Intel or AMD: which one is the better

Intel and AMD are the two leading manufacturers of computer processors, the heart of the machine that runs your PC from the CPU. It is why this is a crucial choice to make when choosing a new PC or laptop. Several differences between the two brands will help you choose one or the other depending on your intended computer usage.

Cores

While AMD has focused on integrating an increasing number of cores, allowing less heat to dissipate to prevent the machine from overheating, Intel has gone the other direction. Instead, Intel offers processors with fewer cores but with higher clock speeds.

However, the number of cores ultimately depends on the type of processor from each manufacturer.

Performance

Intel integrates a HyperThreading system that keeps them running to accelerate overall machine performance to prevent certain cores from becoming unproductive at times of low demand. For its part, AMD has integrated a similar technology that is MultiThreading, but it is only available in its high-end Ryzen processors.

In theory, AMD's systems with more cores should have faster performance and less overheating than Intel with fewer cores. Still, the latter manufacturer makes up for this with a unique environment. Therefore, both have a very similar capacity in terms of speed to perform a certain task. The critical point nowadays more than speed is the number of actions that can be carried out simultaneously, which depends on the processor model more than the manufacturer.

Multitasking

As we mentioned, Intel usually has a higher clock speed. However, AMD offers greater performance to execute several tasks simultaneously, thanks to the number of cores.

Overclocking

Overclocking is the performance capacity of each processor. Generally, CPUs are locked at a specific clock speed. This limit is indicated when you purchase it. However, many processors bring an unlocker with a reserve margin to promptly increase this speed.

In this sense, overlocking depends on the processor model, but Intel usually offers a more significant acceleration margin than AMD.

Graphics

If you want a computer to play video games, the most important thing is that you have a discrete graphics card or GPU (graphics processing unit). This is an essential requirement for advanced games; in the case of simpler ones, you will be able to run them from the CPU eventually, and in this case, an Intel processor is better. AMD is making efforts to develop chips that can run graphics without a graphics card.

Even if you add an external component to your computer for video game graphics, Intel is still the most recommended option since it has a higher clock speed and a wider base.

Energy consumption

Intel consumes less energy because it tends to heat fewer thanks to its cooling systems, even with fewer cores.

Overheating

Intel usually presents lower TDP results (Thermal Design Power), an index used to measure overheating.

Motherboards

AMD motherboards tend to be more versatile and quickly adapt to evolving processors. Instead, Intel boards rapidly become outdated and generally require renewal if you're going to buy a new processor.

Components

There is a greater variety of Intel parts in the market, so there are usually more options to choose from, and they are cheaper. Although on the other hand, sometimes, you buy an AMD processor, you may have compatibility problems with some components.

Intel tends to have more excellent compatibility with all kinds of parts and is usually the most common choice for those who want to assemble their computer.

Design

The pins on the AMD motherboard are on the bottom of the CPU and not on the socket like most Intel processors. This makes AMD models much more robust due to their hardware design and fewer connection defects.

Purchase

It is arguably easier to buy an AMD processor than Intel, as Intel primarily sells to manufacturers. As for pricing, it depends on the range of the processor. Among the low-end ones, Intel manages to offer processors at a very reasonable price but with higher performance than AMDs. AMD has been the leader in the mid-range range so far and has excellent value-for-money options. However, the AMD brand leads the high-end processors with its Ryzen models that have given a higher performance at a lower price than Intel.

However, the overall value of a processor constantly varies according to market options, so think carefully about what you are looking for in a processor and how much you want to invest according to the characteristics. Both manufacturers will be able to give you excellent results.