gigabytes of RAM for high-quality operation of the integrated video card, since it, without its own memory, uses the system one.

As for the price of 100-150 dollars, then the situation here is similar. In this segment, Intel has a Core i3 chip, which has 2 cores with hyper technology threading, which makes 2 more virtual cores. That is, the PC recognizes 4 threads. This means that in some tests the Core i3 will outperform the 4-core AMD FX with socket AM3+. So for multitasking the best solution will be a 6-core AMD. But the fact is that many games are designed only for 4 cores, and OS for one core, and only starting with Windows 8 - for two. Conclusion: 6 and 8 cores make no sense, since it is better to choose 4 cores with good architecture and high performance. The Core i5 fits perfectly into these parameters, with a price starting at $190. In the highest category, AMD has only 8-core processors, with differences in frequency and memory Cache.

Intel's Core i7 processor is considered the best (4 cores, 8 threads with hyper threading technology). Compared to its competitor, it is far superior to AMD with 8 cores, which according to some tests is even comparable to Core i5. This suggests that 8 cores are only marketing ploy. Moreover, if you look at AMD architecture, then the cores are arranged in blocks of 2. That is, in a 4-core CPU there are 2 blocks, each containing 2 microprocessors. In a 6-core one there are 3 blocks, etc.

Ultimately, we cannot say accurately and unconditionally that this or that processor is better. We can only give simple but effective advice: always compare test performance of each selected processor. They will show which tasks the desired CPUs are better at. Also proceed from the tasks that you set for the computer. And only then will you be able to answer the main question: Intel or AMD and choose the right option for yourself.

Also, do not forget that each processor has its own specific type, so most likely you will have to replace it too. As for, everything here is extremely simple and no questions should arise.

This material will compare the processor products of two leading manufacturers of semiconductor chips: Intel vs AMD. Their current computing platforms will also be reviewed, their strengths and weaknesses indicated. Well, in addition to this, possible computer configurations will be given.

The main current x86 processor sockets

Today, each of the leading manufacturers of central processors has 2 current processor sockets. At Intel it is:

    Socket LGA 2011-v3. This combined processor socket is aimed at assembling both high-performance personal computers for computer enthusiasts and servers. The key feature of this platform is the RAM controller, which can operate in 4-channel mode, and it is this important feature that provides unprecedented performance to processor products. It should also be noted that this platform does not use an integrated graphics subsystem. Only discrete graphics can unlock the potential of such high-performance chips, and the LGA 2011 - v3 processor socket is aimed precisely at using this class of computer components.

    Socket LGA 1151. This computing platform allows you to organize both budget-level PCs and high-performance computing systems. In this case, the RAM controller can operate maximally in 2-channel mode. Also, almost every central processor in LGA 1151 is equipped with an integrated video card that will fit perfectly into an office or budget system unit. In terms of performance, this socket is inferior to the previously reviewed LGA 2011-v3, but outperforms any of the AMD solutions. Therefore, if we compare Intel i5 vs AMD FX-8XXX, then the advantage, both in productivity and in energy efficiency, will be with the products of the first company.

In turn, AMD is actively promoting the following processor sockets today:

    The main computing platform for this developer of microprocessor devices is AM3+. The most productive CPUs within its framework are FX chips, which can include from 4 to 8 computing modules. Controller random access memory in AM3+, as in LGA 1151, it can function maximally in Only in this case we are talking about support for the outdated RAM standard - DDR3, but LGA 1151 boasts support for the newest and fastest DDR4. Therefore, if we compare the latest Intel i5 vs AMD FX-9XXX, then even the flagship solutions of the latter will significantly lose in performance. Also within this platform there is support for an integrated graphics subsystem. But, unlike the sameLGA 1151The built-in graphics core in this case is part of the motherboard, and is not integrated into the semiconductor chip of the CPU.

    The most recent AMD processor socket to date isFM2+. Its main niche is inexpensive multimedia stations, office or ultra-budget computers. main featureFM2+ -This is a very productive integrated subsystem, which in terms of performance can compete on equal terms with entry-level discrete video cards and is significantly ahead of Intel products of this class. But the limiting factor on the success of this socket is the weak processor part of this semiconductor solution. Therefore, the use of this connector in the context of even an entry-level is entirelyunjustified.

