AMD vs Intel: Which Processor Is Best for You?
When it comes to choosing a processor for your computer, two major players dominate the market: AMD and Intel. Both companies offer a wide range of processors with varying features and capabilities. However, deciding between AMD and Intel can be a daunting task, as each has its own strengths and weaknesses. In this article, we will explore some key factors to consider when making your decision.
Performance Comparison: One of the most important aspects to consider is the performance of the processors. AMD’s processors are known for their exceptional multi-threaded performance, making them ideal for tasks that require heavy multitasking or content creation. On the other hand, Intel processors have traditionally excelled in single-threaded performance, making them better suited for tasks that require a high level of single-core performance, such as gaming or certain professional applications.
Power Consumption: Power efficiency is another crucial factor to consider. AMD processors tend to offer better power efficiency, resulting in lower power consumption and cooler operating temperatures. This can be advantageous for users who prioritize energy efficiency and prefer a quieter system. However, Intel has made significant strides in recent years to improve power efficiency in their processors.
Price: The price of a processor is often a significant consideration for many consumers. AMD processors generally offer a better value for money, as they tend to be more affordable compared to Intel’s offerings. This makes AMD a popular choice for budget-conscious users or those who prioritize cost-effectiveness. However, Intel processors often come with advanced features and technologies that justify their higher price point.
Overclocking: Overclocking is the process of increasing a processor’s clock speed beyond its default limit to achieve better performance. Both AMD and Intel offer processors that are suitable for overclocking. However, it is important to note that not all processors are created equal in terms of overclocking potential. If you are interested in overclocking, it is advisable to do thorough research on the specific models you are considering.
Compatibility: Another crucial aspect to consider is compatibility. AMD processors use a different socket type compared to Intel, which means that motherboards designed for AMD processors may not be compatible with Intel processors and vice versa. It is important to ensure that your choice of processor is compatible with your existing or intended motherboard, as well as other components of your system.
Graphics: If you rely heavily on integrated graphics, AMD processors often have an edge over Intel. AMD’s integrated graphics processors (APUs) tend to offer superior graphical performance compared to Intel’s integrated solutions. This can be beneficial for tasks such as video editing, graphic design, or casual gaming without the need for a dedicated graphics card.
Upgrades and Future-proofing: Considering future upgrades, both AMD and Intel regularly release new generations of processors. However, AMD has maintained a consistent socket type for their mainstream processors, allowing for longer-term compatibility and room for future upgrades. Intel, on the other hand, tends to change their socket type more frequently, which may require a motherboard upgrade when upgrading to a newer generation processor.
Ultimately, the choice between AMD and Intel processors depends on your specific needs, budget, and performance requirements. It is essential to carefully consider the factors mentioned above and conduct thorough research before making your decision. Both AMD and Intel offer excellent processors that can cater to a wide range of users, so weigh your options and choose the one that best aligns with your needs. Happy computing!
Understanding AMD and Intel Processors
AMD and Intel are two major players in the semiconductor industry, specializing in the production of processors for computers. Understanding the key differences between their processors can help you make an informed decision when it comes to choosing the right one for your needs.
Architecture: One fundamental difference between AMD and Intel processors is their architectural design. AMD processors utilize the “Zen” microarchitecture, which focuses on delivering efficient multi-threaded performance. Intel processors, on the other hand, are based on the “Core” microarchitecture, which emphasizes strong single-core performance. Both architectural designs have their unique advantages and are optimized for different types of tasks and applications.
Cores and Threads: Cores and threads are essential components of a processor that determine its ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously. AMD processors typically offer more cores and threads compared to Intel processors within the same price range. This advantage makes AMD a great choice for tasks that can benefit from parallel processing, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and virtualization.
Clock Speed: Clock speed, measured in gigahertz (GHz), refers to how fast a processor can execute instructions. While clock speed alone is not a definitive indicator of performance, it does affect the overall speed of a processor. Intel’s processors generally have higher clock speeds than equivalent AMD processors, resulting in better single-threaded performance for tasks that rely heavily on a single processor core, such as gaming or certain productivity applications.
Cache: Cache is a small memory storage located on the processor that stores frequently accessed data for quick retrieval. AMD processors typically have larger cache sizes compared to Intel processors, which can lead to improved overall performance, particularly in multi-threaded scenarios. However, the size and organization of the cache can vary depending on the specific processor model.
