Intel has commented on this competition for the first time since the release of the Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor. AMD released it on November 7th, despite that it has already become the best-selling product on the retail charts in Europe and the US. It is sold in several times higher volumes than the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, which led them until now.
Overclocker der8auer, in collaboration with Bens Hardware (the largest German-language hardware channel on TikTok and one of the largest German-language hardware channels on YouTube), prepared an interview with an Intel representative about Arrow LakeIntel’s competitive position and future. There was also the topic of V-cache / X3D, about which he commented quite strangely:
AMD processors are tailored for a very specific target group, which is gamers. We are aware that this technology has a lot to offer players, but it is something for something and also comes with disadvantages and compromises that need to be accepted. In that case it’s fine if I have an X3D processor that may not be that powerful in applications. It is an intention and technologically we are still in control. Which means the processor will appear next year [od Intelu]which will have a cache tile, but won’t be for desktop.
— Florian Maislinger, Intel PR & Communication
First of all, Maislinger refers to gamers as a “very specific target group”, which is a bit odd in the desktop context. If we realize that the majority of consumers of online content have long since switched to mobiles, tablets and laptops, and workstations form a separate segment, then it simply follows that gamers are the core group of users within the desktop, which (whether we like it or not) holds this segment above water and its development applies. Intel’s use of these words thus seems like trivialization. Moreover, somewhat out of place, especially when we realize that Intel practically from the release Zenu aimed its marketing mostly at gamers (with generations like Rocket Lake a Raptor Lake /-refresh he built it practically only on game performance). Arc graphics cards then had no other ambition than to appeal to gamers, and likewise their marketing was built as an effort to save the gaming desktop from expensive competition. Now, marketing is probably throwing a switch – when it didn’t work out with Arc a Arrow Lake loses heavily in game performance, players become “a very specific target group”.
Ryzen 7 9800X3D (AMD)
The second surprise is the evaluation of X3D / V-cache with the words “something for something”, “disadvantage” and “compromise”. The first generation of V-cache could be said to be a compromise that increased gaming performance but on average reduced multi-core (application) performance. With the second generation, this is no longer true, the Ryzen 7 9800X3D increases both game and application performance very noticeably compared to the Ryzen 7 9700X. It can be said that it is more than the two previous generations of Intel processors. The multi-core performance situation was noted by all the reviews, so it can’t be expected that Intel didn’t notice. But from a marketing point of view, it is probably more advantageous to pretend that he did not notice, so that he can talk about a “compromise” solution.
The third surprise is the conclusion of the quote. Intel claims that a larger cache has a positive impact on games, but outside of that it brings disadvantages and compromises. In turn, however, he states that he is preparing a product with a large cache for next year, which, however, will not be related to the desktop. Does it mean that it is targeting a segment to which it will only bring disadvantages and compromises?
Core Ultra 9 285K (Intel)
The whole situation feels like Intel is still a release situation Arrow Lake caught off guard and the PR/marketing department still haven’t had time to recover and set some meaningful strategy. The existing expression thus acts as a considerable improvisation, not a very successful one at that, which essentially contradicts itself.
Moreover, the current way of argumentation is rather short-sighted. Intel certainly knows (much longer than the general public) that AMD will release the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D for the standard desktop socket in the first half of the year, and that Threadripper is also preparing to be equipped with V-cache, which will obviously not be aimed at gamers, but at the segment of powerful workstations stations.
In the server segment, V-cache is already represented (two generations of products), and the third can also be expected in 2025. The effort to present V-cache as something essentially marginal, from which only desktop players profit and which actually brings more problems than benefits has been replaced by announcing its own non-desktop product with a large cache, moreover, in the context of released and upcoming products, it seems confusing.
Intel vs AMD: The Battle Heats Up!
So, folks, we’re diving headfirst into the battle of chip giants—Intel and AMD—where the stakes are high, and the banter is even higher. Intel has finally decided to dip its toes into the choppy waters of commentary after AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D dropped like it was going out of style on November 7th. And boy, has it made waves! We’re talking best-sellers in Europe and the US, selling in volumes that make the previous king, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, look like an amateur at a karaoke night.
Now, hold on to your hats because the amusing duo of Overclocker der8auer and the crew from Bens Hardware got to interview an Intel representative about the future of their processors, specifically about something they’ve arbitarily dubbed “Arrow Lake” (I mean, seriously, what is it with these names?). And what a gem of a quote they pulled from the illustrious Florian Maislinger, Intel’s PR & Communication head. Here’s where it gets juicy!
