Pentium vs. AMD

[danbos]

I've been kind of tossing around the idea of getting a new laptop sometime, so I've been looking around at different options I could go with. It seems to me that I could get one with an AMD processor for cheaper than a comparable one with a Pentium processor. I've never had any experience with AMD, so I've got some questions. First, are they reliable? Also, on two computers with the exact same specs, is something like a 2.0 GHz X2 dual-core AMD going to run at a similar speed to a 2.0 GHz Core 2 Duo?

Any info on your experiences with AMD processors would be nice.

[Aussie3rddayfan]

OK, first off you need to consider what you are planning on using the laptop for? Home? Business? Pleasure? All of the above?

I work in a store that sells computers and in my opinion the Intel Core 2 Duo is the processor that I would be going for if it were my money. With both being dual core, performance SHOULD be similar. With that said, the Intel processor I would describe as better 'rounded'. AMD processors are quality but are generally geared towards games. If you want to play high end games and have top-notch graphics get the AMD. If not, and you are just looking to use Office and use the net, then go for the Intel. Also, make sure you have at least 1GB RAM. Any computer you buy these days will most likely be equipped with Windows Vista and Vista runs el-crappo on anything below 1GB RAM.

Let me know what you are using it for and the specs of the computer you are interested in (plus the price) and I will let you know if you are getting a good deal. :D

[middletree]

You asked about AMD, and my personal experience has been 100% positive. I built my home machine about 4 years ago, using an AMD Athlon 2200+, and it's been great, no problems whatsoever.

For a while, AMD had surpassed Intel chips in performance according to almost all independent benchmark tests. That caused Intel to improve quite a bit over the last 2 years or so. As a result, you really can't go wrong with either one, but you'll get a little more for your money with AMD.

The only downside I can think of is that a couple of years ago, certain Adobe products wouldn't work on the AMD chipset for some reason. But that's not a problem anymore.

[Sam!]

I have an Intel CoreDuo laptop at home and an AMD-based laptop here at work. Both are fantastic.

As far as side-by-side comparison of specs... no. The architectures of the processors are so completely different now that comparing their speec in GHz won't tell you anything. As far as i know, the performance ratings are just marketing gimmicks as well. A good sales person might be able to show you what levels are roughly equal.

Everythign else being equal, AMD generally gives you more for the money.

[middletree]

While it's true that the architectures are so different that a true comparison is difficult, what's undisputed is that AMDs do 4 instructions/calculations per 3 for Intel chips. So a 2ghz AMD is theoretically 33% faster than a 2ghz Intel chip.

[HotWireD]

I have several computers all running AMD processors. The ooldest still in use is about eight years old and still running fine.

I have a friend who is building a Pentium high end computer right now and it is fantastic.

Spec' for spec' the latest Intell processors are better all round for computing. I think the AMD processors are better for gaming.

Everythign else being equal, AMD generally gives you more for the money.

I concur.

[bvc]

While it's true that the architectures are so different that a true comparison is difficult, what's undisputed is that AMDs do 4 instructions/calculations per 3 for Intel chips. So a 2ghz AMD is theoretically 33% faster than a 2ghz Intel chip.I don't know if they still do it the same, but years ago a 1.9ghz amd only ran at 1.6. That is if you don't overclock it. So is that 2ghz really 33% faster? No, it's the same. Correct me if I am wrong.

I also built mine (amd) 4 or so years ago and have had no problems. I don't think it matters much anymore. I will prefer to buy amd again, but would take and Intel if the complete setup (mb/chipset etc...) deal was right. I'm about to upgrade my 1.9 amd athlon to a 3.0 amd athlon and add a gig of ram (pc recording -amd good), so hopefully it will be a while before I need a new....

[WeaselInYerFoot]

The only experience I've had with AMDs have been my own personal desktops. I've build them all except for an old Pentium 3 I bought years ago. The only laptop I've had is from work and carries an dual core intel processor. It's good for what I do, but I don't do much in the sense of games or resource intensive computer work on it. So I think that I could easily say that if my lappy had an AMD processor in it, I probably wouldn't notice the difference in performance (and I use XP).

But for desktops, I'll always go with AMD. Mostly because I can build a formidable, good quality gaming machine with 500 dollars (monitor and keyboard nor included) but if I choose an Intel processor, I'd have to get a subpar celeron processor if I wanted to remain in the 500 dollar budget.

I remember a few years back, AMD didn't have any way of shutting the machine down when it overheated. So you could blow a hole through your tower when it exploded haha! Good times.

[danbos]

Thanks for all your opinions, I haven't made up my mind if I want to spend the money yet or not, but it's helpful to know anyways.

OK, first off you need to consider what you are planning on using the laptop for? Home? Business? Pleasure? All of the above?