Integrated Graphics: Integrated graphics are built-in graphics processing units (GPUs) within the processor. Both AMD and Intel offer processors with integrated graphics, but there are differences in terms of performance and capabilities. AMD’s integrated graphics processors (APUs) generally provide more powerful graphics performance compared to Intel’s integrated solutions, making them suitable for light gaming and graphics-intensive tasks.
Advanced Technologies: Both AMD and Intel incorporate advanced technologies into their processors to enhance performance, power efficiency, and security. These technologies include features like simultaneous multithreading (SMT), virtualization support, advanced instruction sets, and hardware-level security measures. It is important to consider the specific technologies offered by each manufacturer and assess their relevance to your intended use cases.
Compatibility: Compatibility is a critical aspect to consider when choosing a processor. AMD processors use a different socket type compared to Intel, which means that you need to ensure compatibility with your chosen motherboard. Additionally, other components such as memory modules, cooling solutions, and power supplies may have specific compatibility requirements depending on the processor you choose.
Performance Comparison: AMD and Intel
When it comes to performance, AMD and Intel processors offer different strengths and are optimized for different types of tasks. Understanding these differences can help you determine which processor is best suited for your specific needs.
Multi-Threaded Performance: AMD processors are known for their exceptional multi-threaded performance. With their higher core and thread counts, AMD processors excel in tasks that can take advantage of parallel processing, such as video editing, 3D rendering, and multitasking. The multi-threaded performance of AMD processors makes them ideal for users who require significant computational power for demanding workloads.
Single-Threaded Performance: Intel processors traditionally have an advantage in single-threaded performance. With their higher clock speeds and superior architecture, Intel processors provide excellent performance in tasks that rely heavily on a single processor core. This makes Intel processors a top choice for gamers, as many games are still optimized to run on a single core. Intel processors are also well-suited for certain professional applications that prioritize single-core performance, such as certain engineering or design software.
Gaming Performance: While both AMD and Intel processors can provide excellent gaming performance, Intel processors often have a slight edge in terms of raw gaming performance. With higher clock speeds and strong single-threaded performance, Intel processors are better equipped to handle the demands of modern games. However, the difference in gaming performance between AMD and Intel processors is usually minimal, and other factors like the graphics card and overall system configuration also play a significant role in gaming performance.
Content Creation and Productivity: For content creators and productivity-focused users, AMD processors shine. With their multi-threaded performance, AMD processors offer faster rendering times for video editing, 3D rendering, and other content creation tasks. They also excel in multitasking scenarios, allowing users to run numerous resource-intensive applications simultaneously without sacrificing performance. If you frequently engage in content creation or productivity-driven work, AMD processors offer a compelling advantage.
Price-to-Performance Ratio: AMD processors often provide a better price-to-performance ratio compared to Intel. While Intel processors may offer slightly better performance in some scenarios, this performance gain usually comes at a higher price point. AMD processors can deliver comparable performance at a more affordable price, making them an attractive choice for budget-conscious users or those looking to get the most value for their money.
Overclocking Potential: Overclocking allows users to increase a processor’s clock speed beyond its default limits to achieve better performance. Both AMD and Intel processors can be overclocked, although the overclocking potential can vary depending on the specific model. Generally, Intel processors tend to have better overclocking potential, making them a preferred choice for enthusiasts and overclocking enthusiasts looking to push their processors to the limit.
Real-World Performance: When it comes to real-world performance, the differences between AMD and Intel processors may not be noticeable for most users. Both companies provide high-quality processors that can handle everyday tasks, multimedia consumption, and light to moderate workloads without any issues. The choice between AMD and Intel processors ultimately depends on your specific needs, budget, and the type of applications you regularly use.
Power Consumption: AMD vs Intel
Power consumption is an important consideration when choosing a processor as it affects energy efficiency, operating temperature, and overall system performance. Both AMD and Intel have made significant strides in improving power efficiency in their processors, but there are some differences between the two.
AMD Power Efficiency: Over the years, AMD processors have made impressive advancements in power efficiency. The “Zen” architecture used in AMD processors focuses on delivering efficient performance while minimizing power consumption. This translates to lower power requirements and reduced energy costs, making AMD processors an excellent choice for users who prioritize energy efficiency and are conscious of their environmental impact.
