The central processing unit (CPU) is the brain of your computer, responsible for running all its programs and processes. When it comes to choosing a CPU, two major players dominate the market: AMD and Intel. For years, PC builders and enthusiasts have debated which brand reigns supreme. But fear not! This guide will break down the key differences between AMD and Intel processors, helping you decide which one best suits your needs.
Intel Core Processor
The Intel series of processors include the Core i3, i5, i7, and also the recently introduced i9. Usually, the power hierarchy is as follows, the i3 is the weakest of the bunch while the i5 and i7 are significantly stronger. The strongest of the bunch is the i9 series introduced in 2017. The i9 series has an incredible number of threads and cores.
The i9-7980X boasts 18 cores clocked at 2.6GHz with 32 threads. However, buying such an expensive processor for gaming alone does not make sense. For gaming, it is best to opt for an i5 or i7. Another thing to note is that the i7 does not come with 7 cores and likewise with the i5 and i3.
AMD Ryzen Processor
The first generation of Ryzen processors were released in 2017 and they were enormously popular. There are three categories-Ryzen 3, 5 and 7. The 7 series had the most powerful cpus and the 3 series had entry level processors. In 2018, the next generation of Ryzen processors followed, and this time AMD introduced the Threadripper series that consisted of super powerful processors.
The Thread Ripper series had processors with 32 cores and 64 threads. It was AMD’s answer to the i9. The higher core count means that video rendering and editing would be better on the Ryzen processors. Recently, the Ryzen 9 series hit the market and the Ryzen 9 3590X has emerged as one of the best processors that money can buy.
Differences Between Amd Vs Intel Processors
Let us understand different types of AMD and Intel core processors differences:
Intel Core i3 (10th Gen) vs Ryzen 3
Desktop
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU Clock Speed | Power | L1 Cache | L2 Cache | L3 cache | Max Memory Support |
| Core i3 10100T | 4/8 | 3.0Ghz | 3.8Ghz | 1.1Ghz | 35W |
6Mb Smart Cache |
Up to 128Gb DDR4 2666 |
||
| Core i3 10100 | 4/8 | 3.6Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 1.1Ghz | 65W | ||||
| Core i3 10300 | 4/8 | 3.7Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 1.15Ghz | 35W |
8Mb Smart Cache |
|||
| Core i3 10300T | 4/8 | 3.0Ghz | 3.9Ghz | 1.1Ghz | 35W | ||||
| Core i3 10320 | 4/8 | 3.8Ghz | 4.6Ghz | 1.15Ghz | 65W | ||||
| Ryzen 3 3100 | 4/8 | 3.6Ghz | 3.9Ghz | N/A | 65W | 32kb + 32kb (x4) | 512kb (x4) | 16Mb | Up to 64Gb DDR4 3200 |
| Ryzen 3 3300X | 4/8 | 3.8Ghz | 4.3Ghz | N/A | 65W | 32kb + 32kb (x4) | 512kb (x4) | 16Mb | Up to 64Gb DDR4 3200 |
| Ryzen 3 3200G | 4/4 | 3.6Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 1.25Ghz | 65W | 64kb + 32kb (x4) | 512 (x4) | 4Mb | Up to 64GB DDR-2933 |
| Ryzen 3 Pro 3200GE | 4/4 | 3.3Ghz | 3.8Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 35W | 64kb + 32kb (x4) | 512 (x4) | 4Mb | Up to 64GB DDR-2933 |
| Ryzen 3 Pro 3200G | 4/4 | 3.3Ghz | 3.8Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 35W | 64kb + 32kb (x4) | 512 (x4) | 4Mb | Up to 64GB DDR-2933 |
Mobile
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU Clock Speed | Power | L1 cache | L2 Cache | L3 Cache |
| Core i3 10110U | 2/4 | 2.1Ghz | 4.1Ghz | 0.95Ghz | 15W | 4Mb Smart Cache | ||
| Ryzen 3 3300U | 4/4 | 2.1Ghz | 3.5Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 15W | 64kb + 32kb (x4) | 512KB (x4) | 4Mb |
| Ryzen 3 Pro 3300U | 4/4 | 2.1Ghz | 3.5Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 15W | 64kb + 32kb (x4) | 512KB (x4) | 4Mb |
| Ryzen 3 3200U | 2/4 | 2.3Ghz | 3.2Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 12-25W | 64kb + 32kb (x2) | 512KB (x2) | 4Mb |
