In 2024, the top of the list when building a new PC is between Intel and AMD CPU. These two chip giants have been battling for years for superior processors each year.
Back in the day, Intel dominated gaming rigs thanks to AMD’s subpar Bulldozer lineup. But things have increasingly changed since AMD introduced its fiercely competitive Ryzen CPUs in 2017 on the AM4 platform. Now it’s much more even, with both companies putting in fantastic gaming showings.
The good news is you can choose Intel or AMD for your new rig in 2024. However, there are crucial differences based on your budget and needs. Let us break it down:
The AMD Ryzen Advantage
For AMD’s current generation, the highlight of the show is the Ryzen 7000 series desktop CPUs based on the new AM5 socket and Zen 4 architecture.
These chips were a significant advance over the previous AM4 platform. AM5 also supports recent tech like DDR5 RAM and PCIe 5.0-so you get a fair amount of future-proofing if you go for a premium board. The 5nm Ryzen 7000 processors also feature 16 cores and 32 threads of multi-threaded muscle.
AMD’s Ryzen 7 8000X3D: Gaming Champ
For pure gaming performance though, the standout is the Ryzen 7 8000X3D lineup with their massive 3D V-Cache. Reviews have shown these gaming-focused chips really do hold their own against Intel’s rivals at high frame rates. The Ryzen 7 8000X3D is by far the best overall gaming CPU around right now.
The downside to AMD is that the higher-end AM5 motherboards required for the latest Ryzen chips can get quite pricey. But bundles from retailers like Micro Center help offset those costs. And you get a nice upgrade path since AMD has committed to supporting AM5 until at least 2025.
Intel 14th Gen: Incredible Horsepower 
Intel’s corner: the 14th Gen Core i9, i7, i5, and i3 desktop CPUs on the LGA 1700 socket and the “Intel 7” process. These chips are pure beasts tuned for blistering performance.
The top notch Core i9-14900K with 24 cores and 32 threads packs boost clocks of up to 6GHz. While the i9 is insanely overkill for pure gaming, models such as the Core i7-14700K are better value for the dollar. Newer tech such as DDR5 memory and PCIe 5.0 on higher-end boards are also supported in these 14th Gen chips.
Intel Gaming Benchmarks
In most gaming benchmarks, Intel’s 14th-gen CPUs trade blows with AMD’s Ryzen lineup. They often edge ahead in raw frame rates while AMD pulls marginally ahead with technologies like FSR and Radeon Super Resolution upscaling active.
The drawback is that the LGA 1700 socket looks like a dead end, with Intel rumored to move to a new socket for next-gen chips. So your CPU upgrade path could be limited if you build on this platform.
Budget Gaming CPU Options
For those on a tighter budget, both companies deliver solid entry-level and mid-range options in the Core i5/Ryzen 5 and Core i3/Ryzen 3 brackets that can game perfectly well when paired with a decent GPU.
You’ll also want to consider the total platform pricing for CPU, motherboard, and RAM. AMD has the edge in money-saving bundle deals at retailers like Micro Center. But Intel often has better CPU and RAM pricing when bought separately.
Making Your Choice
Objectively speaking, these latest CPU lineups from Intel and AMD are both incredible options for gaming in 2024. But which you choose may come down to your specific needs, budget, and personal preferences.
If you want the absolute maximum gaming performance available right now, AMD’s X3D Ryzen chips have that slight edge – though they do trail behind in some multi-tasking and productivity workloads. The AM5 platform also provides a nice upgrade path going forward if you invest in a higher-end board.
On the other hand, Intel’s 14th Gen CPUs offer jaw-dropping horsepower with insanely high core counts and clock speeds. The mid-range Core i7 in particular gives you beastly gaming chops at a better value than the pricier AMD 7000X3D parts.
The Real Winner
In the end, there really is no “superior” option between Intel or AMD for 2024 gaming. It boils down to picking out what features you value most while simultaneously considering your budget. Whichever team you choose, both deliver outstanding gaming experiences. The real winner is gamers who have so much power to choose from!