Intel Power Efficiency: Intel has also made notable improvements in power efficiency, especially in their more recent processor generations. The “Core” architecture utilized in Intel processors incorporates various power-saving technologies to optimize performance per watt. While Intel processors may not be as power-efficient as AMD counterparts, especially in highly multi-threaded workloads, the power consumption difference between the two is usually not significant in everyday usage scenarios.
Cooling Requirements: Power consumption affects the amount of heat generated by a processor, which in turn influences the cooling requirements for your system. AMD processors generally have lower power consumption, resulting in reduced heat output. This means that cooling solutions such as fans or liquid cooling systems can operate at lower speeds, resulting in quieter operation and more comfortable temperatures. Intel processors tend to consume slightly more power, and as a result, may require slightly more robust cooling solutions to keep temperatures in check.
Performance per Watt: When evaluating power consumption, it’s important to consider performance per watt, which measures the efficiency of a processor in terms of performance output relative to power consumption. AMD processors tend to offer excellent performance per watt, especially in multi-threaded workloads where they can efficiently leverage their higher core and thread counts. Intel processors, while consuming slightly more power, can still deliver strong performance per watt with their focus on single-threaded performance.
Application Specifics: Power consumption considerations may vary depending on the specific applications and workloads you commonly use. If you frequently engage in tasks that heavily rely on multi-threaded performance, such as video editing or 3D rendering, AMD processors with their efficient power consumption can provide a significant advantage. On the other hand, if your usage primarily involves single-threaded applications like gaming or specific professional software, Intel processors may be a better fit due to their strong single-core performance capabilities.
Overall Power Efficiency: It’s worth noting that power efficiency shouldn’t be the sole factor in choosing a processor. While AMD processors tend to be more power-efficient, Intel processors often excel in other areas such as single-threaded performance or integrated graphics capabilities. Ultimately, the decision should be based on a combination of performance requirements, usage patterns, budget, and overall system needs, considering power consumption as one of the many factors influencing your choice.
Price: AMD vs Intel
Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a processor. Both AMD and Intel offer a range of processors at various price points, and understanding their pricing structure can help you make an informed decision that aligns with your budget and performance requirements.
AMD Price Advantage: One significant advantage that AMD processors have over Intel is their generally more affordable price point. AMD processors tend to offer better value for money, providing comparable performance to their Intel counterparts at a lower cost. This makes AMD processors an attractive choice for budget-conscious users who want to build a capable system without breaking the bank.
Intel Premium Pricing: Intel processors traditionally come with a premium price tag compared to their AMD counterparts. This premium pricing often stems from Intel’s brand recognition, strong single-threaded performance, and advanced features and technologies. Some users may be willing to pay the higher price for Intel processors, especially if they have specific requirements that can benefit from Intel’s offerings.
Performance-Price Ratio: When assessing the price of a processor, it is essential to consider the performance-price ratio. AMD processors generally provide a better price-to-performance ratio, meaning you can get comparable performance to Intel processors at a lower cost. However, Intel processors may still offer a stronger single-threaded performance advantage in certain applications, justifying the higher price for users who prioritize specific use cases.
Product Segmentation: Both AMD and Intel have different processor lineups targeting different market segments. AMD’s product lineup includes Ryzen processors, which span various price ranges and offer excellent performance for gaming and multi-threaded workloads. Intel’s lineup includes Core i3, i5, i7, and i9 processors, with higher-tier models offering more advanced features and higher performance levels. Understanding the product segmentation and available options within each brand can help you find the best processor that fits your budget while meeting your performance needs.
Cost-Effectiveness: AMD processors are often seen as more cost-effective, as they offer competitive performance at a lower price point. This cost-effectiveness can be advantageous for users who want to allocate their budget towards other components, such as a better graphics card, more memory, or high-speed storage. However, it’s important to consider your specific requirements and priorities. If single-threaded performance or specific features offered by Intel processors are crucial for your work or gaming needs, investing in an Intel processor may still be a worthwhile expenditure.
Availability and Market Trends: Processor prices can fluctuate over time due to market trends, product availability, and new releases. It’s always a good idea to monitor price trends and compare prices from different retailers to find the best deals. Additionally, keeping an eye on market trends and upcoming processor releases can help you make an informed decision based on the current market landscape.
