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Tom's Hardware > Forum > Homebuilt Systems > New System Build > Intel vs AMD

Intel vs AMD

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I am currently picking out a computer and need help deciding between which brand processor to get. I've asked a few people and each person tells me to get one over the other. But they never explain to WHY that particular one is better.

I am currently leaning toward the Intel Q9550 but I was hoping someone here could tell me which one is better. I know there's probably not a clear cut answer because they both have pros and cons.

Thanks.

Add a reply

Intel are quicker at the moment, but the LGA775 pin-outs aren't being carried on much longer (and it history is repeated from the 478>775 days you'll rapidly lose any chance of picking up a 775 CPU of any spec within 18 months of the swapover).

AMD are slower and cheaper, but an AMD board bought today should be compatible in the future.

TBH what you want to use the computer for, followed by how much you want to pay makes the difference here. My last major upgrade ended up as a 6000+ because at the time an e6400 as my preferred option would have set me back a further GBP£150 on top of what I paid for the same performance I got.

Reply to BeakerUK

^+1

What will you be using the machine for? gaming? office/internet? HTPC?

Do you plan on overclocking?

Reply to mi1ez

Thanks for the info. I'm pretty much computer illiterate when it comes to dealing with the hardware of a computer. So I am having one customized because I want a nice computer but I can't build one myself.

I do quite a bit of graphic work, and audio/video editing. A lot of media stuff. And a lot of the usual stuff like internet, listening to music, etc. I don't do much gaming though. I do a lot of multi-tasking though so I need one that runs fast and has enough memory to cause it not to be so sluggish.

I can spend up to $2000.

I am getting one customized at avadirect but I'm having the hardest time picking out the right parts for my needs because there's so many different things to choose from and I have no clue what the difference is between most of them.

I feel so stupid when it comes to this stuff. I wish there was somewhere I could go and just have them design the best computer possible for my needs within a $1700-$2000 price range. Because customizing it myself, I feel like I'm going to screw something up since I have no idea what I'm doing lol.

Message edited by musiclvr86 on 10-10-2008 at 10:22:33 AM

Reply to musiclvr86

Grahics work? CAD of just some general work?

For audio and Video editing you might want some "real" hardware for those rather than the standard kit. I just slapped a machine together for someone who's doing a "New Media" degree (Micky Mouse degree, but hey, he likes it). His budget didn't stretch far so he's only on a 5600+ ee with 4 Gb and a 9600.

If yo have "Special" requirements then these need to be factored in. i.e. heavy CAD work I would be looking at a "Proper" workstation card. Serious video editing is going to take a specialist card etc.

Reply to BeakerUK

CAD work? Overclocking? I have no idea what any of it means. Like I said above, I'm really dumb when it comes to this stuff. I wish I could just have somebody pick out the best parts possible within my price range (see above).

It's so frustrating because I want a new really nice computer but I don't know how to go about picking out the parts and getting the perfect computer for my personal needs and wants.

Message edited by musiclvr86 on 10-10-2008 at 10:28:05 AM

Reply to musiclvr86

*chuckle* we where all like that at one point.

You're probably going to need at least 4Gb or RAM, I would suggest 8 if you are doing some heavy video editing. If you aren't gaming then a decent single decent graphics card (4850 or similar would be more than ample if you aren't gaming). Couple of RAIDed hard disks, with decently sized backup/storage drive. Obviously DVD Writer, but check to see if a DVD/Blu-Ray disk writer can be shoehorned into the budget. For sound you'll want more than the onboard, the terratec cards do well for the audio editing folsk I know.

Reply to BeakerUK

If you go with AMD get something really cheap or wait until the end of the year to buy. Their new 45nm chips that are coming out are much faster and should be much more competitive with the core2duos. In order to take advantage of this you must by an AM2+ PLUS motherboard or you will not be able to take advantage of these new chips. The regular AM2s will not work for the most part.

IF you have to buy today I would say go with Intel with out a doubt. Get a Wolfdale or a Yorkfield processor clocked at 2.4 GHz or higher. They will yield you excellent results. The E-8400 is an excellent value.

BTW. Intel has a price cut scheduled for October 19th.

http://www.fudzilla.com/index.php? [...] &Itemid=35

Quote :

Intel will cut the prices of some products on October 19th. Core 2 Quad Q8200 with its 2.33GHz clock will be first on the list and it will drop from $224 to $193.

Superstar Quad -core Q6600, a good old 65nm 2.4GHz CPU with 8MB cache and the most popular quad-core of all time, will drop from its current $193 to $183.

Intel will introduce a new CPU called E7400 with FSB 1066, 2.8GHz clock and 3MB cache and this dual-core will sell from October 19th for $133. At the same time E7300 with FSB 1066, 2.66GHz clock and 3MB cache will drop from current $133 to $113.