LGA 1151. Main characteristics

This computing platform currently occupies a dominant position in the desktop computer market, and it is it that provides a significant advantage in the comparison of Intel vs AMD on the side of the former. And both in quantitative and qualitative terms. As noted earlier, it boasts the following advantages over its direct competitors AM3+ and FM2+: a built-in DDR4 RAM controller, the mandatory presence of a graphics subsystem and cache memory, which includes three levels without fail. The positioning of chips within LGA 1151, as well as their most important parameters, are shown in Table 1. If we make a direct comparison between Intel Core i5 vs AMD FX-9 XXX series, then in the vast majority of tasks the advantage will be with the first solution. There is nothing special about this: the latest generation of Intel chips was introduced in the summer of 2015, and AMD in 2012. Therefore, it is quite difficult for the latter’s processor products to compete with newer and more productive Intel products.

Positioning of chips within LGA 1151. Their most important characteristics

Name of processors

In which PCs is it best to use such a chip?

Main settings

Celeron. CPU models G3920, G3900 and G3900TE.

Office system units with integrated graphics.

Advanced 14 nm process technology, excellent energy efficiency, three-level cache.

Pentium. Model series processors G44XX and G45XX.

Budget PCs that can handle most common tasks.

Compared to the most affordable Celeron chips Level 3 cache and clock speeds have been increased.

Core i3 models 61ХХ and 63ХХ.

Basic gaming PCs paired with powerful discrete graphics.

HT technology support, which allows you to get at the level With ofta 4 software processing streams. Increased L3 cache and clock speeds.

Core i5 models 64XX, 65XX and 66XX.

An average gaming system or graphics station combined with a powerful graphics card.

Full 4 cores, dynamic CPU frequency control, even larger cache size.

Core i7 models 67XX.

The most productive gaming PCs, video processing and encoding stations, entry-level servers.

4 cores and 8 software processing threads. Maximum cache size. Adjusting the processor frequency.

System units for computer enthusiasts.

Unlocked multiplier allows you to significantly increase performance computing system.

Processor socket LGA 2011-v3. Technical Specifications

Within this platform it is impossible to compare Intel vs AMD for the reason that this socket is unrivaled in performance today.LGA 2011-v3was originally developed as a server socket, but then the lineup chipsXeon was supplemented Core i7,aimed at the segment of household PCs with unprecedented high performance.As was previously noted earlier, one cannot expect integrated graphics within such systems, and the RAM controller has 4 channels at once. Also, the undeniable advantages of this socket include the ability to install a CPU with 6 or even 12 cores, which also haveunlockedfactor. As a result, the productivity margin of such computing systems allows their owners do not have to think about the requirements for hardware the next 3-4 years for sure. Intel vs AMD processors in context LGA 2011-v3comparison is unacceptable. There is simply a gap between them both in performance and in price. The latter for such PCs starts from several thousand dollars. But there is nothing special about this: such a PC is purchased several years in advance and has excessive performance.

Main parameters and features

It's not entirely correct to compare Intel Core vs AMD processor solutions FX.While the former are constantly updated and improved, the latter were released back in 2012 and since then there have been no changes within the AM3+ platform. As a result, the performance difference is simply huge.between these two platforms. AMD's flagship today can compete on equal terms only with the chips of the model rangeCore i3.All AM3+ processors have an unlocked multiplier, and, as a result, they can and should be overclocked. Under the most favorable circumstances, with such CPUs you can reach the 5 GHz bar. Also, this semiconductor crystal necessarily includes a 3-level cache. The RAM controller in this case is 2-channel, but, unlikeLGA 1151can't work with memoryDDR4 but only with DDR3.When compared with each other Core last generation, then the advantage of the latter in terms of performance will be very large.The approximate positioning of AM3+ chips in niches is given in the table below.

AM3+ chip positioning

Processor family name

Number of cores and modules

Purpose

FX-43XX

4/2

Budget and office PCs. Entry-level gaming systems.

FX-63XX

6/3

Mid-level gaming computers

FX-83XX

8/4

Graphics and workstations. Entry-level servers. The most productive gaming PCs within this platform.

FX-9XXX

8/4

Computers for enthusiasts.

Processor socket FM2+. The main platform for AMD hybrid chips

It is impossible to compare processor parts vs AMD A-series. These processors are aimed at solving completely different problems. The first of them allow you to create high-performance PCs, and the second - multimedia stations. But the situation changes dramatically when comparing graphics subsystems. Core i5, alas, cannot boast of a powerful integrated graphics subsystem, but the AMD hybrid chip is equipped by default with a video card, which even surpasses entry-level discrete accelerators in its capabilities. An important feature of this family of chips is that they are equipped only with a two-level cache memory.

