Intel has, for the longest time, been the obvious choice for the best overall CPU choice in desktop gaming computers. But, the 2017 introduction of AMD’s Ryzen series put the world of computing on its head. Now, the choice between the two CPUs is no longer so clear cut.
Ryzen is now outpacing Intel in terms of growth. Overall sales is also on AMD’s side. Considering that it was only in 2017 that the first generation came out, it’s difficult to imagine how meteoric the rise was.
So, what's fueling this sudden success?
Core Count
Intel has always been stringent with the core count of their hardware. This is because they’ve perfected hyperthreading even on their low-end CPUs. This means that a single physical core can do the task of two different cores. This results in two logical cores that you can utilize when multitasking.
AMD Ryzen, however, started with quad-core CPUs at the very bottom of their product offering. They got even more generous in terms of core count as they moved up the price range. This may be speculation, but this might have forced Intel’s hand with their 8th Gen CPUs that also started with 4 cores at the very base of their offerings.
However, once you go to the mid and high tier CPUs, the Ryzen outclasses Intel in terms of core count. The fact that the i5 wasn't capable of Hyper-Threading also gives Ryzen the edge.
Clock Speed & Simultaneous Multi-Threading
What made Intel Core CPUs such beasts against AMD back in the day was due to Hyper-Threading. Intel basically made cores capable of working on two different tasks at the same time. This enabled it to perform the job of two different AMD cores. This essentially made one of Intel’s cores just as capable as two of AMD’s. This resulted in what the company calls logical cores in the hyper-threading process.
The Ryzen line, however, made it possible for AMD to introduce what they call the Simultaneous Multi-Threading. For all intents and purposes, it’s the same as Hyper-Threading. But, since the core count on the Ryzen a few years ago doubled that of Intel, Ryzen naturally had the advantage, especially in multitasking jobs. Since modern games, including AAA games, are mostly multi-tasking programs, Ryzen has become the favoured chipset for gaming enthusiasts.
The new architecture also helped both the budget and mid-range Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 become a more powerful single-core performer. Although they're still not on par with their Intel counterparts, they're a lot closer than they were just a few years ago.
Overclocking
Much has been said in the debate between overclocking and keeping base speeds for CPUs. Some say that Intel's reluctance to open up their hardware for overclockers is a benefit because it ensures the longevity of the chip. To this end, Intel has the benefit.
This argument, however, is perhaps best contextualized. This may be true for productivity machines such as video editing rigs that require computers to be hyper-focused on a singular task. For gaming purposes, however, overclocking your CPU might literally mean in-game life and death. Current-generation games are naturally multitasking programs. Overclocking helps a lot in keeping the system stable while running programs such as these.
Future-Proofing
Ryzen CPUs are compatible with the new AM4 chipsets specifically designed for AMD's Ryzen CPUs. These mobos are designed to be compatible for next-gen CPUs for the coming years ensuring seamless upgradeability. This means you just have to get the CPU if you want to upgrade.
On the other hand, Intel used the LGA 1151 for the 9th generation. Just a couple of months ago, they released both their 10th generation CPUs together with a new motherboard. The problem here is that the new CPU is no longer compatible with the LGA 1151. If you're going to upgrade your rig to the newest CPU, you're going to have to buy both the mobo and the CPU at the same time if you want to have functioning PC.
Cost
Whether it be the low-end, mid-range, or the high-end segments, Ryzen CPUs are always priced significantly lower than their counterparts.
To cut to the meat of the argument, the Ryzen is a capable performer than can keep up with the heavy hitters of the Intel. What makes it so good is that does this at a fraction of the cost. This leaves PC builders free to invest in other important aspects of the gaming build such as the graphics card.
However, if you’re building a PC for anything else other than gaming, there are just too few productivity apps that designed to take advantage of the high core-count, and Simultaneous Multi-Threading that Ryzen is designed to do. The single-core performance of the low core-count but high-performance Intel CPU would make Ryzen eat its dust in terms of video editing, 3D rendering, and other productivity tasks.
It is important to note, however, that the productivity market is still dominated by Intel. Core processors just have the stability that Ryzen just could not equal. But since the gaming scene is the fastest-growing segment in the PC business, we'll likely see continued success for the brand for years to come.
Intel has already shown that they’re ready to play by raising their core count with their 8th generation CPUs. What else are they be willing to do to get back their place at the top?