Pentium dual-core E2220 with its 2.4GHz dual core clock, 1MB cache and FSB800 will drop from $84 to $74. The last one to get cheaper on this given Sunday is Pentium dual-core E2200 at 2.2GHz dual core clock, 1MB cache and FSB800 will drop from $74 to $64.

Therefore, if you wanted any of these CPUs you better wait for the 19th, and since the 19th is Sunday it's highly likely that you will be able to buy them as of Monday from e-tailers, maybe even from Sunday at these prices.

Reply to Rwayne

Your budget is not too small. I would go for a Sapphire 4850 Toxic graphics card. When you buy the 4850 you should always look for one with non-standard cooling, since they do run a bit hot. The Toxic is also a bit faster.

The e8400 or 8500 is probably the best deal for your money. I do not think that you will really need quad core. These Intel dual cores will be faster than AMD's quad cores of today, but also more expensive. If you do go with AMD, I would also wait for their new chips. Otherwise you could buy an entry level CPU, like the 5400 but with a decent motherboard like ASUS, preferably 790.GX (not FX). It must also comply to 140W CPU's. The new AMD Shangai CPU's will be great value and should word fine. Companies like Asus will make sure their boards work with new CPU's. Cheaper brands tend not to care much.

Going with Intel makes the choice for motherboards a bit more difficult. Intel's boards are cheapish, but are made by Foxcon, which I do not like at all. Asus is very expensive for a decent board. If you end up buying a Micro-ATX (small board) please make sure it has more than two memory slots.

Reply to faithful

ok i went to the site you said was making your computer and this is what i came up with. and yes picking computer parts with out know EVERYTHING is a pain in the ass cuz you dont know if your messing up in the long run or w/e

# COMPUCASE (HEC), 6C28 Black/Silver Mid-Tower Case, 585W PSU, ATX

# ASUS, P5K/EPU, LGA775, Intel P35, 1600MHz FSB, DDR2-1200MHz (O.C.) 8GB/4, PCIe x16 CF /2, SATA 3 Gb/s /4, HDA, GbLAN, FW /2, ATX, Retail

# INTEL, Core™ 2 Quad Q9650 Quad-Core 3.00GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 12MB (2 x 6MB) L2 Cache, 45nm, 95W, EM64T EIST VT XD, Retail (Overclock it 33%...meaning to tell it to work 33% harder but keep it cool with -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------t
h
# OCZ, Vendetta Copper CPU Cooler, Socket 754/755/775/939/AM2, Copper/Aluminum, Retail <----------i s

# CORSAIR, 4GB (4 x 1GB) XMS2 PC2-6400 DDR2 800MHz CL5 (5-5-5-12) 1.9V SDRAM DIMM, Non-ECC <-----it seems having 4 1GB sticks is better that one 4GB and the timing is better with 4 1GB

# DIAMOND, Radeon™ HD 3870 775MHz, 512MB GDDR4 2400MHz, PCIe x16 CrossFire, DVI /2, HDTV-Out, Retail <------ not super for gaming but very fast would be good for editing videos

# SEAGATE, 160GB Barracuda 7200.10, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200-RPM, 8MB cache <----- not sure how much space you need

# SEAGATE, 160GB Barracuda 7200.11, SATA 3 Gb/s, 7200 RPM, 8MB cache <---- need two HDD for raid

# RAID, RAID 1 (mirroring), min 2 hard drives required <---- RAID is good, make pulling/moving files faster

# SONY, CRX320EE Black 52x32x52-16A DVD-ROM/CD-RW Combo Drive, EIDE/ATAPI, OEM <---- comes standard couldnt take it off to save money

# LITE-ON, DH-20A4H-08 Black/White 20x DVD±RW Dual-Layer Burner w/ LightScribe, EIDE/ATAPI, Retail <--- burn everything but Blu-Ray

# MITSUMI, Black Internal 1.44MB 3.5" Floppy Drive <--- just incase

# CREATIVE, Sound Blaster® Audigy® SE, 7.1 channels, 24-bit, 96KHz, PCI, OEM <--- you said you like music

# CREATIVE, Inspire T3100 Black 2.1 Subwoofer System, 29W RMS (2x6W + 1x17W), Retail <----- dont know if you have speakers

# SAMSUNG, SyncMaster™ 2253BW Black Widescreen LCD Monitor, 22" TFT WSXGA+, 0.282mm, 1680x1050, 300 cd/m², 8000:1, 5ms, DVI <---- not sure if you have screen

# LOGITECH, Internet 350 USB Desktop Keyboard & Mouse, Black, USB, OEM

# MICROSOFT, Optical Wheel Mouse, PS/2 + USB, Beige

# APC, P6B, Essential SurgeArrest 6 Outlets 120V, Black <--- protection

# MICROSOFT, Windows XP Professional x64 Edition w/ SP2c, OEM <---- not sure if you prefer Vista

# WARRANTY, Gold Warranty Package (3 Year Limited Parts & Lifetime Labor Warranty, Express/Priority Service) <--- warranty good

SUBTOTAL: $2056.31 <------ just couldnt get $2000 exactly

Reply to tvsocks

To be honest if you don't know what CAD is and you have $2000 bucks to spend on a pc you probably are paying too much.

