5 reasons to upgrade to 14th generation Intel CPU

There's no shortage of new CPU options in 2024. Whether you want something for gaming, handling AI and ML workloads, or just for general web browsing, there's a processor to suit your specific requirements. your body.

Intel's 14th generation CPU line explained

Now, depending on whether you're considering a desktop or laptop upgrade, your CPU choice will be a little different. As expected, you have more options for desktop CPUs, with the entire Intel Core processor line getting upgrades.

On the mobile side, Intel has the HX processor line consisting of 5 CPUs. Note that you don't get a 14th Gen Core i3, as the lowest processor in the 14th Gen mobile lineup is the Core i5 14450HX.

As can be seen, this is a tough competition and you will get good performance regardless of whether you choose a laptop or desktop chip. This is especially true now that Intel allows CPU, graphics, and memory overclocking on its HX series processors. However, because the desktop line has more options and a lower-end i3 processor, it can be more cost-effective if your budget is limited.

Why should you upgrade to Intel 14th generation?

If you're using an older processor, it's time to upgrade, and here's why Intel's 14th generation is the right choice.

Better performance

Intel's 14th generation lineup outperforms AMD's Ryzen 7000 series in every aspect. You get higher thread and core counts, higher maximum clock speeds, more flexible memory support (DDR4 and DDR5 on Intel only vs. DDR5 on AMD), and a much higher TDP of up to 253W for Intel and up to 170W for AMD.

These numbers give better actual performance when used in the system. Overall, you can expect 14th Gen Intel processors to perform better than AMD offerings whether you're gaming, programming, handling complex calculations, or just getting around your day.

5 reasons to upgrade to 14th generation Intel CPU Picture 1

However, AMD's CPUs are more power efficient and don't generate as much heat, which is a big advantage in AMD's favor and might even be a reason to avoid Intel's 14th generation altogether. If you're choosing a laptop CPU, this may influence the decision, but Intel's next-generation Lunar Lake chip may keep you going. Now, if you look at overall performance, Intel's 14th generation is the clear winner.

Better CPU driver and software support

Intel's software support has been ahead of AMD's from the start, and that trend continues here. CPU drivers aren't something you update as often as some other peripherals in the system, such as the GPU, but it's extremely important that they are stable enough for the system to run smoothly.

AMD Ryzen CPUs have had driver issues, causing everything from USB issues to security vulnerabilities forcing them to regularly update the platform. If you don't want to run BIOS updates to keep your PC intact, Intel is the way to go.

Additionally, one of the best things about using an Intel CPU is that you get support from third-party software. Many programs are optimized to run on Intel CPUs, and with the new Thread Director coming with 14th generation CPUs, that performance will be even better. That's not to say AMD's CPUs don't get the same love from developers, but it often takes a while for optimizations and new software support to appear.

Advanced connectivity options

Intel's new platform also offers better connectivity options than AMD's equivalent products. This makes a bigger difference for people building PCs than for people buying laptops, since laptops tend to have connections and ports that are largely controlled by the manufacturer and model.

5 reasons to upgrade to 14th generation Intel CPU Picture 2

Intel provides support for Wi-Fi 7 out of the box, meaning that even if you don't have a compatible router and hardware/network bandwidth now, you're ready to use Wi-Fi 7 in the future. There are many reasons to upgrade to a Wi-Fi 7 router right now.

In addition to networking capabilities, Intel's 700-Series motherboards also support up to 192GB of memory, while AMD only has 128GB. It's not true that you'll be using any amount of memory even close to the aforementioned numbers, Intel just gives you more headroom, not to mention support for both DDR4 and DDR5.

Perhaps the most important difference here is that if you're building a PC with a 14th Gen Intel CPU, you can expect to have more USB 3.2 ports. For example, the Aorus Z790 Master motherboard for Intel has 7 USB ports, while AMD's equivalent product, the X670E, only has a maximum of 4 ports.

Construction costs are less with the 14th generation

This may come as a surprise, but Intel's 14th generation CPUs are compatible with older 600-Series motherboards. This means that if you have a 13th generation CPU running an old motherboard and DDR4 memory, you can change the CPU and worry about the remaining components later. On the other hand, upgrading to the latest AMD products will force you to buy the latest motherboard with AM5 socket and more expensive DDR5 memory.

5 reasons to upgrade to 14th generation Intel CPU Picture 3

Now, if you're looking for exceptional performance, upgrading to DDR5 is almost certainly necessary. However, for those who want the most performance, building a 14th Gen Intel CPU means you can buy cheaper motherboards and memory to get things going. High-end PC parts don't come cheap, and having compatibility with older hardware can save a lot of money and headaches.

More suitable for future use

Last but not least, you will have more peace of mind in the future if you build a PC with a 14th generation Intel CPU. This is not the case with laptop CPUs, as there are fewer upgrade options but the CPU will still Long-term survival.

When combined with more memory options, better connectivity, software support, and overall performance, you won't feel the need to upgrade anytime soon with a comparable AMD CPU. This does mean that you will probably have to invest a larger amount of money in your PC up front, but it will pay off quite well in the long run.

Ultimately, if you're using an Intel 10th or 11th Gen processor (or AMD equivalent), the sheer amount of options and flexibility that Intel's 14th Gen lineup offers is inapproachable.

Sure, you can save some money by going with the old CPU, but the 14th generation is doing its best to attract more users. With a diverse lineup of CPUs, you're sure to find something that fits your budget while also providing enough power for your computer.

Kareem Winters

Update 25 July 2024