Intel vs AMD

Image credits - 421gadgets.com

We all have seen the blue Intel logo at some point in our life. Either in our home pc, school labs or our laptops right now. The only difference being that the old logos were of intel pentium whereas now they’re of the core i series. i3, i5, i7, i9. Now, in most major manufacturers’ laptops we also get to see a new red logo that reads Ryzen. These are the processors of AMD which after many years is giving Intel fierce competition. Just a few years back, AMD was not a well known company, whereas now it is doing just as good as if not better than both Intel and Nvidia. It’s not a small feat to compete and do better than the global leaders of both GPU and CPU.

Brief history

Intel Corporation or Intel was founded a year ago in 1968. Based in Valley, California, both companies are industry leaders in research and development. These global companies are also known for establishing manufacturing facilities in Asian countries such as Taiwan, China, Malaysia and Singapore. Still, their products are believed to be used in all countries where computers are used. AMD or Advanced Micro Devices, which is currently the second largest company in the industry after Intel has been making microchips, CPUs, motherboards, and other PC components for over 40 years. AMD and Intel both manufacture motherboards, which is the heart of every PC. AMD and Intel manufacture CPU (Central Processing Unit) chips for personal computers. Being in the same industry, they are constantly competing for market share and technological advances. 

 

 

PARAMETER	INTEL	AMD
Cost Efficiency	Intel processors are less expensive than AMD ones at the lower range.	AMD processors are less expensive than Intel ones at the higher range.
Heating	If used with a Clock Speed Boost of 14nm, it may become hot.	Due to its tiny lithography, AMD processors run cooler than Intel.
Efficiency	When compared to AMD processors, Intel is far more efficient.	When compared to Intel processors, AMD is inefficient.
Clock Speed	Intel’s Clock speed can reach and surpass 5.0 GHz.	The clock speed of AMD’s processors could exceed 5.0 GHz. However, in this situation, it generates more heat.
Multiprocessing capabilities	Intel’s symmetric multiprocessing technology supports up to four sockets and 28 cores.	AMD’s symmetric multiprocessing technology supports up to 8 sockets and 128 cores.

 

Processors

 High-performance workstations require bandwidth, much of which comes from Graphic Cards. Therefore, one of the main concerns when choosing a CPU is the number of PCIe lanes to offer. CPU PCIe lanes are primarily dedicated to graphics cards (GPUs), and running each graphics card at "full speed" requires 16 PCIe lanes, also known as 16x. The GPU still offloads most of the load within the workload. Therefore, deep learning workstations typically require a CPU with at least 40 PCIe lanes, as they provide enough bandwidth to run at least two GPUs at the same time. Consumer grade CPUs such as Intel's Core line and AMD's Ryzen chip only offer 16 PCIe lanes, so you need to check out Intel's XEON lineup, which offers 40 - 64 lanes. Otherwise, AMD's Threadripper and EPYC series offering up to 88 or 128 PCIe 4.0 lanes (twice the bandwidth of PCIe 3.0). 

Before comparing the processors of the two companies, let’s look at some of the terms that are used for processors

Cores - 

A core which is capable of fetching, decoding, and executing its own instructions. is basically a functioning processor of its own. The more the number of, the more instructions your CPU execute simultaneously. Since your computer won't have to wait for tasks to be completed before it can start a new one, this tremendously increases the computer's performance. However, the performance depends heavily on the software utilization in the programs you are using for a multi core processor. Think of a CPU as a building and each core is like a floor with a worker in it. They all serve the same ultimate purpose but are capable of working on different tasks.

Threads - 

Processor threads are the channels through which information is sent to the core. Until multithreading became widespread, each processor core ran a stream of instructions and waited for the next instruction line when the task was completed. Threads are the number of tasks left on each employee's plate at one time. Each worker can only perform one task at a time, but if you can split two tasks between each worker instead of just having four tasks on the processor's disk, you can have eight. The processor core is still only multithreaded, but since the core can only process one instruction at a time, there is no need to wait for information since the core can always have a constant stream of eight instructions.

 

Clock Speed - 

A clock cycle is the time taken between two pulses from an oscillator (a device which generates repetitive electric pulses). Clock speed is the amount of pulses completed per second from the oscillator. So, a 3.5GHz clock frequency processor, completes 3.5 billion clock cycles per second. Most modern CPUs can complete one or more instruction during a clock cycle, but there are many different architectures and designs of processors. So, you can never assume that 2 processors with the same clock speeds are going to get the same results unless they are of the same brand and model.

Overclocking - 

Overclocking means increasing the component's CPU (central processing unit or computer hardware) to accelerate performance. Increasing the clock speed causes the component to run faster and perform more operations per second. Overclocking maximizes your PC's speed and performance beyond factory settings. Overclocking produces a lot of heat, so make sure your device is properly cooled. Intel marks a K or a X at the end of CPUs that can be overclocked. For example, the Intel Core i9 10900K can be overclocked. Intel Core i910900F cannot do this. AMD can overclock "Ryzen" CPU

Lets compare their processors

Intel core i3 vs Ryzen 3(Low end)

If you mainly use your computer for basic things such as sending emails, watching Netflix, and surfing the web, Consider an i3 or Ryzen 3 processor. These are part of the fundamental portion. Intel’s i3 Intel’sor has four cores and a clock speed of up to 4.6GHz, making it more powerful than AMD’s. The AMD’s 3 features a 4GHz clock speed.