Multimedia stations

Of course, within the niche of multimedia stations, it is possible to compare central processors such as Intel Core i5 vs AMD A10-ХХХХ, but this approach is not economically justified. Such computers place increased demands on the graphics subsystem, and are not so demanding on the processor part of the PC. It is precisely this combination of characteristics that the previously mentioned series of hybrid chips from AMD can boast of. Another important feature is their very low cost, which corresponds to 2-core CPU models from Intel. As a result, AMD occupies a dominant position in this highly specialized niche. The approximate configuration of such a PC is shown in the table below. The parameters of this computer will be quite sufficient for playing videos, listening to music, working in office applications and even some toys will run on it at minimum settings.

Approximate configuration of a multimedia station

p/p

Name of components

Model

Cost, rubles

CPU

A8-7850 3.6/3.9 GHz, 4 cores, 4 MB L2 cache.

5000 rubles

Motherboard

MSI A78M-E35

3000 rubles

RAM

TEAM 8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz

2000 rubles

power unit

GameMax GM-500B

1200 rubles

Frame

I-BOX FORCE 1807

900 rubles

HDD

HDD 1 Tb 7200

2500 rubles

Total:

14600 rubles

Office computers

In this case, the comparison between AMD FX vs Intel will be on the side of the latter. It has very productive entry-level CPUs at very affordable prices. The Celeron chip will look most optimal within such a computing system. The approximate configuration of such a computer is given in the following table.

Office computer 2016

p/p

PC component

Model

Approximate price, rubles

CPU

Celeron G3900

2100 rubles

Motherboard

ASUS H110M-R/C/SI

2400 rubles

RAM

Silicon Power 4 GB DDR4 2133 MHz

1200 rubles

power unit

Delux 400W FAN 120 mm

700 rubles

Frame

Frime 165B

900 rubles

HDD

WD WD1600AVVS, 160 GB

2200 rubles

Total:

9500 rubles

Entry-level gaming PCs

Theoretically, within the framework of an entry-level gaming PC, you can also compare, for example, AMD FX - 6300 vs Intel Core AI 3. But the difference in performance in this case will be simply fantastic. Moreover, the winner will be the second CPU, which has only 2 real modules for carrying out calculations instead of the one that has 6 paired blocks.

Therefore, in any case, the gaming system should be based on chips from Intel. They are more expensive, but their performance is significantly better. Well, for gaming systems, the number of displayed images per second comes first, and here the difference between AMD FX vs Intel i3 will be simply stunning. The approximate configuration of such a computer is shown in the table below.

Basic gaming system components

p/p

PC component

Model

Price, rubles

CPU

i3-6100

6500 rubles

Motherboard

ASUS H110M

2400 rubles

RAM

2x 4 GB DDR4 2133 MHz

2400 rubles

power unit

GameMax GM-500B

1200 rubles

Frame

I-BOX FORCE 1805

900 rubles

HDD

1Tb 7200

2 7 00 rubles

Solid State Drive

128 GB SATA 3

2500 rubles

Video card

Radeon RX460

7000 rubles

Total:

25,600 rubles

Average gaming systems

Comparing AMD FX-8350 vs Intel "Cor AI 5" even on a mid-level gaming PC in terms of the number of frames per second output, we get a significant difference. In some cases the difference will be 20-30 frames per second. This is unacceptable in dynamic games. Therefore, it is most correct to assemble a mid-level gaming system only on a full-fledged 4-core CPU from Intel. Moreover, it is best to look towards the i5-6600 chip. It is in combination with the GeForce 1060 that it will allow you to get excellent “Gameplay”. It should be noted that the video card must be equipped with 6GB of RAM. Also, installing processors with an unlocked multiplier in such a system is not entirely justified. They are aimed at the premium segment and to work in tandem with a more expensive and powerful video card. Otherwise, the approximate configuration is shown in the table below.