“AMD processors are tailored for a very specific target group, which is gamers. We are aware that this technology has a lot to offer players, but it is something for something and also comes with disadvantages and compromises that need to be accepted.”
Now, let’s break this down. Calling gamers a “very specific target group” is roughly akin to saying that chocolate cake is for a “very specific group of people who enjoy delicious desserts.” I mean, have you met anyone who doesn’t enjoy a good gaming session? Gamers are the lifeblood of the desktop market! If AMD is serving them up a buffet of performance, and Intel is merely eyeing the dessert table, we’re left wondering what exactly they’re cooking up in the back. Meanwhile, “Arrow Lake” is losing ground to AMD’s genius play while it pretends it’s all in good humor.
And here’s another head-scratcher: Maislinger’s comments on the “technological compromises.” The all-knowing maestro seems to have overlooked that the latest Ryzen isn’t just about getting you more frames in the latest shooter; it’s about outperforming Intel in applications too! Funny how he glosses over the obvious gains on application performance with the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. Was he holding a strategy meeting while the reviews were getting published? Because newsflash: they were noted everywhere!
This brings us to the kicker. Intel’s boasting about big caches that bring “disadvantages” and “compromises.” Oh, fantastic! Here’s a proposition—why don’t we take that pie-in-the-sky plan of theirs, plop it on a desktop and see how the gaming crowd reacts? A cache designed for niche markets? Sounds like a recipe for disaster.
Now, throw in the fact that Intel might have another trick up its sleeve with its non-desktop cache-heavy chip aimed at gaming… for the next year? Talk about shooting yourself in the foot!
It feels a little like Intel is the lead actor on stage, but hasn’t had a moment to shake off the shock of AMD’s dazzling entrance. While they twiddle with their strategy sheets, they might find that the gaming audience isn’t just looking for flashy slogans; we want results.
And in the face of impending AMD releases—like the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and the upcoming Threadripper with V-cache—Intel’s stance comes off as more desperate than a cat meme in an empty chatroom. The gaming space isn’t a mere ‘target group’ anymore; it’s the beating heart of desktop performance.
As this drama unfolds, we’ll be watching closely with popcorn in hand. Because at the end of the day, whether you’re Team Intel or Team AMD, it’s the competition that keeps the industry fun, fresh, and most importantly, pushing performance boundaries. So, Intel, get your game face on, because the Ryzen might just be heating up more than your Arrow Lake!
For the first time since the launch of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D processor on November 7, Intel has addressed the competitive landscape that has emerged post-release. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has quickly ascended the ranks to become the top-selling processor on retail charts in both Europe and the United States, significantly outperforming its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 7800X3D, in sales volume.
In an engaging interview crafted by distinguished overclocker der8auer and Bens Hardware—Germany’s largest German-language hardware channel on TikTok and a leading YouTube presence—Intel’s representative discussed their upcoming Arrow Lake architecture and shared insights into Intel’s competitive standing and future directions. The interview also delved into AMD’s V-cache and X3D technologies, which elicited some rather peculiar commentary from the Intel spokesperson:
“AMD processors are tailored for a very specific target group, which is gamers. We recognize that this technology offers significant advantages for players; however, it comes with particular trade-offs and compromises that must be acknowledged. It’s acceptable if someone chooses an X3D processor that may not excel in applications. Our commitment to innovation remains strong as we prepare to launch a new processor next year that will feature a cache tile, although it’s important to note that this upcoming product will not be targeted for desktop use.”
— Florian Maislinger, Intel PR & Communication
Maislinger’s characterization of gamers as a “very specific target group” may raise eyebrows within the desktop computing community. Given that a substantial number of online content consumers have transitioned from desktops to mobile devices, tablets, and laptops, it’s clear that gamers constitute the core demographic for desktop systems—a segment crucial for the survival and advancement of desktop technology. Intel’s choice of wording here appears to marginalize the gaming community, a surprising stance considering that their marketing efforts, particularly following the release of the Zenu processors, have predominantly targeted gamers. Processor generations such as Rocket Lake and Raptor Lake were marketed heavily on their gaming performance, while Intel’s Arc graphics cards were explicitly designed to appeal to gaming users, reinforcing the notion that gaming occupies a pivotal role in the desktop landscape. Yet now, in what seems like a strategic pivot following the underwhelming reception of Arc, Intel is branding gamers as merely a niche audience.