Overall Value: It’s important to remember that price alone should not be the sole determining factor when choosing a processor. Consider your performance needs, usage requirements, and budgetary constraints to find the processor that offers the best overall value for your specific use cases. Both AMD and Intel offer excellent processors, so weigh your options and choose the one that aligns with your needs and goals.
Overclocking: AMD and Intel
Overclocking is the process of running a processor at a higher clock speed than its default settings, allowing for increased performance. Both AMD and Intel offer processors that are suitable for overclocking, although there are some differences to consider.
Overclocking Potential: When it comes to overclocking potential, Intel processors often have the upper hand. Intel’s processors tend to have higher stock clock speeds and better single-threaded performance, providing a solid foundation for overclocking. This advantage can be beneficial for users who want to push their processor to its limits and extract every bit of performance.
AMD Overclocking: While AMD processors may not have the same level of inherent overclocking potential as Intel processors, they still offer a decent overclocking experience. AMD’s processors are designed with unlocked multipliers, which makes it easier to adjust and optimize the clock speeds. With proper cooling solutions and careful adjustments, users can achieve significant performance boosts on overclocked AMD processors.
Cooling Considerations: Overclocking increases the heat generated by a processor, which necessitates robust cooling solutions to keep temperatures under control. Whether you choose an AMD or Intel processor for overclocking, investing in adequate cooling is essential. High-performance air coolers or liquid cooling solutions can help dissipate the increased heat produced by an overclocked processor and maintain stable operation.
Overclocking Stability: Stability is a crucial aspect when it comes to overclocking. Pushing a processor beyond its default limits can lead to instability and system crashes if not properly managed. Intel processors are known for offering higher stability at higher clock speeds, ensuring a smoother overclocking experience. While AMD processors may require more fine-tuning and adjustments to maintain stability, they can still deliver impressive performance gains when overclocked carefully.
Warranty Considerations: Overclocking typically voids the warranty provided by processor manufacturers. This means that if any issues occur with your processor while overclocking, you may not be able to seek coverage or replacement under warranty. It is essential to understand the implications and risks associated with overclocking and to ensure that you are comfortable assuming those risks.
Overclocking Support: Both AMD and Intel provide software utilities that can assist in the overclocking process. These utilities allow users to adjust various settings, such as voltage and clock speeds, to optimize performance. Additionally, there are many resources available online, including forums and guides, where enthusiasts share their overclocking experiences and offer advice for different processor models.
Considerations for Newer Processor Generations: It’s important to note that not all processor models have the same overclocking potential. Newer processor generations may have additional features or restrictions that can impact overclocking capabilities. Before overclocking a specific processor model, it’s recommended to research and gather information about the overclocking experiences and limitations reported by other users or experts.
Caution and Research: Overclocking is an advanced technique that requires caution, proper research, and understanding of the risks involved. It’s crucial to grasp the basics of overclocking, follow safe practices, and monitor system stability and temperatures during the process. Failure to do so may result in system instabilities, hardware damage, or even complete system failure.
Overall, Overclocking: Overclocking can be an exciting way to squeeze out additional performance from your processor. Whether you choose an AMD or Intel processor, always approach overclocking with caution, prioritize stability, and ensure proper cooling to achieve the desired performance gains while maintaining the longevity and reliability of your system.
Compatibility: AMD vs Intel
Compatibility is an essential factor to consider when choosing a processor, as it affects the overall compatibility of your system and the components you can use. There are several compatibility aspects to keep in mind when considering AMD and Intel processors.
Socket Compatibility: AMD processors and Intel processors use different socket types, which means that motherboards designed for one processor type may not be compatible with the other. Therefore, it is crucial to ensure that your chosen processor is compatible with the socket type of your existing or intended motherboard. This compatibility extends to other components, such as the CPU cooler, as different socket types may require specific mounting mechanisms.
Motherboard Compatibility: Processor compatibility also extends to the motherboard chipset. Each processor generation from AMD or Intel typically requires a specific chipset that supports the processor’s features and technologies. It is vital to verify that the motherboard you plan to use supports the specific processor model you have chosen. Additionally, ensuring compatibility with other components, such as memory modules, expansion cards, and storage devices, is important for a smooth and hassle-free integration.
