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What is the Difference Between AMD and Intel?

Victoria Blackburn
Victoria Blackburn

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) and Intel are two different companies that produce motherboards and central processing units (CPUs) found within personal computers. The CPU is probably the most important part of the computer, as it is where most calculations take place that run computer programs and systems. The speed with which a CPU can process these calculations is usually given in megahertz (MHz) or gigahertz (GHz). Motherboards provide the circuitry for all computers to function.

While both AMD and Intel offer a range of different CPUs with differing speed processing speeds and price levels, Intel owns a greater percentage of market share. Both companies have been making computer components for decades and are said to be the leaders in research and development in the computer industry for this field. Since these are two different companies, it can be difficult to compare the products created by each of them. One of most commonly listed differences is the fact that AMD tends to be cheaper than Intel.

Both Intel and AMD build motherboards provide the circuitry needed for computers to function.
Both Intel and AMD build motherboards provide the circuitry needed for computers to function.

Intel has been the established leader for producing circuit boards and CPUs from the start. It is said that AMD has been influenced by the prices and technological advances of Intel, and not only does AMD produce their own lines chips and motherboards, they also produce cloned versions of Intel products. Some people choose AMD over Intel because the chips and circuit boards provide almost identical functionality, but the AMD version is about half the price of the Intel one.

Some people choose AMD products over Intel because they tend to be less expensive while providing comparable functionality.
Some people choose AMD products over Intel because they tend to be less expensive while providing comparable functionality.

Besides cost, the other key differences between AMD and Intel processors are the clock speed and the socket used to connect the processor to the computer. The clock speed is the number of operations a computer can perform in a clock cycle, which is usually one second. Due to design differences, Intel processors are usually faster than AMD ones, but AMD processors are more efficient. As such, for each processor, the Intel version is usually slightly faster than its AMD counterpart.

An Intel CPU.
An Intel CPU.

The difference in sockets is an important factor to consider. Not only do the connectors not match up, the electrical characteristics and instructions used are different. This is important if anything were to happen to the processor in a computer because, if it had to be replaced, it would have to be replaced by the same brand. Processors can be upgraded, but again, the same brand must be used when making the replacement.

Discussion Comments

anon1000130

What about privacy? Is there an AMD equivalent to Intel ME?

anon331888

AMD CPUs are more cost effective, and offer similar performance, especially in highly parallel applications where they are often times faster.

Intel changes sockets every 18-24 months, where AMD will support the same socket through two product cycles which may last as long as four years. AMD also currently has the best built-in graphics of anyone in the APUs. AMD also overclocks more easily and more efficiently.

AMD hardware is powering the next gen consoles, so the gaming industry will be more geared toward their architecture in the near future.

SkyWhisperer

If you're wondering, "Which is better AMD or Intel?" let me give you my take.

I’ve had both AMD and Intel. It’s true AMD is cheaper, which is the reason I went with them first. However, here’s something most people don’t realize. AMD machines tend to overheat, a lot more than their Intel counterparts.

My computer would get hot a lot and I would have to add fans and constantly monitor the temperature. Intel, however, has extra insulation on top of the chip so that’s not a real issue. So I’m with Intel now; yes it’s a little pricier, but I have more peace of mind too.

anon154482

RE: replacing the processor: AMD Athlon processors can be upgraded through several iterations, for example, 2cores through 4cores to 6cores before having to replace the motherboard. Intel appears no longer to encourage this practice.

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    • Both Intel and AMD build motherboards provide the circuitry needed for computers to function.
      By: chungking
      Both Intel and AMD build motherboards provide the circuitry needed for computers to function.
    • Some people choose AMD products over Intel because they tend to be less expensive while providing comparable functionality.
      By: Art Allianz
      Some people choose AMD products over Intel because they tend to be less expensive while providing comparable functionality.
    • An Intel CPU.
      By: Restyler
      An Intel CPU.