Mid-range gaming system

Component

Parameters, model

Price, rubles

CPU

i5-6600

15 000 rubles

Motherboard

ASUS In 150-M

6000 rubles

RAM

DDR4 3200MHz 16Gb

12000 rubles

power unit

1000W

7000 rubles

Frame

Midi-Tower

2000 rubles

HDD

2GB, 7200

6000 rubles

SSD drive

256GB

5500 rubles

Graphics accelerator

GeForce 1060, 6 GB

20 000 rubles

Total:

73,500 rubles

Uncompromising gaming PCs

If even when comparing Intel Core i5 vs AMD the undeniable advantage is already on the side of the first company, then in this case, in essence, the second company has no analogues. For the last 5 years, the premium CPU segment has been confidently occupied by the products of only one company - Intel, and even a comparison of AMD FX-9590 vs Intel LGA 2011-v3 does not give any chance to the products of the first company. As noted earlier, Core i7 processors for the LGA2011-v3 socket are aimed at this niche. They can include up to 10 computational units, have an increased amount of cache memory and an unlocked multiplier.

But the key difference in this case is the RAM controller, capable of operating in 4-channel mode. As a result, the RAM subsystem in this case is faster, and worthy competition for such computers does not yet exist.

PC for the computer enthusiast

Component

Characteristics

Price, rubles

CPU

Core i7-6950 X

100,000 rubles

Video card

8 GB

50,000 rubles

RAM

32 GB, DDR4

25 000 rubles

Motherboard

X99

45,000 rubles

power unit

1000 W

16,000 rubles

Frame

ATX

2000 rubles

HDD

2Gb, 7200

8,000 rubles

SSD drive

512 GB

10,000 rubles

Total:

256,000 rubles

Graphic stations

Even within this specialized niche, a comparison between AMD FX vs Intel Core i5 indicates that the first company's products are outdated and inferior in all respects. The base chip for such a PC is i5-6400.

The approximate configuration of such a system is given in the following table.

Graphics station equipment

p/p

Component

Model

Cost in rubles

CPU

i5-6400

11 000 rubles

Motherboard

ASUS Z-170DE

5400 rubles

RAM

DDR4 16Gb

10,000 rubles

power unit

Aerocool VX-800

5400 rubles

Frame

Frime 165B

2000 rubles

HDD

1Tb SATA 3, 7200, 64 Mb cache

40 00 rubles

Solid State Drive

256 GB SATA 3

50 00 rubles

Video card

Radeon Pro2DUO

120,000 rubles

Total:

162,800 rubles

What's next?

The next few months will be very busy in the processor market. First, in January, Intel will update its lineup of chips and present the 7th generation of its architecture, codenamed Core. No fundamental changes are expected in this case. We will work on bugs, slightly improve performance and add some new technologies. Then, towards the end of the first quarter, AMD will finally release its new socket, which it will call AM4. In this case, the changes will already be revolutionary in nature. The chips will be produced using a new technical process, have an improved architecture and will feature new technologies. It is these Zen processors that will, in theory, restore parity in the CPU market. Only after this will it be advisable to revise the previously given computer configurations.

Results

Let us summarize the comparison of Intel vs AMD processor products carried out within the framework of this material. The only niche where the second company’s position is still strong is multimedia systems and PCs for budget and office use. Moreover, in the second case, Intel products look even more preferable. Another advantage that AMD can boast of is the lower cost of its products. But is it worth saving the same $100 and getting an outdated system?even by today's standards. This is already obvious: a PC is bought for 3-5 years, so in all other cases, when buying a new computer system, it is more correct to focus on comparisonspecifically for the products of the second company.

In the computer world, the question of which is better than AMD or Intel is provocative and often results in the removal of the questioner from the discussion. And, nevertheless, this question is very important, since by choosing the type of central processing unit (CPU), the user actually chooses the configuration of the future personal computer(PC). In 2019, when there is sluggish competition in the world of chip manufacturers, there is not much difference in design or performance between these chips.

Attention! Just 10-15 years ago, Intel and AMD processors even accessed memory slightly differently, and their performance could differ significantly. Now the degree of their similarity has increased so much that many are thinking about creating a single chip that supports the proprietary “features” of the products of both manufacturers.

Yes, they undoubtedly have different appearance and the location of the pins, they even have different types sockets - LGA and PGA, and even a slightly (about 5%) different set of instructions. However, the essence of this remains unchanged - in fact, these are absolutely identical CPUs, having the main feature of similarity - an instruction system compatible with x86.

The remaining nuances are either technical or marketing. Let's look at a comparison of CPUs from different manufacturers and point out the key differences between them.

The advantages of Intel include:

  • support for most advanced technologies and innovations;
  • software, maximally “tailored” for this manufacturer;
  • high performance in complex CPU testing;
  • focus on complex network tasks;
  • relatively low heating of the CPU crystal.

