AMD vs Intel: Which CPU Is Best For Gaming (July 2019)
Choosing the right Central Processing Unit, also known as the CPU or processor, is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when choosing the hardware components for your new build because it will ultimately determine what motherboard you’re going to need.
This, in turn, affects the compatibility of each different half.
In this piece, we’re going to discuss some of the main differences between the two gaming CPU brands and what they bring to the table in an easy-to-understand way.
AMD Vs Intel Compression
If you’re looking for a new CPU, you’ll be happy to hear that, currently, there are only 2 major players to choose from Intel or AMD. Lucky for you, these two CPU powerhouses are at war and it’s making processor offerings more powerful and affordable than ever before.
It’s been one-way traffic for as long as I can remember thanks to Intel providing consumers with stand out performers year on year. However, AMD has decided enough is enough.
Since AMD released its first information Ryzen varies we have seen the gap between Intel and AMD scale back significantly.
Since then we’ve seen AMD release a 2nd gen Ryzen chip and we’re now eagerly awaiting the 3rd gen of Ryzen CPU’s which promises to bring new levels of performance.
It’s an exciting time for computer technology as it might be the first time we see AMD go ahead of Intel in the war for CPU dominance.
How To Find Difference Between AMD Vs Intel
To get started, let’s take a look at how we’ll be comparing the two brands.
- Specs. A look at each processor and their specifications.
- Overclocking. Which processors are locked and unlocked for overclocking, and what you will need to do so.
- Upgradability/Longevity. Some processors and motherboards can be used for multiple generations, some only a single generation.
- Value. What each company offers to give you the best value for your money.
- Gaming. What you’re all really here for. Which processor is the best one for gaming?
Specs
Can you just show me the benchmarks so I can buy the fastest CPU?
I could benchmark each CPU for each task and throw numbers at you, but that doesn’t tell you which processor is the best for what you need.
Oh, and if you want to see an excessively comprehensive list of all the most relevant processors and how they rank compared to one another, then you should check out our CPU Hierarchy List.
What Are All These Acronyms?
Since this is an article that helps introduce some of the fundamentals about CPUs, how about we very briefly go over some of the terms you’re about to see. Keep in mind, this is a watered down TL;DR of these terms.
Cores and Threads
Cores and threads are both parts of a processor. Cores handle various tasks, so the more you have the more tasks your computer can handle simultaneously. At its most basic, threads also help handle more information.
Clock speed, or Gigahertz GHz
Clock speed, measured in Ghz, is how many cycles your processor runs. So the higher the number, the faster it is getting things done. A higher clock speed means you can handle one specific task better.
XFR speed and TB speed each visit the upper speeds you’ll get your AMD and Intel processor to run, respectively.
Putting it Together
If a CPU was a factory, then having more cores and threads would be like having more workers, so having more Ghz would be like having faster workers. It’s worth noting that all of the CPUs we talk about below have varying levels of speed, cores & threads meaning they all have specific pros and cons.
TDP, or Thermal Design Power
This is a measure of how much heat this component is expected to give off. Despite being measured in Watts, it is not a measure of how much energy it consumes. Instead, it’s used so that you know how much cooling you will need to provide to your computer.
Socket
This is perhaps the most simple aspect of the processor. A socket here works like any other socket in that it refers to what it can fit into.
CPUs will solely match onto motherboards that support their socket sort.
AMD’s Ryzen
In AMD’s corner, we have the Ryzen line of processors.
First introduced in 2017, it was quickly a big hit with the consumer market for its high core and thread count and low cost.
Until the discharge of the Ryzen line, AMD’s hardware lines had been stagnant, and considerably behind Intel on speed and multithreading.
AMD decided to offer higher clock speeds, more threads, and cores in the hope to bridge the gap between themselves and Intel. Even though they were still behind, Ryzen threw AMD back into the competition for the gaming CPU market.
Let’s take a look at what the Ryzen line of processors offers.