| Ryzen 3 3250U | 2/4 | 2.3Ghz | 3.2Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 12-25W | 64kb + 32kb (x2) | 512KB (x2) | 4Mb |
Intel Core i5 (10th Gen) vs Ryzen 5
Desktop
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU clock Speed | Power | L1 Cache | L2 Cache | L3 Cache | Max Memory Support |
| Core i5 10600K | 6/12 | 4.1Ghz | 4.8Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 125W |
12MB Smart cache |
Up to 128Gb DDR4 2666 |
||
| Core i5 10600KF | 6/12 | 4.1Ghz | 4.8Ghz | N/A | 125W | ||||
| Core IS 10600 | 6/12 | 3.3Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 65W | ||||
| Core IS 10500T | 6/12 | 2.4Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 1.2Ghz | 35W | ||||
| Core i5 10500 | 6/12 | 3.1Ghz | 4.5Ghz | 1.15Ghz | 65W | ||||
| Core 15 10500T | 6/12 | 2.3Ghz | 3.8Ghz | 1.15Ghz | 35W | ||||
| Core 15 10400 | 6/12 | 2.9GhZ | 4.3Ghz | 1.1GhZ | 65W | ||||
| Core i5 10400F | 6/12 | 2.9Ghz | 4.3Ghz | N/A | 65W | ||||
| Core i5 10400T | 6/12 | 2.0Ghz | 3.6Ghz | 1.1Ghz | 35W | ||||
| Ryzen 5 3500 | 6/6 | 3.6GhZ | 4.1Ghz | N/A | 65W |
32kb + 32kb (x6) |
512kb (x6) |
16mb |
Up to 126GB of DDR3200 |
| Ryzen 5 3500X | 6/6 | 3.6GhZ | 4.1GhZ | N/A | 65W | 32mb | |||
| Ryzen 6 3600 | 6/12 | 3.6GhZ | 4.2Ghz | N/A | 65W | 32mb | |||
| Ryzen 5 3600X | 6/12 | 3.8GhZ | 4.4Ghz | N/A | 95W | 32kb + 32kb (x6) | 512kb (x6) | 32mb | |
| Ryzen 5 3400G | 4/8 | 3.7Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 1.4Ghz | 65W | 64kb + 32kb (x4) | 512kb (x4) | 4mb | Upto64Gb DDR4 2933 |
Mobile
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU Clock Speed | Power | L2 Cache | L3 Cache | L4 Cache |
| Core i5 10400H | 4/8 | 2.6Ghz | 4.5Ghz | 1.10Ghz | 45W | 8Mb Smart Cache | ||
| Core i5 10300H | 4/8 | 2.5Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 1.05Ghz | 45W | 8Mb Smart Cache | ||
| Core 15 10310U | 4/8 | 1.7Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 1.10Ghz | 15W |
6Mb Smart Cache |
||
| Core i5 10210U | 4/8 | 1.6Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 1Ghz | 15W |
6Mb Smart Cache |
||
| Ryzen 5 3500U | 418 |
2.1Ghz |
3.7Ghz |
1.2Ghz |
15W |
64kb + 32 (x4) |
512kb (x4) |
4Mb |
| Ryzen 5 3550H | 4/8 | 35W | ||||||
| Ryzen 5 3850U | 418 | 1.3Ghz | 15W | |||||
Intel Core i7 (10th Gen) vs Ryzen 7
Desktop
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU Clock Speed | Power | L1 Cache | L2 Cache | L3 Cache | Max Memory Support |
| Core 17 10700K |
8/16 |
3.8Ghz | 5GHz | 1.2Ghz | 125W | 16Mb Shared Cache |
Up to 128GB of 2-channel DDR4-2933 |
||
| Core i7 10700 | 2.9Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 65W | 16Mb Shared Cache | |||||
| Core i7 10700T | 2.0Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 35W | 16Mb Shared Cache | |||||
| Ryzen 7 3700X |
8/16 |
3.6Ghz | 4.4Ghz | N/A | 65W |
32kb + 32kb (x8) |
512kb (X8) |
32Mb |
Up to 128 GB of DDR4-3200 |
| Ryzen 7 3800X |
3.9Ghz |
4.5GHz | N/A | 105W | |||||
| Ryzen 7 3800XT | 4.7Ghz | N/A | 105W | ||||||
Mobile
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU Clock Speed | Power | L1 Cache | L2 Cache | L3 Cache |
| Core i7 10875H | 8/6 | 2.3Ghz | 5.1Ghz |
1.15Ghz |
45W |
12Mb Smart Cache | ||
| Core i7 10850H |
6/12 |
2.7Ghz | 5.1Ghz | 12Mb Smart Cache | ||||
|
Core i7 10750H |
2.6GhZ | 5.0GhZ | 12Mb Smart Cache | |||||
| Core i7 10810U | 6/12 | 1.1Ghz | 4.9Ghz |
15W |
12Mb Smart Cache | |||
| Corei7 10710U | 6/12 | 4.7GhZ | 12Mb Smart Cache | |||||
| Corei7 10610U | 4/8 | 1.8Ghz | 4.9Ghz | 8Mb Smart Cache | ||||
| Corei7 10510U | 4/8 | 8Mb Smart Cache | ||||||
| Ryzen 7 3700U |
4/8 |
2.3Ghz |
4.0GhZ |
1.4Ghz |
15W |
64kb + 32kb (x4) |
512kb (x4) |
4Mb |
| Ryzen 7 3650H | 35W | |||||||
| Ryzen 7 3780U | 15W | |||||||
Intel Core i9 (10th Gen) vs Ryzen Threadripper
Desktop
| CPU | Cores/ Threads | Clock Rate | Max Clock Rate | Max GPU Clock Speed | Power | L1 Cache | L2 Cache | L3 Cache | Max Memory Support |
