AM5 vs Intel 13th Gen: Which Platform Reigns Supreme for Your Next Build?

Posted by techGuru On August 15, 2023 In PC Builds Views: 12,567 Replies: 158

Hey everyone,

I'm in the market for a new CPU and motherboard combo and I'm torn between AMD's AM5 platform (Ryzen 7000 series) and Intel's 13th Gen (Raptor Lake). Both offer incredible performance, but they come with different price points, features, and future upgrade paths.

I've been doing some research, but I'd love to hear from the community. What are your experiences? Which platform do you lean towards and why?

Key Considerations:

Performance: How do they stack up in gaming, productivity, and general use?
Pricing: CPU, Motherboard, and RAM (DDR5 for both).
Power Consumption & Thermals: Which runs hotter or requires a more robust cooling solution?
Future Upgrade Path: How long is each platform expected to be supported?
Features: PCIe 5.0, DDR5 support, integrated graphics, connectivity options.

My Current Dilemma:

I'm leaning towards the Ryzen 7 7700X for its excellent gaming performance and the potential longevity of the AM5 socket. However, the Intel Core i5-13600K or even the i7-13700K are very tempting for their multi-core prowess, which would be beneficial for my video editing work.

"The choice often comes down to whether you prioritize gaming edge or productivity grunt, and of course, budget!"

I've seen benchmarks showing the 13th Gen often taking the lead in certain productivity tasks, while AM5 holds its own strongly in gaming, especially when paired with fast DDR5 RAM.

What are your thoughts on the motherboard chipsets (B650/X670 vs Z790/B760)? Are the premium features of higher-end boards worth the cost?

Looking forward to your insights!

techGuru

Enthusiast | Moderator

Replies (158)

MikeyP · August 15, 2023, 10:05 AM

Great topic! I went with the 13600K myself. The price-to-performance was just too good to pass up, especially for mixed workloads. Gaming is fantastic, and it crushes my programming tasks. I paired it with a Z790 board.

15 Reply Report

SiliconCutter · August 15, 2023, 10:18 AM

I'm firmly in the AM5 camp. My Ryzen 7 7800X3D is an absolute monster for gaming. While it might not match Intel's core count for pure productivity, for pure gaming performance, it's unmatched right now. Plus, the promise of future Ryzen CPUs on the AM5 socket makes it a solid long-term investment.

Regarding motherboards, I opted for a B650 board. It has everything I need (PCIe 5.0 for GPU and one M.2 slot) without the premium price tag of an X670. Definitely recommend looking at B650 for value.

22 Reply Report

JediMaster · August 15, 2023, 10:30 AM

I agree with MikeyP. The 13600K is a sweet spot. I found a killer deal on a Z790 board with good VRMs, and the performance difference in my workflow (mostly CAD and light rendering) wasn't significant enough to justify the higher cost of AM5 at launch. DDR5 prices have come down too, which helps.

11 Reply Report

AMD_Fanatic · August 15, 2023, 10:45 AM

Don't forget the power draw difference! Intel 13th gen can be quite power-hungry, especially the K-series when pushed. AM5 is generally more power-efficient, which means less heat and potentially a smaller cooler requirement. This can save you money on your electricity bill too!

18 Reply Report

AM5 vs Intel 13th Gen: Which Platform Reigns Supreme for Your Next Build?

Key Considerations:

My Current Dilemma:

techGuru

Replies (158)

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