Vanity - Better Choice - Intel or AMD?

jonno ^ | 11-28-06 | Jonno

[jonno]

It's been a long, long time, but I'm back in the market for a new PC. The last time I built a machine (10 years ago 8^) I used an AMD processor, but there were always "issues".

I've been looking over at the Dell site, and they seem to have some very good deals. What is interesting is that the AMD-based machines are a good deal cheaper - and what about that Celeron?

So today I'm looking to tap into the deep pool of Freeper knowledge.

[Echo Talon]

iTunes is the WORST test, check 3D Studio max and other apps...

[Echo Talon]

There are not many, if any, games that use a dual core processor right now. I used to be an Intel user, but that all changed after I tried an AMD. I only care about performance, so I am not an Intel or AMD devotee as many people are.

Intels Mid range processor is better than AMD has period... understand?

[joe fonebone]

I used to run a celeron...got no complaints..like the AMD products, can't stand intel

[boris]

I bought my first AMD machine (an ABS) several years ago and it served me well but was getting long in the tooth. Fortunately I fried it over the holiday (a little matter of misinstalled memory) and Merry Christmas!...a new Intel-based Core 2 Duo box I can't afford. Expected it to roll in by now but ABS says it will ship by the 27th or 28th. Then comes the pain. The other pain, I mean--of convincing Macrosaft to allow me to transfer my old load of XP onto the new box. What joy.

--Boris

[Brilliant]

Intel.

[Trampled by Lambs]

I've been with AMD for 10+ years now and never looked back.

It's a bang for your buck issue.

[Condor51]

No, no, no, NOT DELL.

Go to Tiger Direct. They have pre-built systems or bare bones kits.

My SIL buys the bare bones kits and builds pcs for himself, friends and relatives with never a problem. He uses both AMD and Intel too. (But I like Intel). And I shop at Tiger Direst also, never any issues with them. Service is good.

And from what I 'hear' Windows XP Pro is the OS to use. (don't know about Vista)

[kddid]

No. I do not agree.

Have you been conducting benchmark tests on the processors?

If so, which benchmark tests have you conducted and what are the results?

Also, which games and hardware variations did you use to come to that conclusion?

As I said, I only care about performance. If one chip outperforms the other, I will use it. If the tests you've run show me Intel is better, then I will consider an Intel for my next purchase. But right now, mine says AMD.

[No.6]

"There are not many, if any, games that use a dual core processor right now. I used to be an Intel user, but that all changed after I tried an AMD. I only care about performance, so I am not an Intel or AMD devotee as many people are."

I recommend a bit of catchup reading at tech sites. I also chase the price/performance curve, but at the present time Intel Core 2 Duo wins across the board in all categories - gaming and applications alike.

It even runs cool, unlike their previous egg-boiler. Personally I expect some good work from AMD soon. That's the way these things go, back and forth.

(Side note: the E6400 is the sweet spot; cheap and monumentally overclockable).

[thinkthenpost]

IMO: currently Intel is leading the pack with the Duo's, once AMD releases their new chip it will flip and then with Intel's next releases it will flip again. Usually the most recent latest and greatest regardless of the manufacturer is the way to go if you really want to be on the bleeding edge. The downside of being an early adopter is if there are any hiccups you experience them.

[Echo Talon]

Look reviews for ya...

Core 2 Duo E6600 Retail $312

AMD Athlon FX 62 $695.99

there ya go... thats STOCK... now the E6600 CAN easily be Overclocked to be as fast as the X6800...

[wita]

Four desktops, and 4 laptops all Intel, and from Windows 95 to
Windows XP. Anything not XP or 2000, is in backup role.

[Echo Talon]

(Side note: the E6400 is the sweet spot; cheap and monumentally overclockable).

yea... IF your going to Overclock... I always overclock but i love the E6600 because its still a great overclocker + the added cache.

[Barney Gumble]

A lot of the Core 2 Duo chips have much less processor speed, like 1.8 GHZ. What's the deal with that?

[Echo Talon]

A lot of the Core 2 Duo chips have much less processor speed, like 1.8 GHZ. What's the deal with that?

the mhz war is over... that is meaningless(I thought AMD proved that to ALL of use over the past couple of years...)
Its all about operations/instructions per clock cycle

[kddid]

As it is in politics, it is in processors. I look at all sites with a bit of skepticism. There are obviuosly reviewers who have a particular bias towards Intel or AMD. I am talking about performance on my system and AMD has been better so far. No.6 is correct about these things going back and forth. Build yourself a top of the line machine today, and it will be top of the line until next week.

[ekwd]

http://digitalvideoediting.com/Htm/DVEditHomeSet1.htm

The above is a link to a site that compares HP's AMD and Intel workstations for graphic creation. FYI, AVID now sells HP workstations with either AMD or Intel processors for their professional video editing software.
If you absolutely must have the fastest machine you are in for perpetual disappointment. By the time you get your new computer home, there will probably be at least two or three faster processors out from both AMD and Intel. RAM is just as important as the processor speed and the video card is nearly as important.
My bargain basement HP desktop with an Athlon XP 4200+ Dual Core and my HP laptop with a AMD Turion 64 Dual Core both zip right through processing 10 and 20 Megabyte RAW photo files and the desktop does the same with DV. I haven't tried video editing on the laptop.

[Echo Talon]

Intel will hold the title for some time, look at the road Intel and AMD road maps. Why do you think i'm lying to you? Like I said I'm an AMD FAN! Although I'm not going to lie for them.

[steveegg]

Jonno is asking about performance now, not when you got your system (or when I got my Athlon 64 3200+). For my reviews, I head to Tom's Hardware, and they tend to not take sides. In fact, they had the Athlon 64/64 x2 on top of Intel until the Core 2 Duos showed up.

[Echo Talon]

Right now Gateway has a really good deal and a FAST machine

Its also getting good reviews... QUAD CORE Intel Processor

Gateway Quad-Core
You can also get it FACTORY overclocked or free to 3.2GHZ x 4 and it also retains the manufacturer warranty...