Software and Driver Compatibility: While most mainstream operating systems, such as Windows and Linux, are compatible with both AMD and Intel processors, it is essential to ensure that the specific software applications you rely on are compatible with your chosen processor. Additionally, driver support for your operating system should be verified to ensure that your processor functions optimally and that any necessary updates and patches are readily available.
BIOS/UEFI Updates: Depending on the specific motherboard and processor combination, a BIOS or UEFI update may be required to ensure compatibility. Motherboard manufacturers often release updates that provide improved compatibility, stability, and support for newer processor models. It is important to check for BIOS/UEFI updates from the motherboard manufacturer’s website and follow the recommended update procedures to ensure smooth compatibility with your chosen processor.
Memory Compatibility: Different processors have different memory requirements and compatibility with memory modules. It is crucial to verify that the processor you choose is compatible with the memory type (e.g., DDR4, DDR3) and frequency you plan to use. Consulting the motherboard’s memory compatibility list and the processor’s specifications can help ensure that you select compatible memory modules for optimal performance and stability.
Component-Specific Compatibility: Compatibility considerations extend beyond the motherboard and processor. Other components, such as the power supply, graphics card, storage devices, and cooling solutions, should also be compatible with your chosen processor. For example, ensuring that the power supply can provide sufficient power to the processor and other components is crucial for stable operation. It is advisable to consult component specifications and compatibility guides to ensure a harmonious integration of all components in your system.
Future Proofing: Future compatibility is an important consideration, especially if you plan to upgrade your processor or other components down the line. AMD has maintained a consistent socket type for their mainstream processors in recent years, allowing for longer-term compatibility and potential for future upgrades. Intel, however, has historically changed their socket type more frequently, which may require a motherboard upgrade when upgrading to a newer generation processor. Considering your future upgrade plans and potential compatibility limitations could save you additional costs and ensure a smoother upgrade process.
Overall, Compatibility: Keeping compatibility in mind when selecting a processor is crucial to ensure the smooth integration of your chosen processor with the rest of your system. Verifying socket compatibility, motherboard support, software compatibility, and compatibility with other components is essential for a stable and functional system. Thorough research and consultation of component specifications and compatibility guides will help you make an informed decision and ensure a seamless integration of all components.
Graphics: AMD and Intel
When it comes to graphics capabilities, both AMD and Intel offer processors with integrated graphics solutions. However, there are notable differences between the two in terms of performance and features.
AMD Graphics: AMD processors often come equipped with more powerful integrated graphics processors (IGPs) known as AMD Radeon Graphics. These IGPs offer better graphical performance compared to Intel’s integrated solutions. AMD’s focus on graphics performance makes their processors suitable for tasks that require decent graphical capabilities, such as video editing, graphic design, or casual gaming without the need for a dedicated graphics card.
Intel Graphics: Intel processors also come with integrated graphics, known as Intel HD Graphics or Intel Iris Graphics, depending on the processor model. While Intel’s integrated graphics have improved significantly over the years, they generally offer more modest performance compared to dedicated graphics solutions. Intel’s integrated graphics are suitable for everyday tasks like web browsing, office productivity, media playback, and even some light gaming. However, for more demanding gaming or graphics-intensive applications, a dedicated graphics card is recommended.
Graphics Performance: In terms of sheer graphics performance, AMD’s Radeon Graphics often outperform Intel’s integrated solutions. AMD processors with Radeon Graphics can handle more demanding graphical workloads and offer smoother performance in games that are not too graphically demanding. However, it is important to note that the performance difference may not be as pronounced in everyday computing tasks where integrated graphics play a secondary role.
Graphics Features: AMD Radeon Graphics processors provide advanced features and technologies that enhance the graphics experience. These features may include support for higher display resolutions, multiple monitors, video decoding and encoding acceleration, and advanced image and video processing capabilities. The presence of such features in AMD processors make them an attractive option for users who prioritize graphics-intensive tasks and desire a more robust graphical experience from their integrated graphics solution.
Graphic APIs and Software: Both AMD and Intel provide support for various common graphics APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) such as DirectX and OpenGL, which allow software applications to interact with the graphics hardware. Additionally, both companies provide driver software that is regularly updated to ensure optimal compatibility, stability, and performance across a wide range of software applications. However, AMD’s Radeon Graphics processors may have broader compatibility and optimization for certain graphics-oriented software applications, so it’s important to consider your specific software usage in relation to the graphics capabilities of the processor.
