Which processor should I put in my computer? Intel or AMD?

Question

I want to get a really good, fast, reliable processor. What brand and model do you suggest?

Answer 1

Well obviously YourTech has given the most detailed answer so far, but I did want to give something of a counter to his (I happen to be the person he mentioned that he had debated).

First off, whether you plan to run 32 bit or 64 bit doesn't matter, both the Core 2 Duo and Athlon 64 X2 will run either 32 bit or 64 bit, so that is something you don't even need to take into consideration.

He also basically said only get the Intel if you want gaming, which I disagree with. The Core 2 Duos are simply a superior processor at this time, they are faster no matter what you are using them for, so if performance is your concern, go with the Core 2 Duo no matter what you plan to do with the computer.

However, if you are on a budget, then the answer might change. Because the Core 2 Duo is so good, AMD has had to drastically cut prices to compete. This has been great for the consumer, as it has left some very high quality AMD Athlon 64 X2s at very low prices, for example the 5000+ model now sells for around $170, while prior to the Core 2 Duo it was in the $400 range.

As for reliability, its hard to truly say how reliable the new Core 2 Duos will end up being over time since they have been out less than a year, but both companies have a good history of reliability, so this should not be a big factor in your decision.

So to summarize, if performance is your only concern, go with the Core 2 Duo, but if you are on a tight budget, then definately consider the Athlon 64 X2s.

Answer 2

I just had a debate, I got my a$$ kicked too. So here is my revised answer to that question. It has been my experience that in the past 7-10 years, AMD has been on the ball with their processors which burn cooler, last longer, and are far more cost efficient. However, And this is where I stand corrected... The Intel Duo Core is the big boy on the block. This is debatable among folks but in the end, I advise you as follows...

If you area a gamer looking for a 64bit Processor, Intel is your chip. However, if you are going for 32 bit or 64 bit but not for gaming, then I still suggest AMD.

AMD has a better track record, right now, Intel is on top... Last time they did that, They were releasing the Celeron, a generic more cost efficient version of the P3.

They maintained a good run with their 478 sock that lead to faster speeds and eventually into a Pentium 4 class while even adapting to mobile technology with a 1 pin difference and introducint the 479.

But then the Prescott came out and knocked Intel off their pedistool.

AMD on the other hand has been wowing IT techs for years since it's K6-2 Pntium 2 equivilant processors that cane with a built-in heat sink. The processor ran as fast at 550MHz on normal clocking with no fan or added cooling system, as the Pentium 2 processor did with it's built-in fan heatsink assembly fitted to a drop-in Slot A CPU cartridge.

AMD continued to dominate until Intel dropped the Pentium 3 and the Celeron series. AMD answered with the Duron which breached the gap into the 686x4 class. Intel hung in there with their P4 478 series but when AMD kicked out their Athlon series, the did so in a bold move. They also released multiple socket types, one being a fully Intel compatible Processor Slot-A cartridge, aimed at giving buyers a choice in processors if they unknowingly baught a P4 board.

This was awesome becuase it worked so well that the Big Box marts like HP were eating up the Athlon alternative saving record amounts of money. Best of all, it funded the Sempron release.

Now AMD answers today's Intel Duo with it's Athlon 64 which I personally pick from past expierience. But in the end, it's buyer beware, do a little research on CPU BENCHMARKING.

Hope this was Informative as well as Usefull

Answer 3

intel!!!!
i suggest the intel core 2 duo e6600 2.4 ghz. this is the best value. better ones can be put in but this is really the price break in between less expensive and 2.66ghz which is almost 200$ more expensive. these are super fast and great for gaming. i can send you a chart that shows the speeds and value of each processor, but the best amd processor is about 93% to the first core 2 duo100%, so yous being about the 4th core 2 dou is very good

Answer 4

It depends on your budget.

If you have a fat wallet, go for Intel QX6700 quadcore and the top i975 boards w/ solid caps from Asus or Gigabyte.

If your budget is limited, go for Intel's E4300 or upcoming E4400 Allendale and one of the good i965 boards.

You could also consider AMDs X2 (dual cores). Corresponding AM2 boards are cheaper than i965 or i975 boards that support Core 2 Duo Conroes and Allendale.

Answer 5

Intel Core 2 Duo. Stay away from Celeron.
I've used computers with AMD Athlon 64 they are good but intel will get you farther with gaming and stuff.

Answer 6

both qualify for that. you need to specify. are you a gamer? probably amd. do you do more office related, likely intel. I used to sell computers and components, but i have been out of the loop for about 6 months, an eternity. these recommendations were how things were when i was working.

Answer 7

I would say AMD for JUST games and Intel for Games and Everything else. AMD is only good for games. Intel is good for all around.

Answer 8

For my opinion Intel is good. It is fast and reliable as compare to AMD.

Answer 9

both are good. just go with dual core. as far as gaming rig. most gamer run AMD. I know I run it in my computer a 5200+ 2.61 GHZ 2 gig of corsair ddr2 ram and haven't met a game that even challenge it yet.

but in the end the choice is yours both are fine processors. its a matter of preference

Answer 10

This question will never be answered.The debate will always go on.I like Intel.but always end up purchasing AMD.