Intel or AMD cpu??

I am in the process of choosing parts for a new PC, but I'm still undecided on whether buying Intel or AMD. The machine will be used mostly for games and movies.

Intel i7 920 and AMD Phenom II X4 seem to be very popular nowdays although, I'm not really sure on the differences between the two. But what about other CPUs from Intel or AMD, there are so many to chose from (Intel core i5, i3 or older Athlon 5000+ and 6000 series. Athlon 64 FX series). I don't understand how to compare them, it's all very confusing. I'd appreciate some insight.

How much are you willing to spend on the CPU alone? A Phenom II X4 can be had for $130 to $180 on newegg.com. Core i7s are $280+. Both are the best CPUs available from AMD and Intel respectively. Both are very good CPUs; the i7 is more powerful by a bit but the difference won't be noticeable for gaming.Xeros606

pretty much this

Ive been an intel fan for years, but finally went with a Phenom II X4 due to budget concerns and I dont regret it. Its amazing, and my processor is no longer the weakpoint in my system (used to have a flaky, old C2D E6400 lol)

Thank you for the input.

So it seems that i7 920 is a little bit better than Phenom II, but will not really improve gaming performance by much, so spending the extra money will be kind of pointless.

I also would like to know if Phenom II only goes up to X4 or even higher cores, and if that would be much better?

One thing I did not mention, is that I'll buy the PC in about 6 months. Will Phenom or even i7 by then still be very good CPUs? I know that AMD Fusion is coming out next year but probably will cost a fortune.

Thank you for the input.

So it seems that i7 920 is a little bit better than Phenom II, but will not really improve gaming performance by much, so spending the extra money will be kind of pointless.

I also would like to know if Phenom II only goes up to X4 or even higher cores, and if that would be much better?

One thing I did not mention, is that I'll buy the PC in about 6 months. Will Phenom or even i7 by then still be very good CPUs? I know that AMD Fusion is coming out next year but probably will cost a fortune.

vultusprime

I know AMD has a 6 core CPU out now, but it's not worth getting. Most games in the not too distant future will be optimized for 4 core CPUs. The other two cores won't be utilized, and it will be a waste of money.

There is only a small chance that they will release slightly better chips than what is available now. 6 months ago, the Phenom II X4 9xx was the best AMD CPU, the Core i7 9xx was the best Intel CPU, and they are both still the best from each company. Neither will be introducing a new family of CPUs, and if they do, it will be something for the entry level market. The prices might drop a bit, so if you're on a budget, or planned on getting the i7, you'll be in luck.

Gaming and general use, they are pretty close, except on price.

But intense computing/video rendering and other things of the like, the I7 will have the definitive edge. (though the phenom II 9xx series is pretty awesome when it comes to these things too)

So I guess its all what you intend to use it for, and the amount you wish to spend.

I've been an Intel guy for a good number of years, because every AMD system I've had in the past has failed on me after a few years, but every Intel system I've had has never failed me.

However, that was quite a while ago now. Considering the huge difference in price and small difference in performance, and assuming that their reliability has improved, when I next upgrade I will definitely be considering AMD.

You'll have to be careful buying low priced quads, they tend to not have enough cache to run fast. a fast quad needs 8mb, usually amds has 6 to start out. if you get an intel i7 they all have 8 which is what you need.

You'll have to be careful buying low priced quads, they tend to not have enough cache to run fast. a fast quad needs 8mb, usually amds has 6 to start out. if you get an intel i7 they all have 8 which is what you need.

jeremiahl

You're very misinformed on this point. There's nothing wrong with the performance of a Phenom II X4, and they do actually have 8mb of total cache. They have 6mb of L3 cache, which is more than enough.. especially for a gaming rig. Of course the i7's are faster, but there's not a darn thing wrong with the overall performance of the Phenom II line, especially when you consider the price.

I would like to point out to the OP that the Intel Core i5 750 is another excellent quad-core CPU. They're usually between $180 and $210, and for gaming purposes give 95% of the performance of an i7 920. The i5 750 is really the CPU that's meant to directly battle the Phenom II X4.

If you're willing to shell out the cash, get the Intel.

If you're willing to shell out the cash, get the Intel.

Dee-Drumma

How much are you willing to spend on the CPU alone? A Phenom II X4 can be had for $130 to $180 on newegg.com. Core i7s are $280+. Both are the best CPUs available from AMD and Intel respectively. Both are very good CPUs; the i7 is more powerful by a bit but the difference won't be noticeable for gaming.Xeros606

You will feel any difference only if you plan to overclock your CPUs, I7 is pretty better at overclocking, so i would say go for AMD.

i7 seems to scale better with SLI /Crossfire, so I'd get the intel if you care about that.

Well, considering that I'm not going to overclock the CPU and will not do Crossfire/SLI as I'll only buy one VGA card, it seems that the Phenom II X4 (or maybe even the X6, maybe) is better for me. I can put more money into my graphic card.

Are all Phenom II X4 the same or are there different models with different specs i.e total cache, L3cache and so on?

Thank you for the advice.

Well, considering that I'm not going to overclock the CPU and will not do Crossfire/SLI as I'll only buy one VGA card, it seems that the Phenom II X4 (or maybe even the X6, maybe) is better for me. I can put more money into my graphic card.

Are all Phenom II X4 the same or are there different models with different specs i.e total cache, L3cache and so on?

Thank you for the advice.

vultusprime

If you're building with a socket AM3 motherboard and DDR3 RAM, I'd recommend the X4 955. You get a full 8mb of cache, and a high stock clock speed. While you could spend the extra $20ish to get a 965, you'll never notice the 200mhz difference between the 2 in the real world. Although you could make the argument that if you were willing to consider dropping $280 on an i7, you may as well get the X6. I'm very partial to the X4 955. I just think it's all the CPU that almost any home PC user (especially gamer) will need for the next 2+ years.

there's been an article back in 2003 about research and manufacturing of logic diamond processors to start showing up in a couple years or in the near future. the prototype has been clocked at 81ghz and hopefully go up to 200ghz.

here's the link

http://www.geek.com/81ghz-diamond-semiconductor-created/

here's the link

http://www.geek.com/81ghz-diamond-semiconductor-created/

jeremiahl

that is true but using diamond as a substitute to silicon and using it for transistors for its superior thermal conductivity which diamond can withstand past 200 degrees celsius. graphene cannot, it would probably be used to make the cores.

that is true but using diamond as a substitute to silicon and using it for transistors for its superior thermal conductivity which diamond can withstand past 200 degrees celsius. graphene cannot, it would probably be used to make the cores.

jeremiahl

Comparing a AMD x4 965 to a I7 920 is like comparing a Porsche 911 Turbo (sorry for the spelling Im knda drunk) to a enzo Ferrari. Both are freaking awesome and the averge guy will probably never use either to there potential. I personaly went with an i5 750 (havent put new rig specs in sig yet) but i love AMD stuff.

pure diamond is being slowly made atom by atom to make small wafers around 99mm thick compared to intel experimental 300mm process all this is being done since 2003 so it might take a couple years to fully mass produce diamond.

p.s. you won't need any liquid cooling for them just a standard fan will do. and i read diamond can withstand without damage up to 700c.