Both Intel and AMD have released new processors. But which processor performs the best? The YouTuber Linus Tech Tips conducted the test and built two systems with processors. The graphics card used is the GeForce RTX 3090.
The YouTuber Linus selected the two currently fastest gaming processors and wanted to find out which one is the fastest.
To do this, he built two gaming systems with a colleague. These rely only on absolute high-end components. Both systems feature a GeForce RTX 3090. In addition, the fastest processor (CPU) is used in each case:
- For Intel, the Core i9 11900K is used
- For AMD, the Ryzen 9 5950X is the processor used
Both processors are the current high-end model with overclocking potential and the fastest model available for the consumer market. Server processors are therefore not relevant.
At 549.99 Euros (Intel) and 849.00 Euros (AMD), the processors are quite expensive and rather uninteresting for most gamers (via Geizhals.de). The GeForce RTX 3090 is also likely to deter many gamers with its high price. The GeForce RTX 3080 should be sufficient for gamers who want to play in 4K resolution.
This is how he proceeded: In the video, they run several benchmarks across different games. These include F1 2020, GTA V, and CS:GO.
Who wins the duel? The duel between the two high-end processors is narrowly won by AMD’s Ryzen 9 5950X over Intel’s Core i9 11900K. There is a difference of 13 FPS between the processors.
| Intel (99 % Percentile) | AMD (99 % Percentile) |
| 110 | 123 |
What does Percentile mean? In the end, they compiled the results and calculated the percentile. A 99 % percentile means that 99 % of all measurements are faster than the stated values. Therefore, there is no value that is below this.
Here you can watch the video: In the English YouTube video, you can see the assembly of the test systems as well as the test of the processors:
The AMD CPU currently costs double, but is still worth it for a high-end system
When comparing just the two processors, one might claim that the AMD CPU is a poor deal. This is because the price for the Ryzen processor is almost 300 Euros higher than that of the Intel processor (549.99 for Intel and 849 Euros for AMD)
Nonetheless, one must consider the overall package with all components, as processors alone do not function. Therefore, they must be viewed as part of the complete package with the motherboard, graphics card, and other components.
According to Linus, the AMD package combined with the RTX 3090 is the better choice if one does not shy away from the high costs.
However, if someone wants to spend around 3000 US Dollars on a GeForce RTX 3090, Linus explains that they should not hesitate to invest an additional 300 US Dollars in the faster processor.
What processor do normal gamers really need?
If you are an ordinary gamer who does not want high-end components because either you do not need the performance or simply do not have the money, you can already find powerful processors in the mid-range for your gaming system.
For the recommended processors in the mid-range, you will pay between 150 and 200 Euros and get plenty of performance and a modern architecture. You do not need to spend 500 Euros if you want to game.
The best mid-range CPU from Intel: Intel’s recommended processor in the mid-range is the Intel Core i5-10400F. Here you will pay between 139 and 150 Euros for the 6-core (12 threads) and get a powerful processor with PCI-Express 3.0 and a performance of 65 watts (via geizhals.de).
The best mid-range CPU from AMD: AMD’s best processor for gaming PCs is the AMD Ryzen 5 3600. With 6 cores (12 threads), sufficient performance for games and applications, and PCIe 4.0 support, this processor offers everything a gamer needs. Here, the performance is also at 65 watts. The price currently ranges between 150 and 190 Euros, making it reasonable if you need a processor (via geizhals.de).
Basically, with the Ryzen 5 5600, you already get the latest generation; however, you will currently pay significantly more, and the additional performance is between 5 and 10 % compared to the predecessor. The new generation is also somewhat more efficient.
A comprehensive test of the Ryzen 5 5600 and a comparison to the Ryzen 5 3600 can be found at our colleagues from GameStar.
