There are a few obvious possibilities: - AMD have optimized for die size, at 44mm^2 vs Broadwell-E at 246mm^2. This will result in an order of magnitude better

There are a few obvious possibilities: - AMD have optimized for die size, at 44mm^2 vs Broadwell-E at 246mm^2. This will result in an order of magnitude better yields and margin improvements. - Intel prices high in the >= 8-core space because: they can; there is no current competition; and the aforementioned yield/margin issue. - The Intel parts have more advanced and expensive features aimed at professional markets; i.e. quad-channel memory controller, more PCIe lanes, and in newer architectures, integrated Thunderbolt controllers, to name a few.