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Comparative Analysis of AMD and Intel CPUs in 2024

GOOVER DAILY REPORT July 28, 2024
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TABLE OF CONTENTS

  1. Summary
  2. Historical Context of AMD and Intel Rivalry
  3. Current State of Desktop CPU Market
  4. Performance Comparison
  5. Technological Features and Innovations
  6. Market Trends and Consumer Choices
  7. Conclusion

1. Summary

  • The report 'Comparative Analysis of AMD and Intel CPUs in 2024' provides an in-depth look at the ongoing competition between AMD and Intel in the CPU market. It evaluates various aspects such as performance, pricing, power consumption, and integrated graphics capabilities, focusing on the latest offerings from both companies. The report categorizes AMD's Ryzen 7000 series and Intel's Raptor Lake processors, presenting detailed information to guide user choices for gaming, multitasking, and productivity. Highlights include advances in core counts, clock speeds up to 6GHz, and significant improvements in integrated graphics and PCIe support, essential for making informed decisions based on specific use cases.

2. Historical Context of AMD and Intel Rivalry

  • 2-1. Introduction to the AMD and Intel rivalry

  • Debuting in 2017, AMD's new chips brought fierce competition to Intel, marking a dramatic shift in the rivalry. This competition has only intensified, with both companies continuously pushing the boundaries in CPU performance, providing more cores, higher clock speeds, and innovative features.

  • 2-2. Historical milestones from 2017 to present

  • Since 2017, AMD has released its Ryzen series, including the latest Ryzen 7000 models, while Intel has introduced the 14th-generation Raptor Lake. These advancements have led to processors with up to 24 cores and clock speeds reaching 6GHz. Notably, the newer CPUs from both AMD and Intel have more cache than their predecessors, maintaining relevance even for previous generation parts. This period highlights significant advancements such as the introduction of mainstream CPUs like AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X and Intel's KF models.

3. Current State of Desktop CPU Market

  • 3-1. Mainstream models from AMD and Intel

  • The competitive landscape of the desktop CPU market in 2024 features the latest mainstream models from AMD's Ryzen 7000 series and Intel's 14th-generation Raptor Lake processors. Both companies offer a wide range of processors catering to different segments of the market.

  • 3-2. Core and thread counts

  • The modern offerings by AMD and Intel showcase impressive core and thread counts. Specifically, AMD's Ryzen 9 7950X, Ryzen 9 7900X, Ryzen 7 7700X, and Ryzen 5 7600X models come with 16/32, 12/24, and 8/16 cores/threads respectively, while Intel's processors reach up to 24 cores in their latest generation, reflecting significant advancements compared to previous generations.

  • 3-3. Clock speeds and cache sizes

  • Both AMD and Intel CPUs demonstrate significant improvements in clock speeds and cache sizes. AMD models feature clock speeds up to 6GHz, while Intel processors also reach up to 6GHz. Additionally, the cache sizes of these CPUs have significantly increased, surpassing those of previous generations, making the newer models highly competitive in terms of performance.

4. Performance Comparison

  • 4-1. Benchmarks and Performance Rankings

  • The CPU benchmarks performance hierarchy ranks the current and previous-generation Intel and AMD processors based on performance, including the best CPUs for gaming. Intel's 14th-Gen Raptor Lake processors, such as the Core i9-14900K, Core i7-14700K, and Core i5-14600K, face off against AMD’s Zen 4 Ryzen 7000 lineup, including the Ryzen 5 5600X3D. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D stands out as the fastest gaming chip money can buy, particularly effective for gaming due to AMD’s 3D V-Cache technology. In contrast, Intel’s Raptor Lake processors show significant improvements in performance metrics.

  • 4-2. Single-threaded and Multi-threaded Performance

  • Intel continues its tradition of delivering desktop processors with impressive single-core speeds, with models like the Core i9-13900KS and Core i9-13900K reaching up to 6.0 GHz. However, AMD’s Ryzen processors, such as the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, are not far behind with maximum turbo speeds up to 5.70 GHz. Single-threaded CPU benchmark rankings, calculated based on a geometric mean of Cinebench, POV-Ray, and LAME CPU benchmarks, highlight Intel’s dominance in this area. Conversely, the multi-threaded workload rankings demonstrate that AMD's Ryzen processors, thanks to their architectural advancements, excel in productivity applications requiring multi-thread performance.

  • 4-3. Gaming and Productivity Performance

  • In gaming performance, Intel’s Raptor Lake chips have seized the gaming crown from AMD’s standard Ryzen 7000 models in critical price bands, while AMD’s 3D V-Cache models like the Ryzen 7 7800X3D are ideal for those willing to pay a premium. Intel’s Core i9-13900K offers a balanced high-end performance for both gaming and productivity. AMD’s Ryzen 9 7900X3D and Ryzen 9 7950X3D serve as strong contenders in this segment but with tradeoffs in productivity applications. Thus, while AMD's models bring high levels of gaming performance, Intel’s chips provide a more balanced approach to both gaming and productivity.

5. Technological Features and Innovations

  • 5-1. Manufacturing process and node sizes

  • One of the key aspects that determine a CPU's performance and efficiency is the manufacturing process or node size, which refers to the size of the processor's transistors measured in nanometers (nm). In 2024, AMD is at the forefront of this technology with its latest Zen 4 CPUs, including the Ryzen 7000 and 8000 series, which utilize advanced 5 and 4-nanometer manufacturing processes. This leads to higher performance and lower power consumption due to the increased density of transistors. On the other hand, Intel continues to face challenges with its manufacturing process and presently uses a 10-nanometer node for its 13th and 14th Gen Core processors. Despite these challenges, Intel has managed to introduce a hybrid architecture that features both high-performance and power-efficient cores, which helps balance performance and power efficiency to some extent.

