A scorching potato: The labels on CPUs might be complicated for informal customers, particularly as each main distributors transition to new designation methods. Whereas Intel and AMD try to make their processor names much less ambiguous, Intel is accusing the competitors of outright misdirection.
A PDF not too long ago emerged on Intel’s web site accusing AMD of deceptive its clients with its new laptop computer Ryzen naming scheme. Launched final 12 months, Crew Crimson’s designation for laptop computer processors differs from these designed for desktops. Whereas the names include extra info than their predecessors, they are often complicated, which the corporate admitted earlier this 12 months.
At present, Intel’s PDF is not straight accessible, however Neowin and identified leaker Momomo grabbed a couple of slides wherein the corporate compares AMD to snake oil salesmen. The first criticism is how the digits on the newest Ryzen CPU names carry a unique that means from their desktop counterparts.
All desktop 7000 sequence Ryzens use AMD’s newest Zen 4 structure. Nonetheless, within the firm’s new laptop computer naming system, the seven because the label’s first digit signifies that it was launched in 2023. Intel criticizes how the not too long ago launched Ryzen 5 7520U makes use of AMD’s Zen 2 (as an alternative of Zen 4) structure from 2019.
Crew Crimson’s detailed directions on its new naming scheme clarify that the third digit, on this case a two, specifies the structure technology. In the meantime, the second digit signifies the efficiency tier, with a 5 representing a Ryzen 5. The fourth and last 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. Sadly, AMD cannot match its instructions onto every product’s packaging, so the corporate devised one other system highlighting Zen 4 processors with orange stickers.
Though AMD may 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. Beginning with the launch of the laptop-centered Meteor Lake sequence later this month, Intel will swap to a brand new fashion that drops the well-known “i” designators. As an alternative, the corporate will label its mainstream CPUs Core 3, Core 5, and Core 7 and its higher-tier merchandise Core Extremely 5, Core Extremely 7, and Core Extremely 9. Whereas Intel’s new labels include much less info than AMD’s, they current a much less drastic and probably much less complicated change.