Intel Haswell vs AMD Richland head-to-head
We test both sets of architecture to see which is best suited for your needs.


Do you need to upgrade?
Haswell and Richland improve on their predecessors in every department but, in most cases, the leaps forward are incremental. That raises one important question: if you're currently using an Ivy Bridge or Trinity-based PC in your office, is it worth upgrading?
In most cases no. The chips themselves aren't cheap, and the addition of a new processor socket means you'll have to fork out for a new motherboard, too. Instead, wait for another year: Intel's next generation, Broadwell, will make the move to 14nm, and should offer a significant performance gain over Ivy Bridge.
However, for mobile computing the battery life improvements gains shouldn't be sniffed at - and the prospect of 8+ hours on the move with an Ultrabook is realistic with Haswell.
If your work system is based on Sandy Bridge chips or any older parts, Haswell will significantly boost your computing power, and newer chipsets will add more ports and sockets to your PC. The leap forward in graphics will be especially noticeable, and power consumption and electricity bills will be reduced.
The situation is a little different when it comes to AMD. If you've got a Trinity processor then the performance gain isn't a huge leap forward, but the upgrade path is relatively simple: you don't need a new motherboard, so a new APU can just slot into your existing PC.
If you're using a standard AMD processor rather than an APU, chances are you're using a very old, weak part and chances are your PC is struggling. If you're stuck with one of these Athlon or Phenom chips, then we recommend an upgrade. If you've got money to burn and are more interested in processing performance, then it's worth switching to Intel if you want a more balanced experience on a budget, then an APU is ideal.
Get the ITPro daily newsletter
Sign up today and you will receive a free copy of our Future Focus 2025 report - the leading guidance on AI, cybersecurity and other IT challenges as per 700+ senior executives
Conclusion
Haswell generates plenty of column inches for Intel thanks to its dominance at the top of the processor market but, unless you're going to make full use of an expensive Core i7-4770K or i5-4670K, it's worth looking on the other side of the fence.
After all, there's plenty to like about AMD's top-end A10-6800K APU. It's got more graphical power than anything Intel can muster, it's more frugal, and it's much cheaper than Intel's top-end Haswell chips. It can't quite match Haswell when it comes to pure processing power, but that's its only weakness and, for many, it'll be more than good enough.
It's not as one-side as you might think. If you want pure processing power and don't mind the cost then Haswell is for you. If it's a balanced experience you're after and graphics and budget are the priority then a top-end APU is the chip of choice.
Mike Jennings has worked as a technology journalist for more than a decade and has been fascinated by computers since childhood, when he spent far too long building terrible websites. He loves desktop PCs, components, laptops and anything to do with the latest hardware.
Mike worked as a staff writer at PC Pro magazine in London for seven years, and during that time wrote for a variety of other tech titles, including Custom PC, Micro Mart and Computer Shopper. Since 2013, he’s been a freelance tech writer, and writes regularly for titles like Wired, TechRadar, Stuff, TechSpot, IT Pro, TrustedReviews and TechAdvisor. He still loves tech and covers everything from the latest business hardware and software to high-end gaming gear, and you’ll find him on plenty of sites writing reviews, features and guides on a vast range of topics.
You can email Mike at mike@mike-jennings.net, or find him on Twitter at @mikejjennings
-
M&S suspends online sales as 'cyber incident' continues
News Marks & Spencer (M&S) has informed customers that all online and app sales have been suspended as the high street retailer battles a ‘cyber incident’.
By Ross Kelly
-
Manners cost nothing, unless you’re using ChatGPT
Opinion Polite users are costing OpenAI millions of dollars each year – but Ps and Qs are a small dent in what ChatGPT could cost the planet
By Ross Kelly
-
What enterprises need to be Windows 11 ready
Supported Content Hardware purchasing will play a key role in delivering success during the Windows 11 migration rush
By Ross Kelly
-
The gloves are off at Intel as new CEO plots major strategy shift
News Intel’s incoming CEO has some big plans for the firm’s business strategy, sources familiar with the matter have told Reuters, with more job cuts looming on the horizon.
By George Fitzmaurice
-
Why the CPU you chose is the key to Windows 11
The end of Windows 10 is on the horizon – it’s time to upgrade to an fTPM-protected processor
By Bobby Hellard
-
Intel just won a 15-year legal battle against EU
News Ruled to have engaged in anti-competitive practices back in 2009, Intel has finally succeeded in overturning a record fine
By Emma Woollacott
-
AMD and Intel’s new x86 advisory group looks to tackle Arm, but will it succeed?
News The pair will look to make x86 CPU architecture more interoperable
By George Fitzmaurice
-
AMD’s patient roadmap has become a highway to success
Analysis While everyone was focused on Nvidia’s meteoric rise, AMD was preparing the hardware needed to take the fight to its long-time competitor
By Ross Kelly
-
AMD just made a big statement in the AI PC race with its Ryzen AI Pro 300 series processors
News With all eyes focused on the AI PC craze, AMD looks to one-up the competition
By Ross Kelly
-
AMD’s new Instinct GPUs might just blow Nvidia out of the water
News The chip maker unveiled its newest Instinct GPU series in San Francisco today – and it’s very bullish on performance in the race with Nvidia
By Ross Kelly