AMD. Intel. Ryzen? Alder Lake! Let’s face it, CPUs are heckin’ confusing. We’re breaking down everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Making the right decision for your new gaming PC can be hard. Should you choose Intel or AMD? Don’t panic, we’ve got all the deets you need. Here’s everything you need to know from architecture to pre-build AMD and Intel gaming PCs.
Intel Processors
Intel’s range of fourteenth generation Raptor Lake-S CPUs are their latest processors that offer exciting new features for gamers to get their teeth stuck into. 14th Gen is designed to take full advantage of Windows 11, utilise advanced hybrid architecture, and support next-generation technology.
Hybrid Architecture & Enhanced Tech
Hybrid architecture was introduced in the Alder Lake generation, and then advanced for Raptor Lake and Raptor Lake-S. It harnesses two different types of processing cores. The P-core is designed for single-thread, high-frequency performance. This core handles the majority of the workload.
The E-core is designed to spread background tasks across multiple cores and threads, maximising efficiency. Notably, this helps to conserve power when the performant cores are not needed, with a massive 40% improvement over Sky Lake Intel CPUs. This core also works alongside the P-cores to provide extra performance in applications that require it.
The latest generation of Intel processors also added a whole host of new support for new technology. Amongst this new array of support is DDR5 memory, PCIe 5.0, and WiFi 6e Gig+ super-fast connectivity.
DDR4 vs DDR5: Six Differences You Need to Know
Which Intel CPU should I choose?
Intel offers four main CPU tiers i9, i7, i5, and i3. These CPUs differ in performance and price. There are also F, K, and KF variants which indicate whether the CPU is overclockable and whether it has integrated graphics.
Core i9
Designed for pure power, the Core i9 will have the highest number of cores and threads, with 14th Gen featuring up to 24 and 32, respectively. What’s more, they’ll have the highest boost clock speeds, the i9-14900KF can reach a whopping 6.0GHz! This processor is perfect for creators who need to both game and stream, or creative types utilising hyperthreading and high core counts.
Core i7
The Core i7 is a great choice for gamers demanding great performance in games and creator apps. Raptor Lake-S i7 processors feature up to 20 cores (28 threads), a base clock of 3.4GHz, max boost of 5.6GHz using Turbo Boost Max 3.0, and up to 125W TDP.
Core i5
Intel Core i5 CPUs are designed to be the mainstream gaming sweet spot. 14th Gen can feature up to 14 cores (20 threads), a base clock of up to 3.5GHz, max boost of up to 5.3GHz using Turbo Boost 2.0, and up to 125W TDP.
Core i3
The Intel Core i3 is all about entry level gaming whilst still providing optimised performance. 13th Gen offers up to 4 cores (8 threads), a base clock of up to 3.4GHz, and a max boost of up to 4.5GHz. This tier is perfect for playing older games, media consumption, and internet browsing.
Still not sure which Intel CPU is right for you? Our resident overclocker, Ian “8Pack” Parry, put Intel’s Raptor Lake-S CPUs to the test.
Looking for a pre-built Intel Gaming PC?
We’ve been expecting you, Mr Bond. Overclockers UK has a whole host of Intel-based gaming PCs.
OcUK Gaming Eagle Configurable PC
- Intel Core i9 13900KF CPU
- AMD Radeon RX 7900 GPU
- 500GB M.2 SSD
- Up to 64GB DDR4 RAM
OcUK Gaming Sabre Configurable PC
- Intel Core i5 12400F CPU
- NVIDIA RTX 4060 Ti GPU
- Flexible SSD storage
- Up to 64GB DDR4 RAM
AMD Processors
Ryzen 5000 series processors unlocked a whole new level of performance for gamers. Built on the AM4 socket platform, Ryzen 5000 is fully compatible with the latest 500 series motherboards, including the X570 chipset range. AMD Ryzen 7000 Series takes this to a whole new level, with the AM5 socket, new chipsets, DDR5 support, and a whole load more innovations brought with Zen 4 architecture.
AMD ZEN 4 Architecture
Introducing AMD’s latest architecture. Zen 4 enables best in class single-threaded performance, a remarkable ~13% IPC uplift, and much lower latency thanks to a redesigned die layout. Zen 4 is based on a 5nm architecture, offering a whole host of new and improved features such as AMD EXPO.
Precision Boost & Overclocking
AMD Precision Boost 2 technology automatically increases the performance of your CPU when you need it by dynamically increasing your CPU’s clock speed. What’s more, AMD processors can be overclocked with one click! Precision Boost Overdrive allows you to turbo charge your PC automatically with one button, taking the hassle and confusion out of overclocking your CPU.
StoreMI & Master Utility
Take full control of your Ryzen powered PC with full system monitoring, overclocking, and optimisation via the AMD Ryzen Master Utility Software. Additionally, AMD StoreMI allows you to combine the performance of your SSD with the capacity of your HDD to help slash loading times.
Ryzen 5000: Amazing performance that’s not just for gamers
Which AMD CPU Should I choose?
AMD Ryzen 5000 and 7000 series CPUs offer outstanding performance for gamers, creators, and professionals alike. Within the line-ups, there are three tiers of CPU: Ryzen 9, Ryzen 7, and Ryzen 5, of which there are multiple variants.
Ryzen 9
Ryzen 9 CPUs are AMD’s top consumer processors and offer truly exceptional performance for enthusiast gaming, professional work, and creators. Ryzen 9 CPUs, such as the 7950X, are equipped with up to 16 cores (32 threads), up to 5.70Hz boost clock speed, and support for DDR5 RAM.
Ryzen 7
Ryzen 7 CPUs offer a great choice for gamers looking to play the latest AAA games at high refresh rates and 4K resolutions. Featuring up to 8 cores (16 threads), up to 5.40GHz clock boost speed, and support for DDR5 RAM. Processors like the Ryzen 7 7700X is perfect for gamers.
Ryzen 5
A gaming sweet spot, AMD Ryzen 5 processors offer a great price to performance ratio with 6 cores (12 threads), clock boost speed of up to 5.10GHz, and support for DDR5 RAM.
Looking for a pre-built AMD Gaming PC?
Time to game? Overclockers UK stocks a huge range of AMD based gaming PCs, including our pre-build Refract Gaming PCs. All pre-built, pre-tested, and ready to ship for next day delivery, Refract Gaming PCs are available in a range of configurations set to meet every budget.
Refract Gaming Crimson – Home & Casual Pre-Built Gaming PC
- AMD Ryzen 5 5600G APU with RX Vega Graphics
- 2.5” 250GB SSD
- 16GB DDR4 3200MHz RAM
Refract Gaming Celeste – 1080p/1440p Pre-Built Gaming PC
- AMD Ryzen 7 7700X CPU
- NVIDIA RTX 4070 GPU
- SSD storage
- 32GB DDR5 RAM
There’s a Refract Gaming PC for every budget. Not sure which one is for you? Answer some simple questions about what games you play and at what resolution, and we’ll match you with your perfect gaming companion. Or read up on each individual model in our dedicated blog.
Are you Team Red or Team Blue?
Thanks to huge generational achievements over the last few years, both AMD and Intel offer CPUs that are pretty much on par with each other. This is especially true when it comes to gaming. So, are you an Intel or AMD gamer? Let us know in the comments.
PC specs are subject to change.
- 7 min read
Robert Mullane
Author
When not working, you'll find me in VR or losing in bottom-tier Valorant matches. I write about all topic's tech and gaming with a particular focus on representation in gaming, virtual reality, and LGBTQ+ themes. If you're still not fed up with me, you can also catch me over on the Overclockers UK TikTok and YouTube accounts.
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