This article will compare the processor products of two leading manufacturers of semiconductor chips: Intel vs AMD. Their current computing platforms will also be reviewed, their strengths and weaknesses indicated. Well, in addition to this, possible computer configurations will be given.
The main current processor connectors x86
To date, each of the leading manufacturers of central processors has 2 relevant processor sockets. The company "Intel" is:
Socket LGA 2011-v3. This combined processor socket is focused on the assembly of high-performance personal computers for computer enthusiasts and servers. The key feature of this platform is the RAM controller, which can operate in 4-channel mode, and this is an important feature that provides processor products with unprecedented performance. It should also be noted that the integrated graphics subsystem is not used within this platform. Only the discrete graphics can reveal the potential of such high-performance chips, and the LGA 2011 - v3 processor socket is focused on the use of this class of computer components .
LGA 1151 socket . This computing platform allows you to organize both a budget-level PC and high-performance computing systems. In this case, the RAM controller can function as much as possible in 2-channel mode. Also, almost every central processor in the LGA 1151 is equipped with an integrated graphics card that fits perfectly into the office or budget system unit. In terms of performance, this socket loses to the previously considered LGA 2011-v3, but outperforms any AMD solution. Therefore, if we compare Intel i5 vs AMD FX-8 XXX, then the advantage, both in performance and energy efficiency, will be precisely the products of the first company.
In turn, AMD is actively promoting the following processor sockets today:
The main computing platform for this developer of microprocessor devices is AM 3+. The most productive CPUs in its framework are FX chips , which can include from 4 to 8 computing modules. The RAM controller in AM3 +, like in LGA 1151, can function as much as possible in dual-channel mode. Only in this case we are talking about supporting the outdated standard RAM - DDR3, but LGA 1151 can boast support for the latest and fastest DDR4. Therefore, if we compare the latest Intel i5 vs AMD FX-9 XXX, then even the flagship solutions of the latter will significantly lose in performance. Also, within the framework of this platform, there is support for the integrated graphics subsystem. But, unlike the same LGA 1151, the integrated graphics core in this case leads to the motherboard, and is not integrated into the CPU semiconductor chip.
The most recent AMD processor socket is FM2 +. Its main niche is low-cost multimedia stations, office or ultra-budget computers. The main feature of FM2 + is its very efficient integrated subsystem, which in speed can compete on equal terms with discrete entry-level video cards and is significantly ahead of Intel's products of this class. But the limiting factor on the success path of this socket is the weak processor part of this semiconductor solution. Therefore, the use of this connector in the context of an entry-level gaming platform is completely and completely unjustified.
LGA 1151. Key Features
This computing platform currently occupies a dominant position in the market for desktop computers, and it is it that provides a significant advantage in comparing Intel vs AMD on the first side. Moreover, both in quantitative terms and in qualitative ones. As noted earlier, it boasts the following advantages against direct competitors represented by AM3 + and FM2 +: an integrated RAM controller of the DDR4 standard , the mandatory presence of a graphics subsystem and cache memory, which includes three levels without fail. The positioning of the chips within the LGA 1151 , as well as their most important parameters, are given in Table 1. If we make a direct comparison between the Intel Core i5 vs AMD FX-9 XXX series, then in the vast majority of tasks the advantage will be precisely for the first solution. This is nothing special: the latest generation of Intel chips was introduced in the summer of 2015, and AMD in 2012. Therefore, the processor products of the latter are quite difficult to compete with the newer and more productive Intel products.