Note – All listings are current at the time of article release (July 2019). Prices based on release price and not current market prices that are always in a state of fluctuation
Ryzen 3 entry level
| Ryzen 3 | Core/Thread | Base | XFR Speed | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 3 1200 | 4/4 | 3.1Ghz | 3.4Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $69.95 |
| Ryzen 3 1300X | 4/4 | 3.5Ghz | 3.7Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $85.54 |
| Ryzen 3 2200G APU | 4/4 (8GPU cores) | 3.5Ghz | 3.7Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $86.99 |
Ryzen 5 mid-level
| Ryzen 5 | Core/Thread | Base | XFR Speed | TDP | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 1400 | 4/8 | 3.2Ghz | 3.4Ghz | 65W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 5 1500X | 4/8 | 3.5Ghz | 3.7Ghz | 65W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 5 1600 | 6/12 | 3.2Ghz | 3.6Ghz | 65W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 5 1600X | 6/12 | 3.6Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 95W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 5 2400G APU | 4/8 | 3.6Ghz | 3.9Ghz | 65W | AM4 |
Ryzen 7 performance level
| Ryzen 7 | Core/Thread | Base | XFR Speed | TDP | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 7 1700 | 8/16 | 3.0Ghz | 3.7Ghz | 65W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 7 1700X | 8/16 | 3.4Ghz | 3.8Ghz | 95W | AM4 |
| Ryzen 7 1800X | 8/16 | 3.6Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 95W | AM4 |
Ryzen 2nd Gen CPU’s
| Ryzen 2nd Gen CPU | Core/Thread | Base | XFR Speed | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen 5 2600 | 6/12 | 3.4Ghz | 3.9Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $149.99 |
| Ryzen 5 2600x | 6/12 | 3.6Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 95W | AM4 | $179.89 |
| Ryzen 7 2700 | 8/16 | 3.2Ghz | 4.1Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $209.99 |
| Ryzen 7 2700x | 8/16 | 3.7Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 105W | AM4 | $279.99 |
Ryzen 3rd Gen CPU’s
| Ryzen 3rd Gen CPU | Core/Thread | Base | XFR Speed | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AMD Ryzen 5 3600 | 6/12 | 3.6Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $149.99 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 3600X | 6/12 | 3.8Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 95W | AM4 | $179.89 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3700X | 8/16 | 3.6Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 65W | AM4 | $209.99 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 3800X | 8/16 | 3.9Ghz | 4.5Ghz | 105W | AM4 | $279.99 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 3900X | 12/24 | 3.8Ghgz | 4.6Ghz | 105W | AM4 | $499.99 |
| AMD Ryzen 9 3950X | 16/32 | 3.5ghz | 4.7Ghz | 105W | AM4 | $749.99 |
Ryzen thread ripper enthusiast
| Ryzen Threadripper Enthusiast | Core/Thread | Base | XFR Speed | TDP | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryzen Threadripper 1900X | 8/16 | 3.8Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 180W | TR4 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 1920X | 12/24 | 3.5Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 180W | TR4 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 1950X | 16/32 | 3.4Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 180W | TR4 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2920x | 12/24 | 3.5Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 180W | TR4 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2950x | 16/32 | 3.2Ghz | 4.4Ghz | 180W | TR4 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2970WX | 24/48 | 3Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 250W | TR4 |
| Ryzen Threadripper 2990WX | 32/64 | 3Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 250W | TR4 |
As you’ll see, AMD’s line of Ryzen processors cowl a good vary of core and thread counts, additionally as being budget and enthusiast friendly.
This isn’t without its compromises though.
AMD Ryzen base clock speeds tend to hover around the low to the middle three gigahertz vary.
Even with Precision Boost, they don’t reach 4.0 GHz until the 2nd gen & Threadripper come into play, with the exception of the Ryzen 5 1600X.
Something else to note is that every Ryzen CPU is unlocked to allow for overclocking. This makes it a great choice for an overclocked system on a budget.
Intel’s Core
Until the somewhat recent unharness of AMD’s Ryzen line, if you were looking for a serious gaming CPU, then you’d be choosing Intel.
In recent years, Intel has dominated the gaming CPU market.
Offering high clock speeds and good multi-threading, the Intel Core family was a no-brainer for gaming.
Times haven’t changed in that regard though.
Intel still offers quick computer hardware with nice multithreading.
We’ve seen the Ryzen lineup, now let’s see what Intel’s Core line brings to the table.
