A sizzling potato: The labels on CPUs may be complicated for informal shoppers, particularly as each main distributors transition to new designation programs. While Intel and AMD try to make their processor names much less ambiguous, Intel is accusing the competitors of outright misdirection.
A PDF just lately emerged on Intel’s web site accusing AMD of deceptive its clients with its new laptop Ryzen naming scheme. Introduced final yr, Team Red’s designation for laptop processors differs from these designed for desktops. While the names include extra info than their predecessors, they are often complicated, which the corporate admitted earlier this yr.
Currently, Intel’s PDF is not straight accessible, however Neowin and recognized leaker Momomo grabbed a couple of slides during which the corporate compares AMD to snake oil salesmen. The main criticism is how the digits on the newest Ryzen CPU names carry a distinct which means from their desktop counterparts.
All desktop 7000 collection Ryzens use AMD’s newest Zen 4 structure. However, within the firm’s new laptop naming system, the seven because the label’s first digit signifies that it was launched in 2023. Intel criticizes how the just lately launched Ryzen 5 7520U makes use of AMD’s Zen 2 (as an alternative of Zen 4) structure from 2019.
Team Red’s detailed directions on its new naming scheme clarify that the third digit, on this case a two, specifies the structure era. Meanwhile, the second digit signifies the efficiency tier, with a 5 representing a Ryzen 5. The fourth and ultimate digit differentiates between a decrease or higher-end mannequin, whereas the letter specifies wattage.
Thus, the 7520U is a 2023 lower-end Ryzen 5 chip utilizing Zen 2 structure restricted to 15-28W. Unfortunately, AMD cannot match its instructions onto every product’s packaging, so the corporate devised one other system highlighting Zen 4 processors with orange stickers.
Although AMD would possibly confuse some clients, Intel’s comparability will not maintain water for much longer. The doc compares the 7520U to its Core i5 1335U, which makes use of Intel’s present naming scheme. Starting with the launch of the laptop-centered Meteor Lake collection later this month, Intel will swap to a new type that drops the well-known “i” designators. Instead, the corporate will label its mainstream CPUs Core 3, Core 5, and Core 7 and its higher-tier merchandise Core Ultra 5, Core Ultra 7, and Core Ultra 9. While Intel’s new labels include much less info than AMD’s, they current a much less drastic and doubtlessly much less complicated change.