Chip positioning within the LGA 1151. Their most important characteristics
Processor name | In which PCs is it best to use such a chip? | Main settings |
Celeron CPU models G3920, G3900 and G3900TE. | Office system units with integrated graphics. | Advanced 14nm process technology, excellent energy efficiency, three-level cache. |
Pentium Processors of the G44XX and G45XX series. | Budget PCs that can solve most of the most common tasks. | Compared with the most affordable Celeron chips , the 3rd cache level and clock speeds have been increased. |
Core i3 models 61XX and 63XX. | Basic gaming PCs combined with powerful discrete graphics. | Support for HT technology , which allows you to get at the level of off of 4 software processing flows. Larger 3rd level cache and clock speeds. |
Core i5 models 64XX, 65XX and 66XX. | An average gaming system or graphics station combined with a powerful graphics card. | Full 4 cores, dynamic CPU frequency regulation, even larger cache size. |
Core i7 models 67XX. | The most productive gaming PCs, video processing and coding stations, entry-level servers. | 4 cores and 8 software processing threads. The maximum cache size. CPU frequency adjustment. |
Core i7 with an index of 6700K and Core i5 with an index of 6600K. | System blocks of computer enthusiasts. | Unlocked multiplier can significantly increase the speed of the computing system. |
CPU socket LGA 2011-v3. Technical specifications
Within the framework of this platform, it is impossible to compare Intel vs AMD for the reason that this socket is currently out of competition in terms of speed. LGA 2011-v3 was originally developed as a server socket, but then the Xeon chipset was supplemented by Core i7, aimed at the segment of already-home PCs with unprecedented high speed. As previously noted, there is no reason to expect integrated graphics within such systems, and the RAM controller has 4 channels at once. Also, the indisputable advantages of this socket include the ability to install a CPU with 6 or even 12 cores, which also have an unlocked multiplier. As a result, the performance margin of such computing systems allows their owners not to think about the hardware requirements for the next 3-4 years for sure. Intel vs AMD processors in the context of LGA 2011-v3 can not be compared. Between them there is simply an abyss both in speed and in price. The latter on such PCs starts from several thousand dollars. But this is nothing special: such a PC is acquired for several years in advance and has excessive speed.
Socket AM3 +. Key options and features
It is not entirely correct to compare Intel Core vs AMD FX processor solutions . If the former are constantly updated and refined, the latter were released back in 2012 and since then there have been no changes within the AM3 + platform. As a result, the performance difference is simply huge between the two platforms . AMD’s flagship today can compete on equal terms only with the chips of the Core i3 lineup . All processors within the AM3 + have an unlocked multiplier, and, as a result, they can and should be overclocked. With the most favorable combination of circumstances with such CPUs, it is possible to conquer the 5 GHz bar. Also, a 3-level cache is part of this semiconductor crystal. The RAM controller in this case is 2-channel, but, unlike the LGA 1151, it cannot work with DDR4 memory, but only with DDR3. If we compare the latest generation AMD FX vs Intel “ Cor ” , the advantage for the latter in terms of speed will be very large. The approximate positioning of AM3 + chips in niches is shown in the table below.
AM3 + chip positioning
The name of the processor family | The number of cores and modules | Appointment |
FX-43XX | 4/2 | Budget and office PCs. Entry-level gaming systems. |
FX-63XX | 6/3 | Mid-level gaming computers |
FX-83XX | 8/4 | Graphic and workstations. Entry-level servers. The most productive gaming PCs within the framework of this platform. |
FX-9XXX | 8/4 | Computers for enthusiasts. |
CPU socket FM2 +. AMD's main hybrid chip platform
You can not compare the processor parts of Intel Core i5 vs AMD A-series with each other. These processors are aimed at solving completely different problems. The first of them allow you to create high-performance PCs, and the second - multimedia stations. But the situation changes dramatically when comparing graphics subsystems. Core i5, alas, cannot boast of a powerful integrated graphics subsystem, but AMD's hybrid chip is equipped with a video card by default, which even surpasses even discrete entry-level accelerators in its capabilities. An important feature of this family of chips is that they are equipped with only two-level cache memory.
