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AMD vs Intel

You get what you pay for. With that said the performance of a PC is not solely a function of the processor, but rather the platform as a whole. CPU, GPU, BUS Speeds, HD read/write/seek (Huge performance sink), and the efficiency of the OS and SW to use the resources available. Running compatibility mode 32bit SW on 64bit processor will always be slower due to abstracting and translation.
 
The best choice will depend on what you want to do with the PC, and your budget. Intel currently has the advantage for peak performance, but AMD generally has the advantage for in the mid range when you start to look at price/performance for the whole system.

One thing to keep in mind is that the current Intel chips require more expensive motherboards, so if you're trying to compare specs and prices you need to look at the combo price, and decide how that effects your build.

For most users who are going to do any 3D (and for most of us that's gaming), you'll be better off going with an AMD build. You may be slightly under powered on the CPU compared to an Intel build, but with the money you save on the CPU/MB you can get a better GPU.
 
Ant said:
Any reason to not buy a pc with an AMD processor? I've only owned pc's with Intel for no other reason than just because.
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Don't get a PC if you want to game...da bus speedz will kill you, gotta get a mondo efficient console instead...:laughing

Seriously though, an AMD platform will probably be fine unless you're doing some really hardcore stuff like transcoding video or image/video editing, or trying to build the best gaming machine you can. Intel makes the fastest stuff but it costs more. AMD is good bang for the buck.

When it comes to web surfing, viewing media, office productivity, casual gaming etc, anything made in the last two years will chew it up and spit it out.
 
My experience is that PCs based on Intel CPUs are more reliable.

Something else you might consider is power consumption. Last machine I built uses an i3 processor, and with a 50 watt draw is much faster than the older Athlon machine it replaced which sucked down 170 watts. This is a server that is on 24/7 so it does matter a bit.

See www.tomshardware.com for lots of hardware-related reviews and articles.
 
Basically, AMD is only around because Intel doesnt want to deal with monopoly bullshit. That being said, AMD makes some damn good chips. Iv owned both, and really theres no difference. AMD is generally better for gaming, imo.
 
Aluisious said:
Don't get a PC if you want to game...da bus speedz will kill you, gotta get a mondo efficient console instead...:laughing

Seriously though, an AMD platform will probably be fine unless you're doing some really hardcore stuff like transcoding video or image/video editing, or trying to build the best gaming machine you can. Intel makes the fastest stuff but it costs more. AMD is good bang for the buck.

When it comes to web surfing, viewing media, office productivity, casual gaming etc, anything made in the last two years will chew it up and spit it out.
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No gaming just basic web surfing, digi camera pics/photoshop stuff etc.
 
i've owned both. can't tell the difference probably because i don't do anything that requires high performance.

usually when i have performance issues it's due to slow drive, lack of memory or bloated OS.
 
Ant said:
For research purposes only.
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Make sure to get a big disk to store the contents of your .... ummmm... research. Make sure the seek time is low in order to have the research contents at your finger tip.
 
Ant said:
No gaming just basic web surfing, digi camera pics/photoshop stuff etc.
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You'd be fine with a mainstream AMD CPU/motherboard. Fry's often has combo deals for really good prices.

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Anti-Hero said:
Sounds like the perfect usage model for a Mac.
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Yeah, and he'll only have to pay twice as much. It sounds like he could use just about anything, even a netbook. Get an external dvd/rw drive and tb hd, and he's set.
 
rsrider said:
Yeah, and he'll only have to pay twice as much. It sounds like he could use just about anything, even a netbook. Get an external dvd/rw drive and tb hd, and he's set.
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Sorry, I think I should have used an emoticon for my sarcasm. I would never champion a mac, even one with our HW in it.
 
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