Flaws:

  1. high price;
  2. frequent changes of platform and sockets;
  3. slow graphics core;
  4. a large number of models without prospects for development and upgrade.

AMD advantages:

  • lower price with the same performance;
  • high performance when working with multimedia, 3D graphics, games;
  • good work with "mathematics";
  • well-implemented graphics core;
  • Almost all systems have upgrade options.

Flaws:

  1. absence or small amount of software written exclusively for AMD (except for multimedia tasks or for games);
  2. some problems with the implementation of multi-cores (but this can be considered as a consequence of the previous point);
  3. “top” AMD in each segment is at least 2-10%, but slower than similar CPUs from Intel;
  4. relatively high heat.

Main differences between processors

From an architectural point of view, the main differences between these CPUs are the implementation of memory access and multi-core mode. However, for the average user who is not particularly interested in the technical side of the issue, the main difference between these CPUs is their price.

Important! Even taking into account the lower performance of CPUs from AMD compared to Intel (meaning the same categories of CPUs), their performance per unit cost is higher.

Table of characteristics of Intel and AMD processors

The technical characteristics within a given CPU segment from these manufacturers are approximately the same. That is, if in the middle price segment Intel has some kind of Intel Core i5-8600 with 6 cores and a turbo frequency of 4.3 GHz, then it will definitely have either a competitor or a CPU that has a minimal difference in characteristics, which will be for the user insignificant.

This is exactly what happened with the i5 in question. Its competitor was the AMD Ryzen 2600X, which also has 6 cores and runs at the same 4.3 GHz. More precisely, its frequency will be 4.25 GHz, but its price will also be slightly lower ($300 and $315, respectively). And so it is in almost all segments and market “niches”.

Therefore, talking about the technical characteristics of the CPU in the light of their comparison is a little incorrect, since they will be almost the same. In this situation, consumer characteristics, such as price, convenience, generalized performance, etc., come to the fore. In general, the comparison table for the main CPU indicators looks something like this:

Characteristic Intel Intel
Price More Less, with almost the same performance
Performance Higher, but not by much. In tests it is often taken as 100% in one category or another. In synthetic tests – 100-100% In real ones – 90-95%
Cost of motherboards High Low or medium
Integrated video core Low performance; level of mobile solutions Medium and high; level of average and cheap discrete video cards
Temperature Acceptable (70-85°C) High (above 85°C) Starting with AMD Ryzen - similar to Intel
Power Consumption (TDP) Mainstream – 65W CPU Enthusiast – 100W and above. From 80 W and above

Choosing a processor for Intel and AMD games

If we approach it from the point of view of which processor is better for games, then the answer can be said to be clear. AMD processors show performance in games that is sufficient for a comfortable gaming process, despite the fact that their price is significantly lower.

AMD architecture (especially 64-bit) was originally created to support games and complex 3D graphics calculations. Comparison Intel processors and AMD shows that in almost all segments, equally priced AMD models will be 10-30% faster than Intel products.

If you approach the issue of assembling a gaming PC according to the principle “without looking at the price tags,” then the issue of choosing a CPU recedes into the background, since the performance will not be determined by the processor at all. So, in the most productive PC gaming configuration today (let’s say that this is a single-processor machine, but its cost is not limited by anything), when using 3-Way SLI with Titan RTX video cards, the choice of even top-end Intel or AMD CPUs will not affect the system performance in any way.

Choosing a laptop processor from Intel and AMD

In the segment of mobile solutions, which include laptops, the choice of processor depending on the manufacturer has no impact on the performance of the system as a whole. That is, the question of which is better than AMD or Intel for a laptop practically loses its meaning.

If for stationary PCs, for some tasks AMD is good (for example, for games you need multi-threaded performance and work with large amounts of memory), and for some, say, working with databases, it is better to use Intel, then for a laptop everything is fine differently. Taking into account the forced reduction in performance for the sake of cooling and operating time, the software and hardware “specialization” of certain CPUs disappears.

Roughly speaking, the performance of laptops is such that it eliminates any difference between technical features implementation of certain “highlights” in each CPU. Almost all CPUs for laptops, regardless of the manufacturer, have approximately the same functionality, and within the same class - almost the same performance.

But that's not all. Due to the peculiarities of the laptop market, a similar situation also occurs with the price of the CPU. That is, within the same laptop models (for example, in which all the “stuffing” is the same, but only the CPU is different - one has AMD, the other Intel), the difference in price is less than 2-3%, or even even absent.

