What's Better AMD or Intel?

Question

I plan to build a computer. I am really confused about what CPU I should get. For $209 I can get 2.4 GHz at 1000mhz and for about $4 cheaper I could buy the Intel CPU and it works at a measly 1.86 GHz but slightly fast bus speed of 1044 or something. What's the catch, why can I get so much more from the AMD? Is AMD just not a good CPU? What does Intel have that I should pay more for?

Please, I would like to know what other people know about this.

Answer 1

It depends on what you want. I find Intel chips to be built better to last longer (a lot of Microsoft stuff is written to work better with Intel), but AMDs to be cheaper and faster (If you are gaming the faster chip will be better).

Answer 2

DO NOT GET CAUGHT UP IN THE GHZ NUMBER!! An Intel Core 2 Duo 1.86 GHz will out perform any of the AMD or Intel Dual Core processors regardless of GHz. At this time Intel has a 1.80, 1.86, 2.13, 2.40 and 2.66 in their Core 2 Duo line. The low end Core 2 Duo will perform on average 40% faster, and use 40% less energy than than standard Intel or AMD Dual Core procs. It has a larger front end bus, and a 4 mb cache. Intel has come out with their quad core procs now, and has plans for up to an 80 core within the next decade or so. Core 2 Duo is Today's technology. Dual core oddly enough is yesterdays. Intel currently has the upper hand over AMD. While there is nothing wrong with AMD procs, they are trailing Intel in Processor technology at this time. Check out Intel's website and locate the Core 2 Duo processors. You will be impressed after checking out thier demonstrations.

Answer 3

At this moment Intel is better, especially in the dual core and quad core area. AMD was forced to go to DDR2 but they didn't score too good compared to Intel. The improved FSB for Intel processors offers them some improvements while using with DDR2 technology. (this unfortuantely doesn't happen to AMD unless you're using DDR2 800 MHz memory chips).
DDR3 is planned soon and AMD has already announced their new socket AM3 (on which thew new quad core from AMD will be also available). I'm sure it will beat Intel in benchmarks when it will be released, but now Intel is at the top of the benchmarks.
Now the reason you pay more for Intel is that:
a). it's an Intel
b). AMD wants to be a powerful competitor for Intel so one of their startegies is to lower the prices for some products... (same performance with lower prices), not for all though!
I've used AMD for years and never had problems with it, though there are periods when they are the best and periods when Intel takes control.. Just wait for the right moment an dyou will have yourself a powerfull CPU cheaper then what Intel has to offer.

Answer 4

Well listen: I've got Intel core duo on 3 Ghz,and my pal has AMD 64 bit dual, and Intel is just a lil bit faster!!! AMD is very cool CPU and before this CPU I had AMD on 2.4 Ghz it was great! ;) But if you are about buying a newer CPU-than I'll say Intel! ;))

Answer 5

They both make quality and reliable processors.

Now when it comes to performance, AMD took the performance lead with their "Hammer" architecture. Its various revisions clobbered Intel's Northwood and Prescott. But Intel came back to get the performance crown with the newer technology of Core2 Duo.

If you are a casual user, you might not see or feel the performance difference. But if you are an enthusiast, a gamer or a power user, you will quickly see the difference.

Answer 6

AMD...Also goes great with Nvidia video cards. People look at Intel because it has more "Ghz" but it runs slower, keeps more cool. AMD runs faster but heats up so you need a good heatsink. AMD wont even fail buddy! It's great.

Answer 7

I have always used amd, and no problems. i believe AMD is the prefered chip in general for home builders. I think intel gives price breaks to manufactors and aMD to the consumer.
Just a different marketing model.

Answer 8

It truly depends on what you are using them for. For the average home user, you are not going to notice a difference. In the business world, that's a different story. I have seen several business applications flake out and even freeze up completely because they were being run on an AMD based machine.

Answer 9

If you want to go for AMD wait a bit longer - AMD has drastically cut he wholesale prices for all their CPUs (-25%) - they should be sensible in the end market soon (I hope?) - see article below

Answer 10

I never had any problems witth AMD