Intel is the best right? Or is it AMD? Who is really better when it comes to processors?
The hardest part of deciding what computer to buy (or what parts to use) is picking the CPU. That fast RAM won’t work on that CPU and that Graphics Card won’t work with this CPU etc. Before you know it your researching, clocks, benchmarks, i7′s and i5′s, Bulldozers and Pile drivers, but in the end it comes down to 2 things: Intel or AMD.
Well first of all let’s talk about Intel.
Intel dominates the market when it comes to pre-built computers. Nearly every Laptop is Intel based and there isn’t an ultra book which has an AMD processor in it. (unless someone has swapped out the motherboard and the CPU) Most desktops are Intel based but there are many AMD based desktops as well.
AMD is not so well known and Intel is still the way to go for most people but if you look at the cheaper price tag and the faster performance off the shelf, the AMD certainly looks like a good choice. And you may think that an i7 smashes any AMD processor any day, and it does (in certain areas) though that’s not what AMD is aiming for, AMD is aiming for the Intel processors at around the same price, the i3′s and some i5′s.
OVERCLOCKING:
All of AMD’s FX series of processors are unlocked, which means there meant for overclocking (not really but…yeah) And everything Intel with a k on the end of it means it’s good for overclocking. With a Corsair H100 i have seen both Intel and AMD chips reach 4.6 GHz. You should be able to push a bit further with a high end custom water cooling loop.
But just googling benchmarks between AMD and Intel processors confirms Intel is better, but why?
Well in theory the AMD FX 8350 should be faster than the i5 3570k because the AMD is stocked at 4.0 GHz and the Intel at 3.4 GHz, so why does it perform worse?
It comes down to architecture. Intel have designed there line of processor’s to complete more work per cycle, so let’s say an AMD processor completes 10 units per cycle and the Intel completes 17, even though the AMD is stocked higher, the Intel gets more work done per cycle and therefor makes it faster.
The real area where AMD is catching up on is mobile processors.
But there is still hope for AMD, in the world of Mobile Processors.
AMD’s APU’s come with Piledriver cores (better than Bulldozers), faster integrated graphics and better power cosumption.
The big thing about these is the graphics, AMD’s integrated graphics are twice as good as Intel’s HD 4000 integrated graphics!
THE VERDICT:
If your going for a serious budget PC (sub $100 for the processor) then you may want to check out a FX-4100 by AMD which is great value for money and offers a stock clock of 3.6 and 4 Cores.
If your looking for a PC that’s a bit more powerful, it doesn’t matter what you want to use it for, just grab the best Intel CPU you can afford.
And for Mobile Processors?
That’s a bit more difficult and really it depends on what your using it for, if you want alright graphics but don’t want to buy a card then i recommend AMD, but if you are buying a card then i recommend Intel.
So neither company is better but they both have their weak spots. Intel is better for Mid-High End Desktop computers while AMD wins for sub 100 chips.