Is AMD or Intel Better for Photoshop?

Photoshop is a powerful image editing software that is used by photographers, designers, and artists worldwide. It is a demanding application that requires a powerful processor to run smoothly. In the past, Intel processors have been the go-to choice for Photoshop users, but AMD has made significant strides in recent years and is now a viable alternative.

AMD Processors

AMD processors have several advantages over Intel processors for Photoshop. They typically have more cores and threads, which means that they can handle multiple tasks at the same time more efficiently. This can be especially beneficial for Photoshop users who often work with large files or complex edits. AMD processors also tend to be more power efficient than Intel processors, which can save you money on your electricity bills.

Intel Processors

Intel processors are still a good choice for Photoshop, especially for users who need the absolute best performance. They typically have higher single-core clock speeds, which means that they can perform individual tasks more quickly. This can be important for tasks that are not well-suited for multithreading, such as applying filters to images. Intel processors also tend to have more robust feature sets, such as support for more PCIe lanes and Thunderbolt connectivity.

Which Processor Is Right for You?

The best processor for Photoshop for you will depend on your individual needs and budget. If you are a casual Photoshop user who only works with small files, either an AMD or Intel processor will be fine. However, if you are a professional photographer or designer who works with large files and complex edits, an AMD processor is a better choice.

Here is a table summarizing the key differences between AMD and Intel processors for Photoshop:

Features | AMD Processors | Intel Processors

Cores | More cores, more threads | Fewer cores, more threads

Clock speed | Lower clock speed | Higher clock speed

Power efficiency | More power efficient | Less power efficient

Features | Fewer features | More features

Photoshop Performance Benchmarks

A number of independent benchmarks have been conducted to compare the performance of AMD and Intel processors for Photoshop. These benchmarks have shown that AMD processors generally outperform Intel processors in Photoshop. For example, a recent benchmark by Puget Systems found that the AMD Ryzen 9 5900X outperformed the Intel Core i9–12900K by up to 12% in Photoshop.

Conclusion

AMD processors are now a viable alternative to Intel processors for Photoshop. They offer better performance, better power efficiency, and a more affordable price point. If you are looking for the best possible performance for Photoshop, an AMD processor is the way to go.

Here are some of the best AMD processors for Photoshop:

  • AMD Ryzen 9 5900X
  • AMD Ryzen 7 5800X
  • AMD Ryzen 5 5600X

Here are some of the best Intel processors for Photoshop:

  • Intel Core i9–12900K
  • Intel Core i7–12700K
  • Intel Core i5–12600K