Upgrade Options and Dedicated Graphics: If you require high-performance graphics for gaming, 3D rendering, or other graphically demanding applications, both AMD and Intel processors are capable of supporting dedicated graphics cards. Adding a dedicated graphics card to a system allows for significantly enhanced graphics performance and is a recommended option for users who require top-tier graphics capabilities. The availability of PCIe slots on the motherboard, along with sufficient power supply capacity, should be considered when planning for a future graphics card upgrade.
Overall, Graphics Capabilities: AMD processors with Radeon Graphics offer more powerful integrated graphics solutions compared to Intel’s integrated graphics offerings. If you engage in tasks that require a higher level of graphics performance, such as video editing, graphic design, or even light gaming, opting for an AMD processor with Radeon Graphics may provide a better experience. However, for everyday computing tasks, both AMD and Intel integrated graphics solutions are sufficient, and the choice ultimately depends on your specific needs and the level of graphical performance you require from your processor.
Upgrades and Future-proofing: AMD vs Intel
When it comes to upgrading your computer system or planning for future advancements, considering the upgrade options and future-proofing capabilities of AMD and Intel processors is crucial. Let’s explore the factors to keep in mind when it comes to upgrades and future-proofing.
Socket Compatibility: AMD and Intel processors have different socket types, which means that upgrading to a newer processor often requires a motherboard change. However, AMD has maintained consistent socket compatibility for their mainstream processors in recent years, allowing for longer-term compatibility and potential for future upgrades. Intel, on the other hand, tends to change their socket type more frequently, which may require a motherboard upgrade when upgrading to a newer generation Intel processor.
Processor Generations: Both AMD and Intel release new generations of processors periodically, offering advancements in performance, power efficiency, and features. It’s important to consider the roadmap of each processor line and understand their release cycles. This knowledge can help you make informed decisions about timing your upgrades to take advantage of next-generation processors with significant performance boosts or new technologies.
Upgrade Path: Consider the upgrade path and scalability of the platform you choose. AMD’s mainstream processors, for instance, have a clear upgrade path as they are often compatible with multiple generations of motherboards. This provides the flexibility to upgrade to newer processors without needing to change the entire motherboard, which can be more cost-effective. Intel’s upgrading path may require a motherboard change more frequently due to changes in socket compatibility.
Future Technologies: Understanding the trajectory of future technologies and their compatibility with AMD and Intel processors can help ensure future-proofing. For example, AMD processors have been early adopters of technologies like PCIe 4.0, which offers higher bandwidth for storage and graphics cards. Being aware of such advancements can help you choose a processor that aligns with your long-term technology goals and can support upcoming hardware innovations.
Software and Driver Support: Both AMD and Intel prioritize software and driver support for their processors, ensuring compatibility and stability with the latest operating systems and applications. However, it’s essential to consider the potential longevity of software and driver support for older processor generations. AMD has shown a stronger commitment to prolonged software support for their processors compared to Intel, which may influence your decision if long-term software compatibility is a concern.
Ecosystem and Component Availability: Consider the availability and ecosystem surrounding the processors. This includes factors such as motherboard options, availability of compatible memory modules, cooling solutions, and other components. Ensuring a healthy ecosystem and availability of components for the chosen platform can make upgrades more accessible and provide a wider range of options in the future.
Planning for Longevity: If you plan to keep your system for an extended period, it’s beneficial to choose a processor that offers a balance of current performance and the potential for future upgrades. Consider factors like core count, clock speeds, support for advanced technologies, and your expected use cases. This way, you can ensure that your system remains relevant and capable of meeting your needs without requiring an overhaul or significant expenditure in the near future.
Overall, Upgrades and Future-proofing: Both AMD and Intel offer capable processors that can be upgraded and provide varying levels of future-proofing. AMD’s consistent socket compatibility and commitment to software support make them an attractive choice for users seeking long-term compatibility and upgrade options. Intel’s strong performance, high-end features, and proven track record in the market can be advantageous for users who prioritize immediate performance gains and have budget allocation for more frequent upgrades. Consider your specific requirements, budget, and the roadmap of each processor line to choose the option that best aligns with your upgrading needs and future-proofing goals.