The second revelation lies in Intel’s assessment of X3D and V-cache technologies, characterized by terms like “something for something,” “disadvantage,” and “compromise.” While the first generation of V-cache did set forth certain trade-offs by boosting gaming performance at the cost of average multi-core application performance, such a narrative does not hold for the Ryzen 7 9800X3D. This new processor not only enhances gaming performance significantly but also shows marked improvements in application performance compared to its predecessor, the Ryzen 7 9700X, surpassing the capabilities of Intel’s two most recent processor generations. The positive multi-core performance trends have been consistently highlighted across various reviews, meaning it’s unrealistic to assume Intel is unaware of these advancements. From a marketing perspective, downplaying these results might appear to be an optimal strategy, fostering a narrative that allows Intel to describe AMD’s advances as “compromise” solutions.
Intel’s conclusion regarding cache size presents another puzzling aspect. Although they acknowledge that larger cache sizes can enhance gaming performance, they juxtapose this with claims of associated disadvantages and compromises. The forthcoming product with a substantial cache, while not intended for desktops, raises questions about the direction of Intel’s targeting strategy. Does this imply that they are willing to engage segments under conditions where they perceive limitations and drawbacks?
The overall picture suggests that Intel finds itself in a precarious position ahead of the Arrow Lake launch, as if its PR and marketing teams have yet to establish a coherent strategy. The current messaging appears to be hastily constructed, revealing inconsistencies that undermine confidence in Intel’s approach.
Moreover, this line of reasoning comes across as myopic. Intel is undoubtedly aware that AMD plans to release the Ryzen 9 9950X3D and Ryzen 9 9900X3D for standard desktop sockets in the upcoming months. Additionally, Threadripper processors are expected to incorporate V-cache technology, strategically aiming at high-performance workstation markets rather than just gamers.
In the server space, V-cache technology is already a reality with two product generations released, and a third generation is anticipated by 2025. The attempt to present V-cache as something merely ancillary—primarily benefiting gamers while ostensibly generating more complications than satisfaction—becomes increasingly untenable in light of Intel’s own plans for a non-desktop product equipped with a large cache. This approach appears muddled particularly when contextualized against the backdrop of competitive products on the market.
What are the key advantages of AMD’s Ryzen 7 9800X3D over Intel’s upcoming Arrow Lake in gaming performance?
Seems to be caught in a precarious situation. On one hand, they recognize the monumental strides AMD is making with its Ryzen processors, particularly the 9800X3D, which has proven itself to be a formidable competitor by dominating sales and performance benchmarks. On the other hand, Intel’s response appears defensive, attempting to position their future chips, such as Arrow Lake, as superior without actually addressing the pressing concerns of gamers and performance-oriented users.
In the past, Intel ruled the gaming scene, powered by high clock speeds and robust architectures, but as AMD has introduced the X3D and V-cache technologies, that landscape is shifting dramatically. The characterization of gamers as merely a “very specific target group” does little to resonate with an audience that thrives on performance and innovation. It seems almost dismissive, as though Intel is trying to sidestep the reality of the gaming market’s significance to the desktop ecosystem.
Moreover, Maislinger’s statement regarding the potential downsides of gaming-centric CPUs, like the X3D, fails to acknowledge that these trade-offs are increasingly being outweighed by gains in both gaming and application performance. The Ryzen 7 9800X3D has proven to enhance gaming experiences while providing excellent multi-core performance, thereby blurring the lines that Intel seems so eager to draw.
The upcoming cache-heavy product that Intel is planning—targeted away from desktops—introduces further confusion. If Intel has a high-cache product in the pipeline that isn’t meant for the gaming community, they might miss an opportunity to leverage their technology where it’s most needed. Instead of adapting and innovating in sync with market demands, the choice to divert resources seems to signal a lack of confidence.
While the competition is always good for the consumers, it’s becoming increasingly evident that AMD’s aggressive approach to performance improvements and market engagement is yielding results that Intel needs to contend with. As Intel prepares for the future with Arrow Lake, they must reconsider their narrative and recognize the pivotal role that gaming plays in driving technology forward. It’s not merely about being in the market; it’s about delivering what users crave: exceptional performance without sacrifices.
as the battle between Intel and AMD intensifies, Intel must develop a more coherent strategy that aligns with the needs of gamers and high-performance users. Ignoring or downplaying this demographic could prove detrimental and may ultimately leave Intel at a disadvantage in a fast-evolving market landscape. With AMD pushing boundaries and redefining performance metrics, it’s safe to say that the game is afoot, and Intel needs to play it wisely.
