Poll: AMD vs Intel (2009)

[Black Viper]

Discuss your CPU choice below, hitting on things like:
1) Cost
2) Power consumption
3) Performance

No flaming others for their opinion, but constructive complements and criticism is welcome.

The 2008 results and discussions:
http://bbs.blackviper.com/index.php/topic,133.0.html

[Black Viper]

I still prefer Intel and looking closely at Atom for my next server setup to reduce power usage.

[Spawn]

Intel. 

Spawn

[Josh780]

Cyrix all the way...Just kidding.

I like AMD due to them being at a lower cost with great performance. I'm very happy with the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ that I have currently. My next step up will probably be in a year or so, will most likely get something in the 6000 to 7000+ range at that time. For now, this CPU does everything I want it to.

[bonnieville]

morning. intel. currently running e8400. no oc'ng as of yet. frank.

[DJanda]

Intel. I have ethical (i.e. creative property rights) issues with AMD's founder.

[WildcatDan]

Trying to compete with Best Buy and all the others with a custom-built PC is already nearly impossible.  We have to rely on our quality and customer service.  I trust both Intel and AMD, although I've always had better performance with AMD.  On top of that, the AMD line is nearly always cheaper with the same quality.  So, for me, I'll stick with AMD.  Although I'd gladly build an Intel system for someone who really prefers it.  I just won't add it to my custom line because of adverse affects on my profit margin. 

[Joe50]

Had AMD on my old laptop, but this one has INTEL. Do not see much difference between the two.

[Runaway1956]

I'm prejudiced against Intel. 

#1 cost
#2 the fiasco with uniquely identified CPU's that broadcast their identities on the web (yeah, ancient history that the younger people won't remember at all)
#3 Segmented market crap (virtualization, memory management, and other "features" that they have always wanted to charge extra for)
#4 unethical business practices that resemble Microsoft's business model
#5 cost
#6 cost

Maybe less important, I like the way AMD strives to make the best use of speed, instead of driving the clock speed up.  The design philosophy appeals to me.  But, that's a preference, rather than a prejudice, so I don't count it the same as 1 through 6. 

One thing that Intel, especially Dell, has always been ahead of the curve on, is heat management.  Many AMD machines have barely sufficient cooling, while Intel has always been more aggressive.  Of course, I hear that the quality of Dell machines is slipping, and they are trying to cut corners, so that advantage may be history soon. 

[VampireMuffinMan]

I can't say I really have a personal preference.  I've been very happy with the AMDs that I've purchased for the past 5 computers I've built for myself and don't have a single complaint.  I also don't have any complaints about the Intel machines that I had before that.  The reason that I'm sticking with AMD is cost.  I just can't see spending a grand on a processor when I can put together a complete machine (tower) that is way more than enough to meet my needs for less than that.  The build that I've been keeping tabs on (since you just can't set up a build list and keep it for months) is around $800 including a Phenom II X4 955 (3.2 GHz), 4 GB of DDR3 1333 RAM, a Radeon HD 4870 1GB 256-bit GDDR5, and some other goodies on a 790GX motherboard.  Yeah, I could build a similar i5 based machine now, but it wouldn't be as fast, from what I can glean from the specs, or I could build a i7 8xx system, but I'm not sure that would be my best bet, either, considering it's on the new LGA1156 platform, too.  So basically, my budget drives my preference, irregardless of which company has the fastest flagship processor.

[zxco]

Cyrix all the way...Just kidding.

My first ever Desktop PC was a AST Cyrix 486 

My personal choice would be AMD not because I think they are better, its just All my PC's have been AMD and I suppose you get attached to what you are used to.

I am currently running an AMD Athlon 64 x2 6000+ system and have no quarrels with it what so ever, It does exactly what I want it too. Now, I am a gamer and I know alot of people go to Intel for games as they say the Intel systems run games better.... I,m not too sure on that, as once again, my system runs most games even Direct X 10 games with no problems at all and just as smooth as an Intel system

There are the Obvious benifits of buying AMD for example, the Cost , although when I am building a system up I run on a 1 - 10 scale:

1 - Cheapest

5 - Mid Range

10 - top of the range and newest parts on the market.

I try to stay around the 7 - 8 mark.

I will never go to 10. My reasons for this is that when Quad Core CPU's came out, Everybody wanted one, I was also one, but, you really didn't gain much more from Dual Core. As the technology went on, there is now a big difference. It takes time for Processors to be developed and its always worth waiting a little bit longer to see what the competitors bring out

As for Intel, I really cant say anything about them, As I have never had one.
I have built them up for friends and they seem to run the same, although at a lower temp.

But I guess the main answer is, get what you feel comfortable with.

Regards,

zxco

[tonster]

Intel for work, whatever is fastest at home. 

Flat out you can't beat an Intel chipset motherboard and processor for stability.  I've had a few AMDs for home use and I really liked them.  They don't usually overclock well, but I always go for the fastest in my price range (considering overclocking potential) in my home machines.  Let stability be darned! 

Actually, I would say AMD's have gotten very close to Intel in stability, but for a work machine that I have to support, I'd rather go Intel.  Money doesn't matter as much (because it's not mine) and I would rather have surefire stability. 

At home, who cares?  Worst thing I have to do is reinstall windows.  Realistically though, usually it's just a reboot.  I don't mind a few quirks in my home machines. 

I'm not a huge fan of either one.  I do, however, apply huge fans to either one I buy

[MARX91]

Intel

[cheer]

AMD, primarily for cost reasons.  I've found the CPU matters a lot less than the motherboard -- a cheap/crappy motherboard can cause headaches regardless of CPU, so I tend to stick with one or two brands that have shown reliably and usually pay more as a result.

[bbcollins]

My AMD Quad 9550 works for me.  Of course I do not game but have never owned an Intel. On second thought the first computer I bought at Walmart on their discount rack was a Pentioum 75. Never had any problems but boy was it slow.. The hard drive was 1 GB. I was filling floppies 1.25 type all the time to keep the HD with room. Oh the good old days.  Congrats to your wife on her dedication., BV