what's the difference between an amd and an intel processor and which one is better?

Answer 1

There are minor compatibility issues and quality differences, but no one should worry about that. Intels and AMDs are about the same. But when it comes to performance and heat, Intel is better. I use Intel ALWAYS.

AMDs are cheaper for a reason.

Answer 2

Both will work the same in general.

However, AMD uses a slightly different way of handling memory. It is much more efficient since the memory does not have to travel through an external control chip.

Intel has really changed for the better with their newest processors. They have changed the way the processors handle commands and are now very efficient. For years, Intel was much slower than AMD.

With the changes that Intel has done (they streamlined the command pipes to maximize throughput... something the Pentium IV was awful at accomplishing), Intel has taken the lead at all levels on a price for power delivery.

The only exception to Intel's superiority in the processor market is with the very low end chips. AMD is just so cheap at the low end market. If your goal is to get the cheapest system possible, get an AMD. If you want a mid range or better system, Intel (as of now) is the better brand.

That may change later this year. AMD has the Phenom processor and Intel has the Penryn designs. Both look exceptionally good for the end user. AMDs designs are not really tested yet so we just don't know how good they will be. Intel's will be about 20% faster than the current processors at the same price. Of course, that means today's processors will drop to some very nice low pricing.

In short, today Intel wins the crown for performance.

Answer 3

From what I read Here I do not think that the others are up to date on their CPU information. Intel is kicking the crap out of amd. It all started Last year when Intel released their Pentium D series (Dual core). I have built many systems on this processor and all have performed well. A dual core CPU is like having Two processors in your system. My personal favorite is the Pentium D 805. It is clocked at 2.66 GHZ and can easily be overclocked to 3.5 GHZ. Not bad considering that you can pick this CPU up for $49 right now from Tiger direct.com. The Intel core Duo's are also great processors but are a little more spendy. Intel has even released a Quad core CPU (think 4 cpu's) I know that any AMD fan boys who read this will call me an Intel lover, but you cant fight the facts. Check them out here at http://www.maximumpc.com/article/fast_forward_penryn_helps_intels_comeback

Answer 4

AMD processors are superior, especially when you consider the price. They tend to be much cheaper than Intel processors with similar specifications, and they used to be much better at dealing with heat. I don't know if they still run cooler, but I suspect little has changed since I last read about it a couple of years ago when Intel P4's were occasionally burning out from overheating. Good night!

Answer 5

No offense, but after reading some of these answers you really need some accurate information (except AlexAtlanta).

First and foremost, if you ever see "Pentium" from now on, it is Intel's newest bottom of the barrel low end market processor. The latest P4 architectures were garbage and thrown in the trash; replaced by the Core2 processors.

The first source is essentially an article that gauges the performance per clock cycle between current CPU architectures from both camps, AMD and Intel.

Current mainstream architecture from Intel is based on "Conroe". This architecture has been given the model names Core2Duo and Core2Quad.

AMD is currently selling the K8 architecture which is marketed as Athlon 64 X2 for the desktop and Opteron for the server/enterprise.

The state of the market, is that Intel's architecture, clock for clock, beats out the AMD architecture on average by about 20%. But it's worse...due to manufacturing techniques, AMD is only able to push their highest bin to 3Ghz and it's only two cores. Intel's flagship desktop processor runs at 3Ghz and is four cores. Enthusiasts are pushing the Core2Duo's to 4Ghz through overclocking while the highest they're able to push AMD chips is about 3.2Ghz.

This means that Intel has a lot of head room to ramp up processor speeds while AMD is stuck at 3Ghz and is about 20% slower when competing against a similarly clocked Intel processor.

Prior to the inception of the Core2Duo AMD, hands down, had the better product. Since the release of Intel's new architecture last year they have been hurting pretty bad but still maintaining market share as they re-established market position at the lower end of the spectrum with huge price drops.

If you'd like...I can go into a detailed analysis concerning both companies R&D road maps as well as architectural differences but I'll keep it simple. The biggest reason for the huge performance gap currently is that SSE instructions can be processed in one clock cycle on the Intel processors while it takes 3 cycles to process on the K8 architecture by AMD. There is hope on the horizon for AMD as they will be releasing the K10 architecture on the Agena core to desktops late 4th quarter this year and will be referred to as the Phenom X2 and Phenom X4.

We are still waiting for performance bench marks from the K10 but for now some reading from my sources might help sort this confusion about current products.

I have to admit, hell of a broad question to ask. If you need clarification shoot a message over to me and I'll do the best to point you in the right direction.

The first link is older, providing an analysis between the two different architectures.

The second link is a performance/price comparison of Intel and AMD cpu's.

The third source is another review of performance and pricing between the two.

Fourth source -- AMD road map for new products (begining at the end of this month, but it's the server market).

Fifth source -- tired of posting links, here's a whole slew of'em from Anand.

AnandTech and Tomshardware are considered the premier sights for hardware evaluation, review, and testing. Good luck.

Answer 6

amd processors will cost you less when compared to intel processor. Comparing the performance, both will have the same performance level. But amd processor tends to generate more heat compared to intel

Answer 7

everyone has different opinions but lets put it this way, amd havent updated their processors in years or so... on the other hand intel has changed and changed their processor... new or old... when it comes to computers most of the time new is better... most of the time...

Answer 8

AMD and Intel are to companies that produces processers. The type of processar you should buy depends on your need. Even if you picked a company ther is many types of processers in each.if you allready have a motherbord you can pic the company immediatly.if you don't specify your needs for the computer. You also can find more information about ccomputer parts at newegg.com

Answer 9

the differences are abundant from processing power to 32bit or 64 bit. check this link it should answer most of your questions regarding all families of processors

http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/2005/processor_list.asp