AMD vs Intel
AMD vs Intel
Hey! It's great you're thinking carefully about your build. Since you're focusing on PC gaming and don’t need heavy editing, a Ryzen CPU could still be a solid pick. The i7 10700K and Ryzen 9 3900X are both strong options, though the Ryzen 9 tends to offer better performance per dollar in many benchmarks. If budget isn’t the main concern, you might find the Ryzen gives you more value. Just keep in mind your specific needs—if you plan to do a lot of creative work, the i7 might edge out. Otherwise, either choice could work well depending on what you prioritize.
Intel tends to cost more while delivering similar or lower performance compared to alternatives. The main rival to the 3900X is the 10900K, which makes it appealing to buy a 3900X for better gaming value at a lower price than the 10700K. Choosing the 3900X helps keep Intel's pricing in perspective.
You already have a pretty new CPU, no reason to upgrade after a year. That is practically always a waste of money.
It seems you're asking about choosing an AMD processor when finances are tight. You're considering the Ryzen 4000 series and the 10600k, but also wondering if the 4600x could be worth it depending on your needs. To give a better suggestion, I'd need to know your GPU, desired resolutions, and settings.
I was determined to get the 3900x, but today I watched a video: it highlighted benchmarks for both the 10700k and 3900x, showing Intel performs well across titles. However, I noticed some big gaps in the lower performance areas, which made me second-guess. My current setup would be perfect for my little brother.
I have a 2700x setup now that I can upgrade beyond it. The issue is I don’t want to hold off for the next Ryzen chips. I really enjoy playing RPGs and am currently into Anno titles. Rtx 2080S, 1440p (but will switch to 1080p if necessary—I prefer performance over graphics).
He needs a computer right now but can't pay for one, so I’ll lend it to him—I rely on it too. The new Ryzen chips and graphics card expected this year sound promising, though I’m holding off on them just in case.
It varies with your budget. Intel tends to perform better for gaming, but you should consider whether an overclock requires a pricier board and a subpar cooler. If you're targeting the top tier just for gaming and are okay with the added expenses, it's worth proceeding.
I assembled my latest mainboard in 2016 and running a 6600k @ 4.4 is mostly for gaming. I usually wait for deals on Steam etc. I think I can stretch another year or two before needing more cores and threads. I’ve never bought AMD for a primary machine before, but I’m stuck with Ryzen 5 at this point. I know Intel has improved from 14nm, but it costs more both upfront and in power usage. AMD is moving to 5nm now and looks more affordable for budget builds. It seems like Intel might be the last one to catch up in terms of efficiency and value. I’m starting to consider this build sooner rather than later—am I overlooking something, or can anyone justify keeping Intel at this stage?