Core i3 entry level
| Core i3 Entry Level | Core/Thread | Base | TB Speed | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8100T | 4/4 | 3.1Ghz | No | 35W | LGA 1151 | $117 |
| 8100 | 4/4 | 3.6Ghz | No | 65W | LGA 1151 | $117 |
| 8300T | 4/4 | 3.2Ghz | No | 35W | LGA 1151 | $138 |
| 8300 | 4/4 | 3.7Ghz | No | 62W | LGA 1151 | $138 |
| 8350K | 4/4 | 4.0Ghz | No | 91W | LGA 1151 | $168 |
Core i5 mid-level
| Core i5 Mid-Level | Core/Thread | Base | TB Speed | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8400T | 6/6 | 1.7Ghz | 3.3Ghz | 35W | LGA 1151 | $182 |
| 8400 | 6/6 | 2.8Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 65W | LGA 1151 | $182 |
| 8500T | 6/6 | 2.1Ghz | 3.5Ghz | 35W | LGA 1151 | $192 |
| 8500 | 6/6 | 3.0Ghz | 4.1Ghz | 65W | LGA 1151 | $192 |
| 8600T | 6/6 | 2.3Ghz | 3.7Ghz | 35W | LGA 1151 | $213 |
| 8600 | 6/6 | 3.1Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 65W | LGA 1151 | $213 |
| 8600K | 6/6 | 3.6Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 95W | LGA 1151 | $257 |
Core i7 performance level
| Core i7 performance level | Core/Thread | Base | TB Speed | TDP | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8700T | 6/12 | 2.4Ghz | 4.1Ghz | 35W | LGA 1151 |
| 8700 | 6/12 | 3.2Ghz | 4.6Ghz | 65W | LGA 1151 |
| 8700K | 6/12 | 3.7Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 95W | LGA 1151 |
Core i7 performance level
| Core i7 performance level | Core/Thread | Base | TB Speed | TDP | Socket | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8700T | 6/12 | 2.4Ghz | 4.1Ghz | 35W | LGA 1151 | $303.00 |
| 8700 | 6/12 | 3.2Ghz | 4.6Ghz | 65W | LGA 1151 | $312.00 |
| 8700K | 6/12 | 3.7Ghz | 4.7Ghz | 95W | LGA 1151 | $370.00 |
Core X enthusiast level
Core X Enthusiast Level | Core/Thread | Base | TB Speed | TDP | Socket |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7800X | 6/12 | 3.5Ghz | 4.0Ghz | 140W | LGA 2066 |
| 7820X | 8/16 | 3.6Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 140W | LGA 2066 |
| 7900X | 10/20 | 3.3Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 140W | LGA 2066 |
| 7920X | 12/24 | 2.9Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 140W | LGA 2066 |
| 7940X | 14/28 | 3.1Ghz | 4.3Ghz | 165W | LGA 2066 |
| 7960X | 16/32 | 2.8Ghz | 4.2Ghz | 165W | LGA 2066 |
Before AMD’s newest line of 3rd gen Ryzen chips, if your goal was to try and push a CPU as fast as it’ll go, Intel’s Core line wins out over AMD’s Ryzen. Your base clock speeds are lower, but when Turbo Boost takes over you see significant increases in speed. However, Ryzen has bridged the gap considerably.
As the case is with the AMD Ryzen line, the core line offers a wonderful vary of processors to settle on from.
They offer both budget and enthusiast-friendly CPUs.
Unlike AMD, not every processor from the Core line is available to be overclocked. Intel has limited it so that only those with an X or a K in the model name are unlocked, allowing overclocking.
Identifiers
I’m sure you’ve noticed that some of the CPUs have a letter at the end of the model name. These are identifier SKUs, they let us know certain features.
AMD
X – Extended XFR range over models without.
G – Indicates an APU model. These come with an advanced built-in graphics unit on the same die as the processor.
Intel
K – Unit is unlocked for overclocking.
X – Part of the Xtreme family, also unlocked for overclocking.
T – Lower power variant of its counterpart without the T.
Overclocking
Even if you’re just beginning to delve into the computer hardware and customization world, overclocking can be a simple and safe process. But what do you need to look for?
Which Processors Can be Overclocked?
If you’re wanting to overclock, you’ll have to consider the following: Any Ryzen can be overclocked, while only the Intel CPUs with an X or K can be overclocked.
How You Overclock
AMD and Intel each supply United States 2 ways that to overclock: The BIOS, and a simple application.
AMD provides United States Ryzen Master and Intel provides United States the Intel Extreme calibration Utility.
The Ryzen Master and Intel calibration Utility square measure straightforward and intuitive overclocking utilities that you just will use from right inside Windows.
It doesn’t offer as many settings as overclocking in your BIOS, but for a beginner who doesn’t want to change the wrong setting in their BIOS, this can be a major bonus.
Overclocking Considerations
If you’re going to overclock, you’re going to need adequate cooling. The more the CPU has to work, the more heat it’s going to generate.
Most CPUs can keep company with a stock fan cooler setup.
Some of these are adequate for minor overclocking, but others will only keep your CPU cool enough if it’s running stock speeds.
It can also be hard to know what your CPU’s ideal temperature is, what other factors may come into play, and how to reduce your CPU’s temperature.
Ryzen CPUs come with a fan cooler designed specifically for the thermal design power, or TDP, needs of the processor it comes with. Thermal design power refers to how much power the processor consumes and how much heat it generates. This will work for both stock speeds, and minor overclocking as well.
If you’re either on a budget that doesn’t allow for a larger heatsink or an All-in-one (AIO) option, or you’re not sure if you will need one or not, then this is a great way to find out first.
Intel CPUs only comes with a basic fan cooler. This should work at stock speeds as long as you’re not in a hot environment.
If you’re wanting to overclock, however, you may want to consider upgrading your fan cooler to either a larger heatsink or maybe an AIO CPU water cooler.
