AMD vs Intel: an updated perspective

In 2020, Digiplanet brought you a comparison article about the two major computer processor brands today: AMD and Intel. Today, almost three years later, we present a updated perspective about this rivalry between two globally known companies for the production of computer components and that, together, in 2022, billed more than 86 billion US dollars.

THE CPU – abbreviation of Central Processing Unit is usually called the processor – it is the brain of our computers and what enables data processing and calculation execution. Both Intel and AMD offer various options and generations of this component, essential for the operation of your equipment. In this article, we will compare only the newer generations of the processors of both brands.

Until very recently, Intel was known as the best processor brand on the market, while AMD offered options more accessible. But all this changed recently, when Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) also began to stand out when we talk about power, especially with the launch of the new generation of Ryzen processors with Zen architecture.

THE AMD Ryzen 9 7950X was, at the time of its launch in September 2022, the most powerful processor on the market, but also one of the most expensive (US$699). To "counter" this advance by AMD, Intel presented the Core i9 13900K, which slightly outperformed the opponent. However, the dispute continuesAMD launched a new version of the 7950X on the last day of February, Ryzen 9 7950X3D, which promises, once again, to take the throne of Most powerful CPU on the market.

Image source: Showmetech

Leaving aside the top-of-the-line processors, when we look at a mid-to-high range, AMD presents the Ryzen 7, against the Core i7 from Intel and, in this case, Intel outperforms AMD in terms of performance, although the differences are minimal and, except in very specific cases, both are an excellent option.

Already in a mid-range lineup, AMD markets the Ryzen 5, while Intel provides the Core i5. Here, the differences become really scarce: although Intel has slightly higher power, AMD's lower price may compensate. The same logic applies to the lower range, of the Ryzen 3 and Core i3, which are increasingly less used in the market.

It is important to always keep in mind that one can only say what is the best processor when there is a associated context. For office work, the aforementioned Ryzen 9 7950X will not be the best option, as it has much more power than necessary. However, for those who work with 3D animations, for example, the investment in this CPU might be justified. 

In general, in 2023, regarding the most recent processor generations, the price issue no longer arises, since the difference ends up not being significant. In most cases, Intel Core processors end up being the most suitable for a common daily use and the relatively higher price ends up being worth it. 

In conclusion, it is important to continue analyzing the different processors and generations over time and, above all, with the purpose of the equipment in mind. The competition between Intel and AMD is becoming increasingly fierce, with Intel standing out for its decades-long leadership history and the name it has in the market, and on the other side, AMD trying everything to surpass its rival and becoming, more and more, a threat to the supremacy of Intel Core processors.