You can, of course, compare the performance of similar laptops, however, the results that the system will show will be almost the same.

How much money would you like to spend on a CPU? Depending on the price segment, the difference in performance can be very significant. Of course, it also depends on what requirements you place on your computer. It all starts with CPU models costing up to about 10,000 rubles, which are intended for simple PCs with low performance, but sufficient for office work and web surfing.

In the category from 15,000 rubles, it is possible to get much more power. These models can be equipped with already good gaming computers. At this price point, AMD offers some attractive quad-core models, but Intel also has something to offer, such as Core i5 processors with four cores and high clock speeds.

Core i7 from Intel and high-end AMD Ryzen 7 series models usually cost from 20,000 rubles and justify their use only in serious systems. Even more money will need to be spent only by those who want to achieve fast performance of resource-intensive specialized software optimized for multi-core systems.

CoolerMaster V8: A CPU cooler can be truly huge.

Choosing a processor: what to look for

Anyone who wants to get the best option for their money should first of all pay attention to the overall performance of the model when purchasing a processor. However, the level of energy consumption also plays an important role. When evaluating a specific model, parameters such as clock speeds, number of cores, and the presence of special functions are also important.

We talk about how the CHIP laboratory tests processors comprehensively and objectively in. Next, we will tell you what you should pay attention to when choosing a specific model.

1. CPU performance

Performance is the most important parameter when evaluating a processor. Anyone who knows exactly what tasks will be assigned to the computer can glean additional useful information from the corresponding benchmarks. For office work, a high score in the Excel benchmark is important.

1.

Overall score: 100

Price/quality ratio: 76

2.

Overall rating: 93.6

Price/quality ratio: 100

3.

Overall rating: 86.6

Price/quality ratio: 73

2. Processor manufacturer

Essentially the question is: Intel or AMD? Both processor manufacturers have their advantages and disadvantages. Intel CPUs now feature higher clock speeds and execute a higher number of instructions per cyclic clock (IPC), making them shine in applications that require single-core performance.

Since 2017, AMD has entered the arms race with new Ryzen processors. The manufacturer presented very good 6- and 8-core CPUs with multi-threading support, beating Intel's price offer in every segment.

3. CPU power consumption level

Processors convert a large amount of energy into heat. AMD chips need up to 95 W, while Intel’s this parameter reaches 140 W for the fastest models. In the segment of mainstream CPUs for desktop systems, power consumption levels are at 65 and 95 W, respectively.

Those who are not assembling a workstation and do not plan to overclock the processor may not bother too much when purchasing a power supply and a cooler. However: before purchasing components, you should add up the power consumption of all parts of the system to select a power supply with the appropriate characteristics.

4. Specifications

Anyone who wants to equip an existing computer with a new processor must ensure that the CPU matches the motherboard and its socket. For current models (which are no more than 2-3 years old), the choice will be quite simple: processors with Skylake and KabyLake architecture from Intel require socket 1151, Ryzen processors from AMD require socket AM4.

The fact that the CPU is compatible with the socket type does not guarantee that everything will work as it should. Your best bet is to find the latest motherboard manual on the manufacturer's website - this will usually contain an exact list of supported processors.

Rating leader (extreme processors): Intel Core i9-7900X

This CPU from Intel with its ten cores set the heat during testing, as they say, and demonstrated performance of the highest level. Of course, the cost is also enormous - about 73,000 rubles. For ordinary users, such a processor is still redundant.

But those who need it will find in it a chip for the high-end LGA2066 socket platform with a base clock frequency of 3.3 GHz, which can increase to 4.5 GHz if necessary. At the same time, technically, despite the index “7” in the designation, we are talking about a processor of the generation not of Kaby Lake, but of Skylake in an extreme version.

Test results

Intel Core i9-7900X is a new top-level processor from Intel. During testing, the Skylake X generation processor performed fantastically: in many benchmarks it confidently beats its predecessor, the Intel Core i7-6950X. In many, but not all. The new cache structure requires its toll. However, the processor is a definite buy recommendation for anyone looking to maximize their computer's processing power.

Advantages

Highest performance
Ten CPU cores
Very promising
Good value for money
Large L2 cache size

Flaws

Very expensive
High energy consumption

Intel Core i9-7900X test results

  • Price-quality ratio
    Fine
  • Place in the overall ranking
    7 of 28
  • Price/quality ratio: 65
  • CPU performance (100%): 84.1
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