FRT

Intel Corp. (NASDAQ:INTC) is still the bigger chipmaker by revenue, but Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (NASDAQ:AMD) is growing considerably faster as the AI boom reshapes the semiconductor business.

The difference is not just about who sells the better AI processor. AMD is benefiting from two powerful sources of demand — AI accelerators and server CPUs — while Intel’s PC business is losing momentum.

AMD vs Intel: AI Is Widening the Gap

On Tuesday, AMD reported third-quarter 2026 revenue of $13.4 billion, up 45% year over year. Intel, which reported results last week, generated $16.5 billion, up 21%. That means AMD’s revenue growth was more than twice Intel’s, even though Intel remains larger in absolute sales.

The biggest driver was AMD’s data-center business, where revenue nearly doubled to $8.55 billion, up 97% from a year earlier. Strong demand for its EPYC server processors and Instinct AI accelerators helped push the segment to a quarterly record.

Intel’s Data Center and AI business also delivered a strong recovery, growing 78% to $7.3 billion. The difference is that AMD’s growth is being reinforced by both AI chips and server processors, giving it exposure to multiple layers of the expanding computing market.

The CPU Business Is Back in Focus

The server processor market is becoming particularly important as AI companies build increasingly complex data centers. GPUs handle much of the heavy AI computing, but CPUs remain essential for coordinating workloads, managing data and running the broader systems around them.

AMD is benefiting from this demand through its EPYC processors. CEO Lisa Su said the company expects server CPU revenue to double in 2027, while its Data Center AI business is expected to grow significantly more than double.

Intel is seeing renewed demand for its own Xeon server processors. CEO Lip-Bu Tan said on the company’s earnings call that demand remains robust and that its immediate priority is expanding supply to meet demand. Intel also warned that industry-wide supply constraints could continue into next year.

Intel Is Still the Bigger Business

AMD’s momentum does not mean Intel has lost its scale advantage. Intel generated $16.5 billion in quarterly revenue compared with AMD’s $13.4 billion. But Intel’s Client Computing and Physical AI Group, which includes its traditional PC processor business, saw revenue decline 5% year over year to $8.1 billion.

AMD’s client and gaming revenue also declined 8% to $3.7 billion, showing that neither company is immune to weakness outside data centers.

For investors, the next test is whether AMD can convert its AI and server CPU momentum into sustained market-share gains and stronger profitability. Its fourth-quarter revenue forecast of approximately $17 billion, representing roughly 66% annual growth at the midpoint, sets a demanding benchmark.

Intel’s ability to expand production and capitalize on renewed server demand will be equally important to watch.

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