I work in a store that sells computers and in my opinion the Intel Core 2 Duo is the processor that I would be going for if it were my money. With both being dual core, performance SHOULD be similar. With that said, the Intel processor I would describe as better 'rounded'. AMD processors are quality but are generally geared towards games. If you want to play high end games and have top-notch graphics get the AMD. If not, and you are just looking to use Office and use the net, then go for the Intel. Also, make sure you have at least 1GB RAM. Any computer you buy these days will most likely be equipped with Windows Vista and Vista runs el-crappo on anything below 1GB RAM.

Let me know what you are using it for and the specs of the computer you are interested in (plus the price) and I will let you know if you are getting a good deal. :D

I would be using the compute for home and school use. The home includes internet, a little gaming(Civilization 3, Need for Speed: Underground, etc. nothing more demanding than either of those.), and dabbling in Paint Shop Pro. School includes, of course, a word processor, and also a whole bunch of little, mainly free-ware, programs used for various engineering classes, I won't be running anything like a CAD program, just various little programs.

As for RAM, that shouldn't be a problem...I wasn't planning on going with anything less than 2GB, because of what I've heard about Vista.

Here are the 2 I've been looking at:
The Intel, for around $710:

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) edit
Processor Intel(R) Core(TM) 2 Duo Processor T5550 (1.83 GHz, 2MB L2 Cache, 667MHz FSB) edit
Display 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800) edit
Memory FREE Upgrade to 2GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm)!! edit
Graphics Card 50% OFF 256MB NVIDIA GeForce 8400M GS - For Core 2 Duo Processors edit
Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Microphone edit
Networking FREE Upgrade to Intel(R) PRO/Wireless 4965AGN Network Connection!! edit
Hard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive edit
Primary CD/DVD Drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support edit
TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control edit
Primary Battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 edit


And the AMD, for $640:

Operating system Genuine Windows Vista Home Premium (32-bit) edit
Processor AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor TK-57 (1.90 GHz, 512KB L2 Cache) edit
Display 15.4" WXGA High-Definition HP BrightView Widescreen Display (1280 x 800) edit
Memory 1GB DDR2 System Memory (2 Dimm) edit
Graphics Card NVIDIA GeForce Go 7150M edit
Personalization HP Imprint Finish (Radiance) + Microphone edit
Networking Wireless LAN 802.11a/b/g/n edit
Hard Drive 120GB 5400RPM SATA Hard Drive edit
Primary CD/DVD Drive SuperMulti 8X DVD+/-R/RW with Double Layer Support edit
TV & Entertainment Experience No TV Tuner w/remote control edit
Primary Battery 6 Cell Lithium Ion Battery edit
Productivity Software Microsoft(R) Works 9.0 edit


The only difference I see besides the processors is the video card. I'm thinking I'd probably rather go with the NVIDIA rather than an Intel video card, and the cheaper NVIDIA is not available on the Intel computer, so that one has a better video card. I'm wondering if that difference is going to be noticeable for what I'd be running?

[Sam!]

Possibly. I'm only seeing 1 GB of memory on the AMD, though.

[danbos]

Possibly. I'm only seeing 1 GB of memory on the AMD, though.

Oh, I missed that...it had a free upgrade to 2GB though, and I must've forgot to click the button for that.

[Aussie3rddayfan]

The only difference I see besides the processors is the video card. I'm thinking I'd probably rather go with the NVIDIA rather than an Intel video card, and the cheaper NVIDIA is not available on the Intel computer, so that one has a better video card. I'm wondering if that difference is going to be noticeable for what I'd be running?

I have always had positive experiences with the NVIDIA cards. They have a good reputation and, are, in my opinion one of the best.

Out of those two computers I would definately reccommend the AMD. It is better value for money and it will do everything you need it to.

Also keep in mind the warranty period. Hopefully it's at least one year. If you buy a Toshiba (the best) you will be covered worldwide. If you buy anything else, you are only covered in your own country (although kick up a stink and they may well honour it).

I also have another helpful hint if you are planning to buy the computer from a store. Ask for a deal. I know it sounds obvious but I work in a store that sells all kind of electronic gizmos and it is definately worth it. If you get a nice manager, he or she might even throw a bag in to keep you happy. I have seen many computers leave with bonus $50 bags thrown in. Also make sure to ask if they can bring the price down too. Computers generally don't make fantastic GP for a company, but it is worthwhile asking. Also, if you prefer one store to another go there and quote the cheapest price you have found. Hopefully they'll match it.

I forgot to mention, don't buy an ACER. Toshiba, HP, Compaq, Asus, Dell are all good form, but NOT an ACER. The word crap comes to mind. :rolleyes:

[steve28rock]

I have toshiba with the exact same Amd as you mention.
as for which is better I don't think you Will be able to tell the difference.
Amd is much better value. Go for the one with the nvidia graphics.