  • 5-2. Integrated graphics capabilities

  • Both AMD and Intel CPUs come with integrated graphics capabilities, but there are notable differences between them in 2024. The AMD Ryzen 8000 series processors, except for the Ryzen 5 7500F, include powerful integrated graphics that enable them to run most AAA games at 1080p resolution, although sometimes at lower-quality settings. This makes them highly capable for iGPU gaming. In contrast, Intel’s integrated graphics in the 13th and 14th Gen Core processors are generally more basic and are better suited for tasks like office work rather than gaming. Thus, for users who require strong integrated graphics performance, AMD's Ryzen 8000 CPUs offer a superior option.

  • 5-3. PCI Express support

  • PCI Express (PCIe) support is another vital feature for evaluating the technological capabilities of CPUs. In 2024, AMD's Zen 4 Ryzen 7000 processors fully support PCI Express 5.0 across all their lanes, which provides ample bandwidth for both discrete graphics cards and other components like M.2 NVMe solid-state drives. On the other hand, while Intel's 13th and 14th Gen Core processors also support PCI Express 5.0, this support is limited to the x16 graphics port only, with other lanes being restricted to PCIe 4.0. Therefore, AMD offers a more comprehensive PCIe 5.0 support compared to Intel’s latest processors.

6. Market Trends and Consumer Choices

  • 6-1. Pricing trends and value proposition

  • The pricing landscape for AMD and Intel CPUs in 2024 presents a competitive scene. Intel has implemented an aggressive strategy with its Raptor Lake series, which has resulted in significant cost reductions per core and thread, particularly in its Core i5, i7, and i9 ranges. This move allows Intel to overshadow AMD in terms of value within the mid to high-end segments. Historically, AMD has been favored by budget-conscious consumers due to perks like included coolers and overclocking capabilities. However, recent price hikes, removal of bundled coolers, and increased cooling requirements have made AMD's offerings less appealing to those seeking maximum value for their investment.

  • 6-2. Best CPUs for various use cases

  • Different use cases influence whether AMD or Intel CPUs are the better choice. For heavy multitasking and productivity tasks, Intel, with its high core and thread count processors like the Core i9-13900K, is optimal. This chip, with 24 cores and 32 threads, excels in keeping numerous tasks moving fluidly. AMD, with its efficient and cooler CPUs like the Ryzen 9 7950X3D, is the top choice for gaming due to its advanced cache and energy profile. The Ryzen 7 7800X3D, in particular, is highlighted for delivering the highest level of gaming performance. Intel's offerings provide a balanced package, suitable for both productivity and gaming, whereas AMD's offerings are optimal for pure gaming performance.

  • 6-3. Market overview and best-selling models

  • In 2024, AMD and Intel are both seen as strong contenders in the CPU market. Intel's Core i9-13900K and Core i7-13700K lead in multitasking and productivity benchmarks, with the former excelling in raw performance and the latter offering a lower price point. AMD, on the other hand, shines with its Ryzen 7 7800X3D and Ryzen 9 7950X3D models, which are seen as the fastest in the market for gaming. The integrated graphics performance of AMD, particularly with the Cezanne APUs like Ryzen 7 5700G and Ryzen 5 5600G, continues to be superior, making them popular choices among users needing robust integrated graphics. The ongoing battle between Intel and AMD remains closely tied to user-specific needs and budget considerations.

7. Conclusion

  • In 2024, AMD and Intel remain dominant forces in the desktop CPU market, each excelling in different areas. AMD's Ryzen 7000 series is notable for its manufacturing efficiency and superior integrated graphics, making it ideal for gaming and energy-efficient tasks. Intel's Raptor Lake series, such as the Core i9-13900K, continues to lead in single-thread performance and multitasking, making it a strong contender for productivity applications. Despite AMD's historical edge in value offerings, Intel's aggressive pricing strategy for Raptor Lake has shaken up mid to high-end segments. The detailed benchmark comparisons show that while Intel holds a slight advantage in single-threaded tasks, AMD excels in multi-threaded applications, balancing out the competitive landscape. Importantly, the choice between AMD and Intel hinges on the user's specific needs and budget considerations, making it essential to align CPU selection with individual requirements. Future advancements may see further convergence in capabilities, but for now, both brands offer unique advantages tailored to diverse user demands.

8. Glossary

  • 8-1. AMD [Company]

  • A major player in the semiconductor industry, known for its Ryzen and EPYC processors, which have gained significant popularity due to their performance and value proposition in both consumer and enterprise markets.

  • 8-2. Intel [Company]

  • A leading semiconductor company recognized for its innovation in CPU design, including the Core series of processors. Known for high single-threaded performance and multitasking capabilities, Intel remains a strong competitor against AMD.

  • 8-3. Ryzen 7000 [Product]

  • AMD’s latest CPU series offering high core counts and advanced features, suitable for a wide range of applications including gaming and productivity.

  • 8-4. Raptor Lake [Product]

  • Intel’s 14th-generation CPU series, known for its high clock speeds and performance enhancements, continuing to push the boundaries of processor capabilities in various segments.

  • 8-5. Core i9-13900K [Product]

  • Intel's high-end CPU, known for its exceptional performance in multitasking and productivity applications.

  • 8-6. Ryzen 9 7950X3D [Product]

  • AMD's top-tier gaming CPU, notable for its large cache and high frame rates, providing exceptional gaming performance.

9. Source Documents