My recommendation if you have no intention of overclocking is to go with a cheaper yet very capable AMD dual core system buying a more expensive board that will accept next gen quad cores. AM2+ as previously mentioned.

All of the people that post here (well most) are enthusiasts and gamers. As such they would easily spend your $2000 and still want more. You will probably be VERY happy with a system as detailed below.

Athlonx2 6000+ $92
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6819103272

This mobo or similar $190
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6813131339

4 Gb Ram (suitable for CPU upgrade later) $98
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6820161277

Radeon 4850 (it's no slouch. I have used gaming cards for CAD and they are up to all but the most demanding rendering tasks) $170
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6814125238

Minimum 600W PSU $150
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6817426002

2x 7200.11 500Gb disks (fast and cheap and quiet) 2x $70 = 140
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6822148288

CPU aftermarket cooler $40
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Prod [...] 6835233012

TOTAL: $860 + $100 or so for a case and some extra fans (larger is better and quieter). I will not tell you what case to choose as styles are kinda personal usually.

$960 plus plenty of scope for upgrading if any aspect of the performance is not adequate.

I will explain some of my choices here:

Ram is not big brand but I chose because it runs at good timings and low volts (only 1066 ram that runs at 1.9V). I have had problems booting with high voltage/performance ram (corsair dominator). you don't need ram this fast, but it would make upgrading the processor easier if it is already there.

Mobo has a full feature set taht allows for maximum upgradability for future CPU upgrades if you so require.

CPU has a high single threaded speed. This is important as most programs don't yet scale well with multiple CPU cores, This will be more responsive than a lower clocked quad core. Still you have 2 cores for multi-tasking and video encoding etc. that do scale well. Cheap to start and see if it's good for you, easy to change if not.

Hard disks are modern PRT drives that have high capacity and throughput. Quiet and well recieved by most. Cheap as well. add another 1 or 2 if you want them raided.

Aftermarket coolers are a must to reduce noise and keep your temperature lower. the Xigmatek one is apparently quiet, cheap and performs adequately.

and there you go. My 2 cents

Reply to americanbrian

I think a decent Intel mobo with a Q6600 or a Q9450 and 4Gb of value ram with a 4850 would be fine.

Buy a quality mobo - not a cheapie.

Get a quality case that has a rear120mm fan - moves plenty of air and is a bit quieter than the others.

I would get 2 X 500Gb drives which can be put in raid easily - that price / size point is also good.

Alternatively you could get an AMD system with a 9850 qaud core perhaps ... the Intel system might be slightly more expensive to build with a quality mobo, but will likelly be faster for most things you want.

Do get yourself a decent LCD display ...

Hope this helps.

Message edited by reynod on 10-10-2008 at 12:17:38 PM

------------------------------ Great spirits have always encountered violent opposition from mediocre minds.
AMD Black-Ops Volunteer

Reply to reynod

This topic has been moved from the section CPU-Components to section Homebuilt Systems by Jake_Barnes

------------------------------
The Edge... There is no honest way to explain it because the only people who really know where it is are the ones who have gone over. - HST
Reply to Jake_Barnes

Wow, so many suggestions. I really appreciate all the input and help! I have something picked out so I think I'm going to start a new topic and if you guys could comment on it, that would be awesome. http://www.tomshardware.com/forum/ [...] e-ordering

Thanks again for all your help!

Message edited by musiclvr86 on 10-10-2008 at 09:17:59 PM

Reply to musiclvr86

americanbrian is totally right...
2000$ is WAY TOO MUCH!!! for you and 95% of the population...

todays computers are so cheap.. and its doing the job very well already

with 1000$ you should get something very powerfull already....
myself
i have a cpu (amd be-2400) 70$
mobo (gigabyte) 70$
750gb samsung f1 120$
case 100$
videocard 100$
lcd 300$
speakers mouse keyboard 100$
4gb of ram 100$

total of ~1000$

and im using my comp for video encoding & CAD & a bit of gaming (wc3 dota!!! works well with wow too). AND MY SUPER CHEAP COMP IS DOING THE JOB VERY WELLL!!!!

so for me... anything higher than 1400$ is because you are some crazy stupid hardcore gamer .... OR you are working for the NASA, CIA.....

Reply to doctorpink

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