For years now, I do not buy/create assemble a new computer, because I am totally overwhelmed by the options available to me.
If we agree there is ‘The Paradox of Choice’, it seems to make sense to have a much more limited choice between CPU models from a consumer point of view. For example, have for each year an entry, business and a pro model, add extreme for gamer and have each of these models have a version with a beefy integrated CPU.
But it seems also a good idea for the manufacturers: They have to design, test and build each of their models, create advertisement etc., like configuring their assembly lines alone costs money. Further, compilers have to generate code for a specific architecture, which means that all my software I didn’t compile myself ends up using an instruction set of the lowest common CPU, not utilizing whatever I bought fully.
Apple (not a fan ;-)) shows IMHO how it is done with their Apple Silicon: Basically even I understand which CPU choice would be the right one for me. The Steam Deck is IMHO another success story: As reference hardware I know easily if I can play a game, and it is easy to know if my hardware is faster than a Steam Deck. Compare that to games with hardware requirements like ‘AMD TI 5800 8GB RAM’ (made up model) which makes my life miserable.
What I am looking for is fact based knowledge:
- Why does it make (commercial) sense for AMD/Intel to create so many models?
- What are their incentives?
- What would happen, if they would reduce the amount of different CPUs they offer? (Is there historical knowledge?)
I don’t know a lot of the specifics, but to provide a couple points that help put things into context:
In regards to manufacturing different more-similar models, this is often the result of binning. A bunch of CPUs will be made at once through the same process, but as CPU production is an incredibly precise process, theres still quite a bit of variety between the results. You can think of it the same as separating grades of produce on a farm. The best stuff becomes the higher-tier, more expensive models, the average stuff get an average price, and the worst stuff becomes a budget option. This provides 3 separate models for no manufacturing resources.
Similarly, some lower end parts, in some cases, can even come from defective higher-tier parts. I believe AMD released a model like that a year or two ago, which is an easy way to recoup costs and avoid waste.
Also notable is that the range of products and prices also allows for targeting a wider range of customers. For example, Ryzen 3 would be those who just want something that works, but won’t spend much, Ryzen 5 is for average people who just want a good processor but don’t want to spend much, Ryzen 7 is enthusiasts, and Ryzen 9 is people doing specialized commercial work or enthusiasts with more money than sense. All of these are not just different products, but also allow the company to charge different margins - low end won’t spend much whereas high-end is willing to spend money and often expects a monitary return from their purchase. Most consoles and pre-builts are more towards the low-end, but theres still penty of demand for those higher-end parts for better performance or for complex work that needs it.