Multimedia stations
Of course, within the niche of multimedia stations, you can compare such central processors as Intel Core i5 vs AMD A10-, but this approach is not economically justified. Such computers put forward increased demands on the graphics subsystem, and are not so demanding on the processor part of the PC. It is this combination of characteristics that the previously mentioned series of hybrid chips from AMD can boast of. Another important feature is their very low cost, which corresponds to 2-core CPU models from Intel. As a result, AMD is dominant in this highly specialized niche. Indicative configuration of such a PC is shown in the table below. The parameters of this computer will be quite enough for playing video, listening to music, working in office applications, and even some toys on it will go at the minimum settings.
Approximate multimedia station equipment
No. p / p | Name of components | Model | Cost, rubles |
one. | CPU | A8-7850 3.6 / 3.9 GHz, 4 cores, 4 MB L2 cache. | 5000 rubles |
2. | Motherboard | MSI A78M-E35 | 3000 rubles |
3. | RAM | TEAM 8 GB DDR3 1600 MHz | 2000 rubles |
four. | Power Supply | GameMax GM-500B | 1200 rubles |
5. | Body | I-BOX FORCE 1807 | 900 rubles |
6. | HDD | HDD 1 Tb 7200 | 2500 rubles |
Total: | 14 600 rubles |
Office computers
In this comparison between AMD FX vs Intel will be on the side of the latter. She has a very productive entry-level CPU with a very democratic cost. The Celeron chip will look most optimally within such a computing system . Indicative configuration of such a computer is shown in the following table.
Office Computer 2016
No. p / p | PC component | Model | Estimated price, rubles |
one. | CPU | Celeron g3900 | 2100 rubles |
2. | Motherboard | ASUS H110M-R / C / SI | 2400 rubles |
3. | RAM | Silicon Power 4 GB DDR4 2133 MHz | 1200 rubles |
four. | Power Supply | Delux 400W FAN 120 mm | 700 rubles |
5. | Body | Frime 165b | 900 rubles |
6. | HDD | WD WD1600AVVS, 160 GB | 2200 rubles |
Total: | 9500 rubles |
Entry-level gaming PCs
Theoretically, in the framework of an entry-level gaming PC, you can still compare, for example, AMD FX - 6300 vs Intel “Cori 3”. But the difference in speed in this case will be just fantastic. Moreover, the second CPU will win, in which there are only 2 real modules for performing calculations instead of the one that has 6 paired blocks.
Therefore, in any case, the gaming system should be based on chips from Intel. They are more expensive, but their performance is much better. Well, for gaming systems, the number of displayed pictures per second comes first and here the difference between AMD FX vs Intel i3 will be just overwhelming. Indicative configuration of such a computer is shown in the table below.
Complete game base system
No. p / p | PC component | Model | Price, rubles |
one. | CPU | i3-6100 | 6500 rubles |
2. | Motherboard | ASUS H110M | 2400 rubles |
3. | RAM | 2x4 GB DDR4 2133 MHz | 2400 rubles |
four. | Power Supply | GameMax GM-500B | 1200 rubles |
5. | Body | I-BOX FORCE 1805 | 900 rubles |
6. | HDD | 1Tb 7200 | 2 7 00 rubles |
7. | Solid state drive | 128 GB SATA 3 | 2500 rubles |
8. | Video card | Radeon RX460 | 7000 rubles |
Total: | 25 600 rubles |
Mid-range gaming systems
Comparing AMD FX-8350 vs Intel “Kor Ai 5” in the framework of even a mid-level gaming PC in terms of the number of output frames per second, we get a significant difference. In some cases, the difference will be 20-30 frames per second. In dynamic games, this is unacceptable. Therefore, it is most correct to assemble a mid-level gaming system only on a full-fledged 4-core CPU from Intel. And it is best to look towards the i5-6600 chip . It is in combination with the GeForce 1060 that it will allow you to get excellent "Gameplay". It should be noted that the video card must be equipped with 6GB of RAM. Also, installing processors with an unlocked multiplier in such a system is not entirely justified. They are aimed at the premium segment and at work in tandem with a more expensive and productive graphics card. The rest of the approximate configuration is shown in the table below.