All of this makes for an interesting time for PC builders.
Ryzen is now outpacing Intel in terms of growth. Overall sales is also on AMD’s side. Considering that it was only in 2017 that the first generation came out, it’s difficult to imagine how meteoric the rise was.
So, what's fueling this sudden success?
Core Count
Intel has always been stringent with the core count of their hardware. This is because they’ve perfected hyperthreading even on their low-end CPUs. This means that a single physical core can do the task of two different cores. This results in two logical cores that you can utilize when multitasking.
AMD Ryzen, however, started with quad-core CPUs at the very bottom of their product offering. They got even more generous in terms of core count as they moved up the price range. This may be speculation, but this might have forced Intel’s hand with their 8th Gen CPUs that also started with 4 cores at the very base of their offerings.
However, once you go to the mid and high tier CPUs, the Ryzen outclasses Intel in terms of core count. The fact that the i5 wasn't capable of Hyper-Threading also gives Ryzen the edge.
Clock Speed & Simultaneous Multi-Threading
What made Intel Core CPUs such beasts against AMD back in the day was due to Hyper-Threading. Intel basically made cores capable of working on two different tasks at the same time. This enabled it to perform the job of two different AMD cores. This essentially made one of Intel’s cores just as capable as two of AMD’s. This resulted in what the company calls logical cores in the hyper-threading process.
The Ryzen line, however, made it possible for AMD to introduce what they call the Simultaneous Multi-Threading. For all intents and purposes, it’s the same as Hyper-Threading. But, since the core count on the Ryzen a few years ago doubled that of Intel, Ryzen naturally had the advantage, especially in multitasking jobs. Since modern games, including AAA games, are mostly multi-tasking programs, Ryzen has become the favoured chipset for gaming enthusiasts.
The new architecture also helped both the budget and mid-range Ryzen 3 and Ryzen 5 become a more powerful single-core performer. Although they're still not on par with their Intel counterparts, they're a lot closer than they were just a few years ago.
Overclocking
Much has been said in the debate between overclocking and keeping base speeds for CPUs. Some say that Intel's reluctance to open up their hardware for overclockers is a benefit because it ensures the longevity of the chip. To this end, Intel has the benefit.
This argument, however, is perhaps best contextualized. This may be true for productivity machines such as video editing rigs that require computers to be hyper-focused on a singular task. For gaming purposes, however, overclocking your CPU might literally mean in-game life and death. Current-generation games are naturally multitasking programs. Overclocking helps a lot in keeping the system stable while running programs such as these.
Future-Proofing
Ryzen CPUs are compatible with the new AM4 chipsets specifically designed for AMD's Ryzen CPUs. These mobos are designed to be compatible for next-gen CPUs for the coming years ensuring seamless upgradeability. This means you just have to get the CPU if you want to upgrade.
On the other hand, Intel used the LGA 1151 for the 9th generation. Just a couple of months ago, they released both their 10th generation CPUs together with a new motherboard. The problem here is that the new CPU is no longer compatible with the LGA 1151. If you're going to upgrade your rig to the newest CPU, you're going to have to buy both the mobo and the CPU at the same time if you want to have functioning PC.
Cost
Whether it be the low-end, mid-range, or the high-end segments, Ryzen CPUs are always priced significantly lower than their counterparts.
To cut to the meat of the argument, the Ryzen is a capable performer than can keep up with the heavy hitters of the Intel. What makes it so good is that does this at a fraction of the cost. This leaves PC builders free to invest in other important aspects of the gaming build such as the graphics card.
However, if you’re building a PC for anything else other than gaming, there are just too few productivity apps that designed to take advantage of the high core-count, and Simultaneous Multi-Threading that Ryzen is designed to do. The single-core performance of the low core-count but high-performance Intel CPU would make Ryzen eat its dust in terms of video editing, 3D rendering, and other productivity tasks.
It is important to note, however, that the productivity market is still dominated by Intel. Core processors just have the stability that Ryzen just could not equal. But since the gaming scene is the fastest-growing segment in the PC business, we'll likely see continued success for the brand for years to come.
Intel has already shown that they’re ready to play by raising their core count with their 8th generation CPUs. What else are they be willing to do to get back their place at the top?
All of this makes for an interesting time for PC builders.