Upgradability and Chipsets
The AMD Ryzen and Intel Core line of processors each have their own cluster of chipsets they will utilize.
Different chipset levels will unlock more features on your motherboard (More PCIe lanes, more USB 3.1 ports, SATA ports, etc).
Ryzen Compatibility
Ryzen CPU and motherboard chipsets are forwards and backward compatible. This means that a newer generation Ryzen will work with a motherboard chipset from an older generation, and vice versa.
This makes upgrading your machine one piece at a time a much easier task, as you can upgrade either your motherboard or CPU instead of both at once.
Intel Compatibility
Intel CPUs only work with chipsets for each specific generation.
A seventh generation Core mainframe won’t add a chipset for associate eighth generation Core mainframe.
This makes upgrading a core component of your system more complex. If you’d like to upgrade your motherboard or CPU to a newer generation, you’ll have to replace both at once.
Value
When it comes to value, both companies bring great things to the table.
Ryzen’s Value
AMD’s Ryzen APU series of processors square measure nice if you’re trying to find a vice laptop on a coffee budget.
AMD uses a scaled down version of its Vega graphics card to accompany either a 4C/4T CPU or a 4C/8T CPU.
While this won’t run any games at 4k in ultra settings, AMD did design them to be used for gaming. You will need to budget for more RAM if you go with this though, as a Ryzen APU’s use up to 2GB of your system memory for the GPU. Check out our RAM speeds page to find our exactly what memory is best for Ryzen processors.
Intel’s Value
Intel offers a mainframe for everybody, even those looking for a power friendly build.
With the low TDP, the low power T processors are a clear winner.
Every Intel Core processor also includes a basic GPU built in, but these are basic graphics and are really only suitable for basic usages, like word processing.
This being aforesaid not all AMD CPU’s have aboard graphics cards either, it’s solely their APU vary.
AMD Vs Intel Gaming compression
I know, this category was a long time coming.But the Ryzen and Intel core line of processors ar terribly similar.Where one lacks, the other shines.
I wanted you to get to know what each line has to offer before we approached this subject.
What’s better for gaming? Multiple cores and threads, or faster clock speeds? Would a high core/high thread count CPU with an overclock be better than a higher stock speed and lower core/thread count?
What are you looking for? A pure gaming machine to try and get as many FPS as you can? Or, do you want to game and stream at the same time? Maybe you want to game, but also use your computer as a workstation.
These are all important questions to ask yourself when considering which CPU to buy.
In general, games don’t return huge gains past a quad core. That’s not to say it doesn’t help to have more cores, but most games don’t get much of a performance boost.
If you’re going for a pure gaming machine, a quad-core CPU with four to eight threads would be sufficient. This would make it easier to invest in a better GPU, which would proportionally offer a much larger improvement to your FPS than a higher core count CPU.
If you plan on streaming while you game or creating content to upload, you’ll be better off with a higher core count CPU.
It’s worth noting that all of the mid-level and higher Intel Core processors have at least 6 cores, and most of the AMD Ryzen processors at the mid-level– and all of them at the higher levels– have at least 6 cores.
Moreover, even the lowest tier for both lines still has 4 cores.
Final Word
There’s no clear “best CPU”. Both companies offer a fantastic line of processors at a great price, and they make up for what each other lacks.
There are cases to be made for both companies for gaming. If you’re looking for an easy to upgrade, budget-friendly, multitasking CPU, then AMD might be for you. This being said, Intel has faster clock speeds for the budget user, and a higher ceiling for overclock speeds, letting you squeeze every last drop of value out of there processors.
Personally, I use Ryzen 2700x. I wanted a high-end gaming machine, but I still wanted it to be a well-rounded workstation for content creation as well. This allowed me to get an 8C/16T processor, while still allowing me to get a decent graphics card (RTX 2070). It also allowed for an M.2 drive upgrade for fast boot times. I hope this helps you decide which processor is the best fit for you, and I’d love to hear what you guys chose.
There’s no clear “best CPU”. Both companies offer a fantastic line of processors at a great price, and they make up for what each other lacks.
There are cases to be made for both companies for gaming. If you’re looking for an easy to upgrade, budget-friendly, multitasking CPU, then AMD might be for you. This being said, Intel has faster clock speeds for the budget user, and a higher ceiling for overclock speeds, letting you squeeze every last drop of value out of there processors.
Personally, I use Ryzen 2700x. I wanted a high-end gaming machine, but I still wanted it to be a well-rounded workstation for content creation as well. This allowed me to get an 8C/16T processor, while still allowing me to get a decent graphics card (RTX 2070). It also allowed for an M.2 drive upgrade for fast boot times. I hope this helps you decide which processor is the best fit for you, and I’d love to hear what you guys chose.
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