Best CPUs of 2024 (Intel vs. AMD): Gaming, Production, Budget, & Efficiency

Summary

This video offers an in-depth roundup of the best budget CPUs, focusing on AMD's Ryzen 5 5600 and Intel's i3-12100F and i3-13100F as top picks for performance under $100. It highlights the challenges in the sub-$100 market, with a gap in new offerings. Intel's 13th and 14th Gen CPUs are called the biggest disappointment of the year due to stability issues and delayed responses. The video also discusses the impact of fluctuating prices, especially with Black Friday approaching, and stresses the importance of making informed choices when upgrading or building on a budget.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Ryzen 5 5600 outperforms both Intel's i3-12100F and i3-13100F in most tests, offering good value if priced under $100.
• 😀 Intel's i3-12100F and i3-13100F are budget-friendly, capable performers, but with limited core/thread count, leading to occasional frame-time issues in demanding games like Baldur’s Gate 3.
• 😀 Intel’s 13th and 14th Gen CPUs suffered from stability issues including oxidation defects and voltage problems, leading to consumer disappointment.
• 😀 Despite patching efforts, Intel's 13th and 14th Gen CPUs' stability problems raised concerns, and it's unclear if they've been fully resolved yet.
• 😀 The AM4 platform is reaching its end of life, with no significant future upgrades, but it remains a solid option for non-upgraders due to chips like the Ryzen 5 5700X and 5800X3D.
• 😀 The sub-$100 CPU market is limited, with few choices and most offerings being older components, making it challenging for budget-conscious buyers to find modern options.
• 😀 AMD and Intel still offer strong budget CPUs, but there’s a noticeable lack of innovation in the entry-level market, especially under $100.
• 😀 The Ryzen 5 5600 is a great deal if priced under $100, but its price point is generally higher, making it less competitive with Intel's i3 chips in strict budget situations.
• 😀 Intel's failure to address the stability issues quickly and clearly impacted consumer trust, leaving some wary of Intel’s newer offerings.
• 😀 Despite the challenges, the CPU market still offers solid options, and consumers should prioritize value and performance over brand loyalty or platform age.
• 😀 With Black Friday approaching, CPU prices are expected to fluctuate, giving consumers a chance to find better deals on both Intel and AMD processors.

Q & A

What is the primary focus of the video?

The video focuses on reviewing and analyzing the best CPU options across various price categories, particularly highlighting budget-friendly processors, and addressing recent market trends and product disappointments.

Which CPUs are recommended for users on a strict budget?

For users on a strict budget, the Intel i3-12100F and i3-13100F are recommended as they offer strong performance at a lower price point, typically under $100.

How does the Ryzen 5 5600 compare to the Intel i3-12100F and i3-13100F?

The Ryzen 5 5600 outperforms the Intel i3-12100F and i3-13100F in certain tests, even surpassing the i5-12400, especially if it can be found at or under $100, making it a strong option in the budget category.

What were the major issues with Intel’s 13th and 14th generation processors?

Intel’s 13th and 14th generation processors faced several stability issues, including oxidation defects at the fab level and widespread voltage and microcode problems, leading to consumer dissatisfaction and reduced confidence.

How did Intel respond to the issues with its 13th and 14th gen processors?

Intel eventually responded by issuing microcode patches to address the stability issues, but due to the time-sensitive nature of these problems, it remains unclear how effective the fixes will be in the long run.

What is the concern regarding AMD’s AM4 platform?

The concern with AMD’s AM4 platform is that it is nearing the end of its life cycle, with limited upgradeability beyond high-end chips like the Ryzen 5700X3D, making it less future-proof compared to newer platforms.

Why is the sub-$100 CPU market considered to be aging?

The sub-$100 CPU market is considered to be aging due to a lack of new, competitive models. Current budget processors like the i3-12100F and i3-13100F are getting older, and newer options in this price range are scarce.

Which CPU would be a go-to choice in the sub-$100 range if it becomes consistently available at that price?

The Ryzen 5 5600 would be the go-to choice in the sub-$100 range if it can consistently be found at that price, as it offers strong performance for the cost.

What role does the pricing play in the decision-making process for consumers?

Pricing plays a crucial role, as it fluctuates frequently, especially around events like Black Friday. The video emphasizes that while the best CPU options for their price should be prioritized, price changes can influence consumer decisions.

What is the biggest disappointment in the CPU market this year?

The biggest disappointment in the CPU market this year goes to Intel for its 13th and 14th gen processors, which were plagued with stability issues and microcode defects, significantly harming Intel's consumer trust.