Q: Do I still need to buy Intel CPUs? Most recommended DIY buildings these days seem to use AMD parts.
A: AMD may have demanded a lot of hearts in the DIY community, but Intel still brings a lot to the table – so the answer to your question really depends on your needs, what is available in your area and what you get at a reasonable price can buy.
Content creators benefit more from joining AMD, as its high-end chips offer more cores to work with. The same for enthusiasts who do not want to make any compromises, as the company’s new Ryzen 5000 series contains the top cards in both games and multi-wire tasks. And before the pandemic, people with a budget could rely on AMD for affordability, especially those interested in doing later CPU upgrades without replacing their existing motherboard.
But Intel did not tumble off a cliff. It has lost the crown as the undisputed leader for consumer processors, but Team Blue’s chips still work as well as AMD in computers used for everyday tasks and / or games. Depending on which generation of AMD CPUs you consider, the Intel counterpart may be the stronger choice for games. So if your system requirements are in this space, do not make a big sacrifice by going with Intel.
Rob Schultz / IDGIntel may be less popular among DIY builders right now, but that does not make the company’s processors a bad choice. Depending on your situation, Intel may still be the best option.
In fact, Intel is currently a good alternative to the comprehensive search required for some of AMD’s processors due to the high demand and low availability. To record a new Ryzen 5000 Series CPU, you need to look closely at product entries and rely on communities dedicated to inventory alerts. (Learn more about hardware purchase strategies for computer hardware.) There is also a shortage of budget chips from the previous generation – finding a Ryzen 3 3100 or 3200G at the list price requires patience and good luck if you still have your attention paid to the elusive 3300X. In contrast, Intel CPUs are more widely available and at MSRP.
So, the choice between Intel and AMD has not really changed from previous years. Your personal circumstances still determine what is best for you; the only thing different is that the positions of each company have changed. Prior to 2020, AMD received praise for being reliable and affordable, while Intel scored the best marks for performance. AMD now sits on the throne, with higher starting prices for Ryzen 5000 and scalpers raising prices on many of the other offerings, and Intel serves as the budget-friendly choice. But both companies still bring everything they have to the table.
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