In terms of value, it's easy to make the case for AMD's Ryzen CPUs. You can get an 8-core/16-thread Ryzen 7 CPU starting at just $160, and that includes a cooler that works well with the CPU. Step down to 6-core/12-thread Ryzen 5 and they start as low as $120. AMD also makes budget-friendly APUs—a 4-core CPU combined with a modest integrated graphics solution that's typically twice as fast as Intel's current integrated graphics. Or you can go whole hog with the Ryzen 9 3900X and get a 12-core/24-thread CPU for $499. For each category, Intel's equivalent CPUs cost more, and the desired K-series parts don't even include a cooler
Intel CPUs are typically the favorite choice for performance and overclocking enthusiasts. While the overclocking range for the latest 8-core parts is limited (4.9-5.1GHz being the typical maximum without exotic cooling solutions), the 8th Gen parts hit similar overclocks but start at lower base clocks. Intel's top CPUs cost more than their AMD counterparts, especially once you add in a decent cooler, but they're often a bit faster in games. AMD meanwhile is able to trounce Intel when it comes to multithreaded applications. Intel has no real 'mainstream' answer to the 3900X, never mind the 3950X. You'll have to move to Intel's HEDT platform, but then AMD has up to 32-core solutions with Threadripper 3000 CPUs.
How much are you willing to pay for the minor boost in gaming performance that Intel offers? And are you willing to give up AMD's superior multithreaded performance to have it? AMD's Ryzen 3000 CPUs are very competitive, and I'd also be remiss if I didn't point out how long Intel sat at 4-core/8-thread mainstream desktop CPUs. It's mostly thanks to AMD and it's Ryzen processors that Intel has started shipping 6-core and 8-core CPUs at far more reasonable prices.
Right now, the competition for CPU dominance between AMD and Intel is closer than we've seen since the first Athlon 64 parts in 2003. AMD hasn't held the outright performance crown since 2006—not in every meaningful category at least. The Ryzen 9 3900X and 3950X are unequivocally the fastest mainstream CPUs for non-gaming work, but Intel still squeaks by with a win in the gaming category. Competition in the CPU has been lovely to see.
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