AMD & Intel
 

I was wondering (this is in relation to notebooks) what the difference between AMD & Intel was. I mean can one safely buy an AMD equipped laptop (they seem slightly cheaper) without any software compatibility issues or other problems like serious speed differences? Saving money is always good!

I tried looking online but all I could find was old (couple of years old) articles which wouldn't be relavant now, or really technical ones I couldn't understand, and loads of benchmarking articles. So I thought I'd ask here :). I wouldn't care if there was a negligible speed difference only noticeable under a lab test which I wouldn't ever notice in normal use.

The other thing that confuses me is what the AMD counterpart is to the Intel one. I.e apparently if someone's buying a notebook they should consider a Pentium 4 of whatever speed but AMD chips have confusing numbers!

Does it make any difference apart from price which CPU is installed?

Uses would be schoolwork, too much Internet use, maybe some games in the future, little graphics work (playing/academic not professional - I can't draw :D).

Thanks,

Richard. :)

Hey Rich,


I have no idea....but I'll ask my bf for you. He knows a bit about that kind of stuff.


.....Kelly :)

AMD is higher quality and cheaper than Intel providing 64 bit chips and virus protection into the system's hardware. The only diff for notebooks is that intel has chips that combine wifi service into it leading to better battery life. I don't doubt that AMD will provide that soon.

http://www.emachines.com/products/pr...Machines_M6807

-Rudey

Ok!!!!!!!!


My man has come through for me! So here you go Richard, from one Englishman to another....


.....Kelly :)


--------

OK here goes...

From a performance perspective, there's little difference between Intel Pentium and AMD. Generally, the Intel range are a little quieter to operate (operating temperature is slightly lower and so there's not quite so much airflow required from cooling fans) and as such have historically been the processor of choice for notebooks, which, by their design, are restricted in this respect. I'm sure technology has moved on since then, but to what extent I wouldn't like to guess.

Comparing the processor speeds, AMD cite the theoretical speeds that their processors can achieve as opposed to their specific clock speeds. So you'll sometimes see things like: "AMD Athlon 2000+ (1.67) GHz", which should mean it's roughly equivalent to a 1.67GHz Pentium, although their own benchmark tests have proved it capable of similar performance to a 2GHz model. AMD design their processors for speed of processing, which makes them particularly popular with gamers. Intel's tend to be more a balance of efficiency and speed, which would explain why their operating temperatures are slightly lower. For things like Internet surfing, email, and general office applications, I'd probably go with Intel, though as Richard has observed, you get more for your money with AMD.

Another point worth making is that the two makes have different chipsets. Broadly, this means that a motherboard will generally be compatible with one or the other, but not both. If you're buying a notebook as a unit then I guess this won't be of relevance, but if you're putting it together yourself then it's something to watch out for. Intel are also in bed with Microsoft, so their processors are slightly better performers with MS products (I have an AMD Athlon processor and, although I have now got a stable system, I did have a few issues in the early days which appeared to be conflicts between the AMD technology and the operating system).

And finally... games. For occasional gaming, the laptop may well suffice, but it will be outperformed easily by a desktop. Processors made for notebook PCs are not quite up to the speeds of those available for desktops, nor are the graphical capabilities of a laptop so far advanced. Furthermore, they're harder to upgrade. Of course, you have the advantages of portability and style, but it's worth bearing in mind what the primary use for the machine would be. Judging from Richard's own words, it appears that games isn't his top priority so this may not be an issue for him.

Hope that's helped. Right, back to the Superbowl... Go Patriots!!!

Neil :)

My advice: Just go with whatever seems cooler :)

AMD processors are also notorious for having a shorter lifetime than their intel counterparts . . . while these are tens of thousands of power-on hours in length, AMD has always been known for 'burnouts' and DOA chips.

There is a technical reason for this as well, but essentially it's heat=bad.

You'll get more for the dime w/ AMD, but at the risk of a slightly shorter lifespan (think 3.5 years versus 4, or something along those lines; not drastic).

Where'd you get that? I've heard of some of the earlier AMDs overheating but also the same of the Intels - but mainly because they were overclocked processor speeds as opposed to actuals. I think AMD actually delivered something to fix that but I'm not sure and I think both are moving towards smaller processor sizes to help cure heat burns.

-Rudey
--I'd slip a cooling unit in there with bling bling green lights just for kicks

My bf has an AMD Athlon processor with, like, *two* fans.

His tower case also has a clear side panel and bling-bling blue lights.

PS - those of you who helped me out with my Christmas gift question, he was really pleased with the MoH game I got him! Thanks!


.....Kelly :)

** bump **


Hey Dec,


Did any of this help?


.....Kelly :)


(Heh...maybe I should change my username to "Antonia" so that we can be "Ant and Dec".... <snicker>)

cooling...
 

I've preferred AMD over Intel for a while now -- but the one thing you *really* need to be aware of is the heat difference.

AMD runs about 30C hotter than an Intel, and most well built machines will have a larger, stronger cooling fan for an AMD. This fan, in turn, will likely require more battery power.

I haven't heard any negatives about an AMD laptop, but I'd make sure to do the research before buying one; make sure that the cooling system is adequate for both the chip and whatever surface happens to be under the laptop.

Yes thanks Kelly (and everyone else!) it helps lots! I'll need to lean on my parents a bit more to persuade them (I did do some work for my dad with some clients) but at least now I'm reassured that an AMD is another real option too for what I'd use it for and now what to look out for. Kelly, good idea on the Ant & Dec thing, we should bring out a single or two. I can't sing but I've been told when I dance I look like that guy in Road Trip at the step show! :p