AMD Under Fire for Confusing Product Names: Do Higher Numbers Really Mean Better?
Tech reviewer Linus Sebastian of Linus Tech Tips has called out AMD for its increasingly convoluted product naming scheme, arguing that it misleads customers into thinking higher numbers always equate to better performance.
The Problem with Numbers:
Using AMD's Ryzen 7000 and 8000 mobile processors as an example, Linus demonstrates how easily consumers can be misled. For instance, the Ryzen 7 7735U appears superior to the Ryzen 5 7640U based purely on the model numbers. However, the Ryzen 5 7640U boasts newer Zen 4 architecture, making it more powerful than its seemingly superior counterpart, which utilizes the older Zen 3+ architecture.
Further adding to the confusion is the fact that the first number after the series name (e.g., "7" in Ryzen 7 7735U) indicates the year of release and has no bearing on performance. This can lead uninformed buyers to purchase newer, but less powerful processors, mistakenly believing they are getting the latest and greatest technology.
Beyond AMD:
Linus doesn't let other companies off the hook. He also criticizes Intel's new Core Ultra series naming convention, pointing out inconsistencies even within the company's own explanations.
The Solution:
While educating oneself is always an option, Linus acknowledges that most consumers lack the time to decipher ever-changing naming schemes. He argues that the onus lies on manufacturers to simplify their product names, using clear and concise language that guides customers towards the products that best suit their needs rather than relying on misleading numbers and marketing jargon.
Key Takeaways:
- AMD's complex product names can mislead customers into purchasing less powerful processors.
- Higher numbers don't always indicate better performance.
- Consumers need clear and concise product names to make informed purchasing decisions.
- The responsibility for transparency lies with manufacturers.