PROCESSOR	SEGMENT	CORE THREAD	THREADS	CLOCK SPEED	WATTAGE(TDP)
Core i3	Basic	4	4	4.6GHz	90W
Ryzen 3	Basic	4	4	4GHz	65W

Intel Core i5 vs AMD Ryzen 5(Mid-range)

The Intel Core i5 and AMD Ryzen 5 processors are classified as mid-range. They enable you to play ordinary games while also working in Photoshop. AMD Ryzen 5 processors are often less powerful than Intel Core i5 processors. They feature a clock speed of up to 4.4GHz faster than the i5’s 4.6GHz. However, they have twice as many threads. The AMD Ryzen 5 3600 is also notable for its low 65W power consumption.

PROCESSOR	SEGMENT	CORE THREAD	THREADS	CLOCK SPEED	WATTAGE(TDP)
Core i5	Medium	6	6	4.1 – 4.6GHz	65 – 95W
Ryzen 5	Medium	4 – 6	8 – 12	4.2 – 4.4GHz	65 – 95W

 

Intel Core i7 vs AMD Ryzen 7(High-end)

Creative workers, avid gamers, and anyone who uses their computer frequently should consider an Intel Core i7 or AMD Ryzen 7 processor. These powerful CPUs are considered high-end. The i7 processors have fewer cores and threads than the Ryzen 7 but faster clock speed. This is especially beneficial if you use a single application frequently, such as a game. The AMD Ryzen 7 performs better when multitasking, such as when editing video.

PROCESSOR	SEGMENT	CORE THREAD	THREADS	CLOCK SPEED	WATTAGE(TDP)
Core i7	Top	6 – 8	6 – 8	4.7 – 4.9GHz	65 – 95W
Ryzen 7	Top	8	16	4.4 – 4.5GHz	65 – 105W

Intel Core i9 vs AMD Ryzen 9(Pro)

The Intel Core i9 and AMD Ryzen 9 are the best processors. These CPUs are great for avid gamers as well as professional designers. An Intel i9 CPU has a 5GHz clock speed and a low wattage. This allows you to overclock it further. A Ryzen 9 CPU has fewer cores than an i9 but faster clock speed. The Ryzen 9 CPU is the most powerful.

PROCESSOR	SEGMENT	CORE THREAD	THREADS	CLOCK SPEED	WATTAGE(TDP)
Core i9	Pro	8	16	5GHz	95W
Ryzen 9	Pro	12 – 16	24 – 32	4.6 – 4.7GHz	105W

 

Performance comparison: AMD vs Intel

If we look back in time, Intel had superior technology and overall performance, whereas AMD had more economical options that competed mainly on power. It performed great until 2013, but after that, AMD’s performance started to crumble. Despite the fact that AMD introduced the FX series, things did not go well for AMD. Intel, on the other hand, continued to improve as its technology stabilized.

The AMD Ryzen series, which debuted in March 2017, was a formidable challenger to Intel’s i7 processor. There’s nothing wrong with AMD if your major concentration is on basic chores like gaming, surfing the internet, and composing papers.If you deal with 3D rendering, Photoshop, hard math computations, and other similar tasks, you should absolutely choose an Intel-based PC.

In a word, if you need a performance-oriented processor, Intel is the way to go. AMD Zen could change that. Multithreaded operations like video editing or transcoding, as well as heavy multitasking with dozens of browser tabs, are more efficient and cost-effective on AMD’s CPUs across the price and performance spectrum.

Clock speeds: AMD vs Intel

AMD’s more robust architecture allowed its processors to achieve greater base clock rates back in the days of their FX CPUs. Today, the situation is a little different, as the two are roughly equal in this regard.

Clock speeds stated on paper, on the other hand, are a poor indicator of any processor’s performance. In truth, they can be deceiving, particularly in this day and age, when you won’t find a gaming CPU with a base clock speed of less than 3 GHz.

The main question is how they perform when it comes to overclocking.

 

Overclocking Comparison: AMD vs Intel

Overclocking is the next point to consider. AMD processors are well-known for their high overclocking potential.

Only a few Intel CPUs, on the other hand, can be overclocked, and these are identified by a K at the end of the model number.

These can be standalone models or replacements for current models, but in either case, they are more expensive than AMD Ryzen. In reality, the amount of overclocking capability varies from model to model. It all relies on how well they can manage the increased voltage, how much additional heat they emit, and how much greater performance they can provide.

Price comparison: AMD vs Intel

The most important thing to remember is that AMD has always been a budget-conscious firm. AMD processors are less expensive than Intel processors with the same number of features.

If you want something that is similar to the Intel i5 processor, you can go for AMD processors because you will save a lot of money. If you prefer Intel, Intel CPUs will surely be the best choice, but you will have to pay a little more for the same performance that you would get from an AMD processor.

So, which one is best for you?

Intel and AMD CPUs provide outstanding performance straight out of the box for ordinary online browsing, Netflix viewing, and email replying. However, there are some tasks where one company’s products outperform the others.

We would suggest that if you want more performance and are willing to pay for it, go with Intel. Professionals should consider Intel processors. and if you’re a gamer, AMD Ryzen is the better option, at least for the time being. The good news is that there isn’t a terrible CPU out there – AMD and Intel are both running at full speed, so the AMD vs Intel debate isn’t going away anytime soon. The ideal option is to go with the CPU that is the cheapest, most readily available, and compatible with the components you already have.

Keep in mind that while the CPU you choose determines a laptop’s real-world performance, the design of individual laptop models might impact the result.

This caveat is crucial since AMD and Intel are locked in a bitter battle. You may expect similar features and specs from both firms, making it all the more vital to pay attention to the details (and individual laptop reviews).