| Core i9 10900K |
10/20 |
3.7Ghz | 4.8Ghz | 1.2GhZ |
125W |
20 Smart Cache |
Up to 128GB of 2-channel DDR4-2933 |
||
| Core i9 10910 | 3.6Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 1.2GhZ |
20 Smart Cache |
|||||
| Core i9 10900 | 2.8Ghz | 4.5Ghz | 1.2GhZ | 65W | 20 Smart Cache | ||||
| Core i9 10900T | 1.9Ghz | 3.7Ghz | 1.2GhZ | 35W | 20 Smart Cache | ||||
| Core i9 10850K | 3.6Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 1.2GhZ | 125W | 20 Smart Cache | ||||
| Ryzen ThreadRipper Pro 3945WX | 12/24 | 4Ghz |
4.4Ghz |
N/A |
280W |
32kb + 32kb (X12) | 512kb (x12) |
64Mb |
Up to 1TBof DDR4-3200 |
| Ryzen ThreadRipper Pro 3955WX | 16/32 | 3.9Ghz | 32kb + 32kb (x16) | 512kb (x16) | |||||
| Ryzen ThreadRipper Pro 3975WX | 32/64 | 3.5Ghz | 4.35GhZ | 32kb + 32kb (x32) | 512kb (X32) | 128Mb | |||
| Ryzen ThreadRipper Pro 3995WX | 64/128 | 2.7Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 32kb + 32kb (x64) | 512kb (x64) | 256Mb | |||
| Ryzen ThreadRipper 3960X | 24/48 | 3.8Ghz | 4.5Ghz | 32kb + 32kb (x24) | 512kb (x24) |
128Mb |
|||
| Ryzen ThreadRipper 3970X | 32/64 | 3.7Ghz | 4.5Ghz | 32kb + 32kb (x32) | 512kb (x32) | ||||
| Ryzen ThreadRipper 3990X | 64/128 | 2.9Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 32kb + 32kb (x64) | 512kb (X64) | 256Mb | |||
Comparing AMD and Intel
Specification Comparison
We have done a comparison between the i9-9900K and the Ryzen 3950X. The 3950X comes with 16 cores/32 Threads and is built for multi-tasking. It can also handle 4K gaming without any issues. It also has 64MB of cache and dual channel memory. It has a base-clock speed of 3.5 GHz and a boost speed of 4.7 GHz.
The i9-9900K has 8 cores and 16 Threads but offers better single-core performance. It has a base clock of 3.6 GHz and a boost speed of 5 GHz and consumes less power than the Ryzen one. Additionally, it also comes with integrated graphics as well.
Performance Comparison
Most of the intel processors come with integrated graphics, and as a result, you can even avoid buying a GPU. However, the performance level is very impressive. AMDs have less integrated CPU and GPU units. Regardless of whether you choose Intel or AMD, a good quality processor suitable for gaming and streaming will cost anywhere between 200 and 350 Dollars.
If you have a dedicated GPU, then the Intel processor will offer better performance over it’s AMD equivalent. This is due to the architecture of the CPU. The 9900K is arguably the strongest gaming CPU at the time of its release. The Ryzen 9 3590X can outperform all the i9 CPUs in multi-threaded applications and offers great gaming performance. If you are a hardcore gamer, go for the 9700K or 9900K. If you are interested in things other than gaming, opt for a high-end Ryzen processor.
Single-Threaded Performance Hierarchy
| Performance Score | Architecture | Cores/Threads | Clock Speed | TDP | |
| Core i9-10980XE | 100.0% | Cascade Lake-X | 18/36 | 3.0 / 4.8 GHz | 165W |
| Ryzen 9 3950X | 97.5% | Zen 2 | 16/32 | 3.5 / 4.7 GHz | 105W |
| Ryzen 9 3900X | 97.3% | Zen 2 | 12/24 | 3.8 / 4.6 GHz | 105W |
| Core i9-9900KS | 96.4% | Coffee Lake-R | 8/16 | 4.0 / 5.0 GHz | 127W |
| Core i9-9900K | 95.8% | Coffee Lake-R | 8/16 | 3.6 / 5.0 GHz | 95W |
| Threadripper 3970X | 95.7% | Zen 2 | 32/64 | 3.7 / 4.5 GHz | 280W |
| Threadripper 3960X | 95.6% | Zen 2 | 24/48 | 3.8 / 4.5 GHz | 280W |
| Ryzen 7 3700X | 94.7% | Zen 2 | 8/16 | 3.6 / 4.4 GHz | 65W |
| Core i5-9600K | 94.7% | Coffee Lake-R | 6/6 | 3.7 / 4.6 GHz | 95W |
| Core i7-9700K | 93.6% | Coffee Lake-R | 8/8 | 3.6 / 4.9 GHz | 95W |
| Threadripper 3990X | 93.3% | Zen 2 | 64/128 | 2.9 / 4.3 GHz | 280W |
| Core i3-9350KF | 93.2% | Coffee Lake | 4/4 | 4.0/4.6 GHz | 91W |
| Core i9-9980XE | 92.7% | Skylake | 18/36 | 4.4 / 4.5 GHz | 165W |
| Xeon W-3175X | 89.4% |