The processor (CPU) is the most important part of any laptop. This element processes all the information and is responsible for the most vital processes in your device. The efficiency of a laptop depends on the CPU performance.
That is why it is important to carefully select the processor. There are currently two processors on the market – Intel and AMD. These two companies are the only competitors to each other.
Intel (presumably an abbreviation of “intelligence” – mind/intellect), founded in 1957, is the world’s largest manufacturer of electronic computer components.
AMD (Advanced Microdevices – Advanced Technologies), founded in 1969, is one of the largest worldwide electronics companies.
AMD vs. Intel are in constant competition and we will try to find out who is David and who Goliath. Both are good, both have their advantages and disadvantages, both have their place. Therefore there is no right answer to whether AMD or Intel is better. All depends on the purposes for which the laptop is bough, and on the price range of the device. The selection criteria of laptop processors differ in comparison to those of a home PC. Indeed, in most cases notebook computers are used for different purposes. They make it possible to work not only at home without being tied to a wall outlet. The laptop is much smaller than a standard desktop computer, which affects its abilities.
I warn the reader that this analysis applies only to notebooks. This article compares the processors for laptops, and not everything true for laptops applies to desktop computers.
We will identify a leader according to certain criteria:
- Price
- Performance
- Energy consumption
Compare processors: which is more powerful?
It is difficult to answer the question when speaking in general about the entire line. It would be foolish to compare the same price category of the processors, simply its clock speed or the amount of video memory, because this needs to be considered in detail. If we compare for example Intel Core i7 4800MQ and AMD A10 6810K, Intel wins on the double performance advantage.
The low price range AMD model A4 4300M is not much inferior to its competitor from Intel, but the very important thing is that AMD is much cheaper.
In general AMD optimized for complex laptops processes associated with multimedia applications. Accidentally or not, Intel is inferior in this regard, but superior in other components.
If we compare some more top models of the two giants, Intel performance is still slightly higher. However, the ratio of performance and price of AMD is 15 per cent better than that of the main competitor.
This dispute would not make any sense if Intel were better at everything. But it isn’t. According to Tech Consumer Guide, AMD is cheaper and works perfectly for processing multimedia content.
Which is better suited for the office?
The selection of a laptop for work is vital and different models should be considered for various purposes. In my opinion two aspects are important for the office:
- Low price
- Uninterrupted work with office and internet access applications
In my purely personal opinion AMD is much better here. Its processors are a lot cheaper, and in performance always inferior to Intel, but as a normal user you will never see the difference.
The Office applications run better on Intel, but it seems to me that it’s not worth paying at least 600 dollars more. If the price is not the determining factor for you, Intel should definitely be your choice.
Which is better for gaming, AMD or Intel?
It is worth mentioning that when choosing a laptop for games you should pay attention to the video card first of all. Once you’ve picked a graphics card, only then decide what processor to buy. For example, if you plan to purchase a laptop with a very powerful graphics card (NVIDIA GeForce GTX 980M), it is better to consider Intel Core i7-4860HQ.
The basic focus of AMD has been on graphics and multimedia applications, so the built-in video card from AMD can become a serious tool for gamers. However, the problem with AMD and integrated graphics is that such systems quickly overheat and consume much more energy, which in my opinion is an important aspect of a laptop.
From category: Buyer's Guide
In general it is cheaper to buy a device with an integrated graphics processor based on AMD. Therefore choosing AMD or Intel for gaming depends on how much you are willing to spend. If you have sufficient funds, it is better to buy Intel. If you’re looking for a cheaper laptop, buy AMD, because in this price category AMD is a much better option.
Compare Intel and AMD prices
Laptops with Intel processors:
| Core i3 | Core i5 | Core i7 |
|---|---|---|
| $350 | $400 | $600 |
| $400 | $500 | $800 (and above) |
Laptops with AMD processors:
| A4 | A6 | A10 |
|---|---|---|
| $250 | $300 | $350 |
| $300 | $350 | $450 |
As you can see, the difference in price from the manufacturer data is huge. AMD is much cheaper than Intel, especially laptops with the most powerful processors.
Prices of AMD and Intel
One of the main advantages of AMD products is their considerably lower cost. That is why they have gained immense popularity in the less developed countries where the first thought is to save money. We often choose the cheaper models, not paying much attention to the technical characteristics of the devices.
However, it is necessary to include the cost of electricity in planning your budget. To avoid high energy costs choose a processor with lower power consumption.
At the end what is best to do when going for laptop?
As already mentioned, the favorite in processor production for notebooks has for quite a long time been Intel. AMD has significantly strengthened its position with the release of the Trinity processors. Processors in this series are different from others with Dual Graphics technology support, which allows to combine the resources embedded in the CPU and discrete graphics processor for a higher performance graphics system. Given the relatively low price these processors look very attractive.
Thus the budget segment of notebooks based on AMD Trinity series A4 and A6 processors due to their powerful graphics are more preferred than the Intel processors in the same price range with their integrated graphics system.
The situation is different for high-end processors. If AMD can compete with Intel in the lower price range, the advantage of Intel is quite significant in the second segment. Therefore the vote definitely goes to Intel processors, which in conjunction with one of the high-end graphics cards makes the most powerful combination that has no competition.
Our solid conclusion is that if you’re looking for a laptop with maximal value for money at the lowest available price, choose a laptop based on AMD (when it is necessary to choose the right processor, for example AMD A4 4300M). On it you will be able to enjoy all the basic office applications, play modern games, watch videos, and view photos in high quality. If you are willing to pay more than 600 dollars for a laptop, no doubt choose Intel, which is currently far ahead of AMD in this segment. You will get all the same office, games, photos, and videos, but on a completely different level.
Summary (Facts):
- AMD is much cheaper
- AMD’s integrated graphics are better
- Intel’s high-end processors are more powerful
- Intel has lower power consumption
