In 2017 AMD released its newest CPU model called Ryzen. Equipped with AMD’s innovative Zen architecture it was believed that AMD could finally compete performance-wise against Intel, and they were right.
Not only could Ryzen compete with Intel on a performance level, but they offered to sell their CPUs at affordable prices for everyone.
This was great news for me because I was able to build my first budget PC using a Ryzen 7 1700 which at the time was a very high-end piece of hardware.
The Ryzen CPU uses a 1331-pin AM4 socket to connect with compatible motherboards. All generations of this CPU use this same socket which makes it more compatible and upgradeable especially when you compare it to Intels CPUs.
However, older models of AMD Ryzen CPU have a software issue where it is almost impossible to get it working with the newest motherboards unless you mess around with the BIOS.
What is AMD Ryzen Good For?
AMD typically makes CPUs that are targetted towards workstation and server computers, meaning that their CPUs usually have extra cores and a high cache count, but the Ryzen lineup was not only made to function on workstations because it made for a great gaming CPU as well.
With higher core counts and faster clock speeds it has proven itself to be a great all-around CPU that can do just about anything.
How Does AMD Ryzens Naming Structure Work?
Ryzen naming structure is just as confusing as the Intels Core CPU naming structure.
Both Intel and Ryzen use the numbers 3, 5, 7, and 9 to determine the performance level of the CPU.
- Ryzen 3 – Entry Level
- Ryzen 5 – Mid-Tier
- Ryzen 7 – High-end
- Ryzen 9 – Professional Use
Also Read: Ryzen 3 vs. Ryzen 5 Comparison.
Then you have an extra 4 numbers which tells you the specific model type in that category.
For example, there are the Ryzen 7 1700 and Ryzen 7 1800. Both are Ryzen 7 CPUs, but they are different models that have slightly different specifications.
To make things even more confusing they might also add a letter or two on top of that to tell you what specifically the CPU is meant for.
Ryzen CPUs with no letter at the end of the name are just the base model, but you can also get that same CPU with a suffix at the end.
- G – Has Integrated graphics
- X – Higher overclocking potential
- U – Lower power consumption, lower base TDP.
- H – Higher Performance
- T – “Turbo” or higher clock speeds
I know it can be very confusing especially because AMD tends to add more suffixes and more options the more they release CPUs, but it’s good to keep up, that way you have a better understanding of what you are looking for when you actually need to purchase a new CPU.
For more information about this topic, you should check out Ryzen X vs. non-X CPUs.
What is Better Intel or AMD Ryzen?
Intel has always been at the top when you talk about CPU processors, but since AMD’s release of Ryzen in 2017 this discussion is slowly starting to change.
Starting with the discussion about integrated graphics AMD has a huge advantage over Intel because they aren’t just a CPU manufacturing company, but they also make graphics cards, which allow them to use their own technologies in their CPUs.
Even though not all Ryzen CPUs come equipped with this feature the ones that do perform a lot better than analysts expected. However, this doesn’t mean it can replace your GPU in terms of performance, but if you are on a budget and want to do some gaming, then a Ryzen CPU will let you do just that.
Ryzen CPUs all have a high core count for their respective categories which is unheard of, especially for a more budget CPU like the Ryzen 3 which is a quad-core processor.
On top of that many analysts have run benchmark tests comparing the two companies against each other showing that Ryzen CPUs are just as good if not better than the latest Intel CPUs.
Even if they did show slightly worse results in the performance tests, the value of AMD line-up outdoes that of Intel.
Check out: Intel vs. AMD to learn about this in more detail.