Mid-level gaming system
Component | Parameters, model | Price, rubles |
CPU | i5-6600 | 15 000 rubles |
Motherboard | ASUS 150m | 6000 rubles |
RAM | DDR4 3200MHz 16Gb | 12,000 rubles |
Power Supply | 1000W | 7000 rubles |
Body | Midi tower | 2000 rubles |
HDD | 2GB, 7200 | 6000 rubles |
SSD - drive | 256GB | 5500 rubles |
Graphics Accelerator | GeForce 1060, 6 GB | 20 000 rubles |
Total: | 73 500 rubles |
Uncompromising Gaming Computers
If, when comparing Intel Core i5 vs AMD, the indisputable advantage is already on the side of the first company, then in this case, in essence, the second company has no analogues. Over the past 5 years, the CPU premium segment has been confidently occupying the products of only one company - Intel, and even comparing the AMD FX-9590 vs Intel LGA 2011-v3 does not give any chances for the products of the first company. As noted earlier, Core i7 processors for the LGA2011-v3 socket are aimed at this niche . They can include up to 10 computational units, they have an increased cache size and an unlocked multiplier.
But the key difference in this case is the RAM controller, which is able to function in 4-channel mode. As a result, the RAM subsystem in this case is faster, and there is no worthy competition for such computers yet.
PC for computer enthusiast
Component | Characteristics | Price, rubles |
CPU | Core i7-6950 X | 100 000 rubles |
Video card | GeForce GTX 1080 8GB | 50 000 rubles |
RAM | 32 GB DDR4 | 25 000 rubles |
Motherboard | X99 | 45 000 rubles |
Power Supply | 1000 watts | 16 000 rubles |
Body | ATX | 2000 rubles |
HDD | 2 Gb , 7200 | 8 000 rubles |
SSD - drive | 512 GB | 10 000 rubles |
Total: | 256 000 rubles |
Graphic stations
Within even this specialized niche, the comparison between AMD FX vs Intel Core i5 indicates that the products of the first company are outdated and are losing in all respects. The basic chip for such a PC is the i5-6400.
Approximate equipment of such a system is shown in the following table.
Graphics Station Options
No. p / p | Component | Model | Cost in rubles |
one. | CPU | i5-6400 | 11 000 rubles |
2. | Motherboard | ASUS Z-170DE | 5400 rubles |
3. | RAM | DDR4 16Gb | 10 000 rubles |
four. | Power Supply | Aerocool VX-800 | 5400 rubles |
5. | Body | Frime 165b | 2000 rubles |
6. | HDD | 1Tb SATA 3, 7200, 64 Mb cache | 40 00 rubles |
7. | Solid state drive | 256 GB SATA 3 | 50 00 rubles |
8. | Video card | Radeon Pro2DUO | 120 000 rubles |
Total: | 162 800 rubles |
And then what?
The next few months will be very busy in the processor market. First in January, Intel will update its chipset and present the 7th generation of its architecture, codenamed Core. No drastic changes are expected in this case. Work will be done on the bugs, slightly improved performance and some new technologies will be added. Then, already towards the end of the first quarter, AMD will finally release its new socket, which will be called AM4. In this case, the changes will already be revolutionary in nature. Chips will be produced according to a new process technology, have improved architecture and will receive new technologies. It is these “Zen” processors that will in theory have to restore parity in the CPU market. Only after that it will be advisable to review the previously given computer configurations.
Summary
To summarize the comparison of processor products Intel vs AMD conducted as part of this material. The only niche where the position of the second company is still strong is multimedia systems and PCs for budget and office use. And in the second case, Intel products look even preferable. Another plus that AMD can boast is the lower cost of its products. But is it worth saving the same $ 100 and still get an outdated system, even by today's standards. This is already obvious: a PC is bought for 3-5 years, therefore, in all other cases, when buying a new computing system, it is more correct to focus on the products of the second company when comparing AMD FX vs Intel Core .