Dual Core Stress Test: AMD vs. Intel

Logbook: Individual Applications: AMD Comes Out On Top

Monday, June 20: Since Friday, both systems have only been running one application each, and we have thus dispensed with running multiple applications. As we indicated in a previous log entry, we started this phase of the test with data compression (WinRAR) through Saturday June 18, followed by MP3-encoding of a CD through Sunday, as well as DivX encoding of a DVD through Monday. Now, we are running the 3D game Farcry. The live charts, which are continually updated, clearly indicate the difference in performance between the two processors.

It is also necessary to mention that with the Intel system, virtual processing (HyperThreading) is activated so that a total of four CPUs are available. AMD does not have this feature and is based on two physical units. Despite the clock rate of the Athlon 64 X2 4800+ with 2.4 GHz, which is lower than the Intel Pentium 840 EE with 3.2 GHz, the AMD system is able to hold its own.

Currently, the results of the first three individual applications show the following:

  • Data compression with WinRAR: the AMD system has 29.5% better performance;
  • MP3 encoding of the CD: AMD system has 4.7% better performance;
  • DivX encoding of the DVD: AMD system has 28.2% better performance.

The 3D game Farcry, which represents the fourth application, will remain active until around 9:00 A.M. PST Tuesday.

Latest in CPUs
Tech Deals
AMD's non-X3D Ryzen 9 9950X processor hits an all-time low in Amazon's Big Spring Sale 2025
Ryzen 5 9600X
AMD Ryzen 5 9600X hits all-time low price
Core Ultra 200S CPU
An Arrow Lake refresh may still be in the cards with only K and KF models, claims leaker
Tech Deals
Our alternate pick for the best gaming CPU is $190 cheaper than the 9800X3D right now - pick up the AMD Ryzen 7 9700X for just $289
ASRock fixes AM5 motherboard by cleaning it
ASRock claims to fix 'burned out' AM5 motherboard by cleaning the socket
Ryzen AI
AMD's Gorgon Point APU line-up breaks cover — Allegedly aiming for a 2026 launch
Latest in Features
Free Alternatives to Photoshop
Five Best Photoshop Alternatives Tested: Image Editing for Free
Awekeys Antiques Metal keycaps
Awekeys Antiques Metal keycaps are Viking-themed luxury for your fingertips
The Gigabyte X870E AORUS ELITE WIFI7
Get the most out of your processor with this motherboard's Turbo Mode
AMD RDNA 4 and Radeon RX 9000-series GPUs
AMD RDNA 4 and Radeon RX 9000-series GPUs start at $549: Specifications, release date, pricing, and more revealed
MSI Prestige GPU
Tested: Intel's Arrow Lake 140T iGPU mostly maintains an edge over AMD's older 880m
MechBoards Hyper7 R4
I’m typing this on the world’s largest keyboard, a 178-key beast designed to make you more productive