Intel and AMD Processor Comparison

Intel and AMD are the two largest manufacturers of processors on the planet right now. These big names are synonymous with the laptop and desktop processors available today. The ferocity quotient of competition between AMD vs Intel, has been raised higher, with the launch of AMD's brand new 'FX Processors', along with AMD A-Series of processors, designed to counter Intel's second generation core i3, core i5 and core i7 processors. With the chip giants fighting for market supremacy, it's the consumers who stand to benefit. In the past few years, Intel had raced ahead with its superior 32 nm Sandy Bridge architecture, while AMD was found lacking in all departments. All that has changed with AMD's new processors, launched in 2011. Though AMD has to still cover a lot of ground, it seems appropriate that a comparison between the latest processors launched by Intel and AMD, be presented here. In this Buzzle article, you will find an Intel and AMD processor comparison, that will help you decide which one to opt for.

CPUs or processors are the brains of computers. This brain analyzes and is responsible for the overall performance of the system. Performance of a computer is directly dependent on its processing power. If you are planning to buy a new laptop or desktop computer, or planning to upgrade your existing system, it's vital that you select a processor from AMD or Intel, which exactly matches your computing requirements. In the following lines, you will find the best high-end, mid-range and entry-level desktop computer processors from AMD and Intel compared.

AMD vs Intel Processors

Both, Intel and AMD have unique and different approaches to processor design, but their ultimate aim is the same, which is creating the best processors on the planet, that will empower, individuals, homes and businesses all over the world. Let us analyze AMD's performance against Intel, comparing their best high-end, mid-end and entry-level desktop processors.

AMD Vs. Intel: High-End Processors
AMD released a brand new line of desktop processors in the form of its FX series, while Intel has kept upgrading its core i7 Extreme line, with faster processors, each outclassing the one released before.

Intel Core i7-3960X Vs. AMD FX 8150
This is a comparison between two monster chips. AMD FX 8150, powered by the new Bulldozer technology boasts of 8 cores, with a base clocking frequency of 3.6 GHz, which can be raised to a Max Turbo frequency of 4.2 GHz. With 8 MB of L2 and L3 cache, all this comes at a price tag of around $279.99. The Intel core i7-3960X is a six core processors, with 3.3 GHz of base clocking frequency, which can be amplified to 3.9 GHz on demand. The price tag of $990 puts it beyond the reach of many, but it's worth every penny! Performance wise, despite two lesser cores and lower clocking frequency, Intel core i7 3960X outclasses the FX 8150 in all departments, which justifies its price. It is designed for serious gamers and users with heavy computing requirements. However, the advantage of FX 8150 lies in its price, which is less than half of its rival counterpart. So if you are looking for high performance, at an economical price, FX 8150 is a good investment, but if you want to settle for nothing less than the best, Intel core 3960X is your processors of choice. Know that this new Sandy Bridge-E line processors requires a new motherboard!

AMD Vs. Intel: Mid-Range Processors
There are several processors designed for the mid-range user, who needs a workstation, which can handle a lot of multitasking workload. Here are two of the top mid-range chips from Intel and AMD, compared for your perusal.

AMD Phenom II X4 980 Vs. Intel Core i5-2500K
The AMD Phenom II X4 980 is a quad core processor, with a maximum clocking frequency of 3.7 GHz, with 2 MB L2 cache and 6 MB L3 cache. On the other hand, the second generation Intel core i5-2500K is also a quad core processor, with a base clocking speed of 3.3 GHz with 6 MB of Intel Smart Cache. As various benchmark tests have revealed, the 2500K outperforms the AMD Phenom II X4, quite substantially in terms of single core and multicore performance. While the AMD chip is priced at $169.99, the Intel core i5 2500K costs $210. As many gamers have reported, the Intel chip definitely provides more bang for the buck.

AMD Vs. Intel: Basic Processors
Now we move on towards the entry-level processors, which would be preferred by the basic user.

AMD FX-4100 Vs. Intel Core i3-2105
Again in the entry-level category, AMD FX-4100 (4 Cores, 4 MB L2 cache, 3.6 GHz), priced at $120, is outclassed in graphic performance by a dual core Intel processor, the second generation Intel core i3-2105 (3 MB Intel Smart Cache, 3.1 GHz), priced at $140. Though singling out two processors in this fashion doesn't do complete justice, it goes on to show the superiority of Intel technology over AMD's.

We can safely conclude, that right now, Intel is far ahead of AMD in terms of technology and performance. However, AMD has the distinction of offering 'more for less'. Besides being the overclocker's delight, it continues to provide affordable processors which provide decent performance. Otherwise, AMD is still outclassed in the high-end processor market, quite substantially. Though it is slowly creating a new niche for itself in the laptop processors segment with its APUs (Accelerated Processing Unit), it has to put in a lot more to catch up with Intel. Personally, instead of comparing the two brands, compare the chips instead. Go for a processor which suits your computing requirements and budget.