- Intel places seven processors in the top 10 for price/performance according to PassMark
- AMD leads only in the number of applications for the Ryzen 5 discount sale
- Value favors Intel among widely available desktop processors
Intel dominates the top PassMark Price-Performance Rating in a way that seemed unlikely just a few years ago. Looking at the current leaderboard, Intel places seven processors in the top ten when comparing performance to price.
AMD takes the first two places, but don't be fooled. One comes from the entry-level Ryzen 5, which is on sale, and the other is an EPYC part listed at prices likely taken from the used or refurbished markets rather than new retail.
Ryzen 5's positioning reflects its low price rather than performance that competes with AMD's new mid- or high-end desktop processors.
Intel's preference is given to a wide range of price categories.
Intel's presence in the top ten is more consistent, with a mix of Core Ultra processors and older Core processors tightly grouped by price efficiency, without relying on design-level discounts.
This creates a leaderboard in which Intel performs well across a wide range of prices rather than through a few isolated deals.
Further down the table, AMD's high-core desktop processors lag behind in price performance because their higher initial ratings don't translate into higher value-for-price.
With the exception of the discounted models at the top end, most of AMD's core desktop lineup trails Intel by a dollar in performance.
This is important because the PassMark chart combines current retail processors with clearance and custom listings, meaning not every high-ranking item reflects what customers will see when purchasing new parts.
Despite this, the overall picture remains clear: Intel holds most of the highest value positions using modern and widely available processors.
AMD's strongest results come from older or discounted products rather than recent releases, limiting the extent to which these results can be applied to new system builds.
For performance-per-dollar buyers, PassMark's data indicates that Intel offers more predictable value across its lineup.
AMD still competes at the very top and in discounted special cases, but the balance of everyday value is now tipped heavily in Team Blue's favor.
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