Intel vs AMD: One Scores +4 Average. The Other -16. Why?
Intel and AMD are direct competitors. They make processors for the same computers, the same data centres, the same markets. On paper, they should have similar ethical profiles.
They do not.
The Comparison
| Value | Intel | AMD |
|---|---|---|
| Fair Pay & Worker Respect | +40 | 0 |
| Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing | +40 | -30 |
| Respect for Cultures | +20 | 0 |
| Safe & Smart Tech | +10 | 0 |
| Better Health | +10 | 0 |
| Honest & Fair Business | -20 | +10 |
| Zero Waste | -20 | -20 |
| Planet-Friendly | -30 | -20 |
| No War, No Weapons | -40 | -40 |
| Average | +4 | -16 |
Where Intel Leads
Intel's +40 on Fair Pay & Worker Respect is among the highest in the semiconductor industry. Intel has invested in workforce diversity programs, maintained relatively transparent pay equity reporting, and operates large-scale worker development programs across its fabrication facilities.
The +40 on Fair Trade & Ethical Sourcing reflects Intel's conflict minerals program, one of the earliest and most documented in the tech industry. Intel began auditing its supply chain for conflict minerals from the DRC in 2009.
Where AMD Falls Short
AMD's profile is defined by zeros. On 6 out of 11 values, AMD scores exactly 0 -- meaning limited evidence in either direction. Where AMD does have non-zero scores, most are negative.
The one area where AMD outperforms Intel is Honest & Fair Business: AMD at +10, Intel at -20. Intel has faced antitrust actions in the EU and Asia, while AMD has a cleaner regulatory record.
Same Industry, Different Choices
Both companies score -40 on No War, No Weapons -- military chip contracts are standard across the semiconductor industry. But on worker treatment and supply chain ethics, Intel has made documented investments that AMD has not matched.
Same chips. Same markets. A 20-point gap in ethical performance.