Intel has released its new desktop processors in South Africa.
The new chips are the 8th-generation of Core desktop processors, code-named “Coffee Lake”.
Intel has increased the number of physical cores and threads in its desktop processors, while offering the chips at the same prices as the previous generation.
To see how they stack up, we compared the specifications and pricing of the latest Intel processors against AMD’s Ryzen desktop range.
Specifications
Both CPU lineups are built on a 14nm manufacturing process, and boast improved physical core counts and power efficiency compared to previous generations.
Intel’s Coffee Lake architecture is a refinement of Kaby Lake, while AMD’s Ryzen chips are built on its Zen microarchitecture – designed to deliver improved performance and parallel computing power.
Ryzen processors use the new AM4 socket and are compatible with all chipsets that have this socket.
Intel’s new chips use the LGA 1151 socket, but are only compatible 300-series chipsets. Currently, the only 300-series motherboards available are high-end Z370 boards. B360 chipsets are set to launch later this year.
The specifications and pricing of the new processors are below.
| Processor | Cores | Threads | Base Clock | Boost Clock | TDP | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Core i3 / Ryzen 3
|
||||||
| AMD Ryzen 3 1200 | 4 | 4 | 3.1GHz | 3.4GHz | 65W | R1,882 |
| Intel Core i3-8100 | 4 | 4 | 3.6GHz | N/A | 65W | R1,949 |
| AMD Ryzen 3 1300X | 4 | 4 | 3.5GHz | 3.7GHz | 65W | R2,049 |
| Intel Core i3-8350K | 4 | 4 | 4.0GHz | N/A | 91W | R2,956 |
|
Core i5 / Ryzen 5
|
||||||
| AMD Ryzen 5 1400 | 4 | 8 | 3.2GHz | 3.4GHz | 65W | R2,643 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 1500X | 4 | 8 | 3.6GHz | 3.7GHz | 65W | R3,004 |
| Intel Core i5-8400 | 6 | 6 | 2.8GHz | 4.0GHz | 65W | R3,041 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 1600 | 6 | 12 | 3.4GHz | 3.6GHz | 65W | R3,745 |
| AMD Ryzen 5 1600X | 6 | 12 | 3.6GHz | 4.0GHz | 95W | R4,243 |
| Intel Core i5-8600K | 6 | 6 | 3.6GHz | 4.3GHz | 95W | R4,425 |
|
Core i7 / Ryzen 7
|
||||||
| AMD Ryzen 7 1700 | 8 | 16 | 3.0GHz | 3.7GHz | 95W | R5,126 |
| Intel Core i7-8700 | 6 | 12 | 3.2GHz | 4.6GHz | 65W | R5,275 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 1700X | 8 | 16 | 3.4GHz | 3.8GHz | 95W | R6,273 |
| Intel Core i7-8700K | 6 | 12 | 3.7GHz | 4.6GHz | 95W | R6,295 |
| AMD Ryzen 7 1800X | 8 | 16 | 3.6GHz | 4.0GHz | 95W | R7,933 |
Competition returns
While Ryzen processors have a slight edge in terms of pricing and core count, it is important to note that Intel’s chips have integrated graphics processors – AMD’s CPUs do not.
This shouldn’t make a difference for gamers, as they use dedicated graphics cards, but it is an important consideration for individuals and businesses which do not need discrete GPUs.
Despite this difference, Intel and AMD are more competitive than ever, with AMD’s Ryzen architecture not standing down to Intel.
There is little to separate the CPU lineups, and system builders are likely to choose a CPU most compatible with their build.
AMD Ryzen and Intel 8th-gen Core processors are available from online stores in South Africa.
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