Intel Quad Core vs AMD Phenom II X4

This is just opinions I would want to hear.

What would be better to get and why? Performance?

Intel Quad Core or AMD Phenom II X4 ?

What if it was like a Intel Quad Core vs AMD Phenom II X4 940 or 955 vs Core 2 quad 9550 which is a comparable price to the phenom II 955. Thanks.

 

Why ask when you've already built a PC?

Phenom II X4 940 is about the same as a Core 2 Quad Q9400
Phenom II X4 955 is about the same as a Core 2 Quad Q9550.
The AMDs outperform the intels in certain video encoding appliations but little else. The AMDs are slightly cheaper but can't be overclocked very much and use considerably more power.

 

By how much does it outperform, I just don't want to think that I just waisted some cash even though I'm and intel fan. Thanks.

 

not much, and as I said it's limited to certain video encoding programs, nothing more. Overall the intel is still the better processor.

 

Just for my knowledge.

What about if it was clock for clock?

 

Then the Intel demolishes the AMD, as the X4 955 at 3.2Ghz rivals the Q9550 at 2.833Ghz. This is the main reason why the Intels fare better after overclocking because the Intel will actually reach higher clock speeds than the AMD. 3.8 is about the limit for X4s in most systems (c. 20%), whereas the Q9550 will reach 3.9Ghz on most boards (c. 40%)

 

this graph shows a comparison of the top CPU's encoding XVID which is the main advantage of the quad cores.

I have a amd phenom 9750 quad and can confirm it is a very fast in converting to xvid (less than 2 hours my previous amd4800 dual core was taking 4 hours) , the intels are faster but I'm not willing to pay the premium price, I'm satisfied with the 2 hour conversion speed.

As far as playing video games or doing other tasks, I can't tell a difference between a dualcore and a quadcore. I use the amd 4800 x2 as my game machine and everyday computer, the quad sits on the corner and I only use it once or twice a week for video conversion work. For me it would be a waste to use the power of a quad to surf the internet or play games.

I always buy AMD, recently I had to buy an intel e2140 dualcore (due to I couldn't find a comparable amd motherboard). One thing about the intels are how you install the cpu fan (very complicated 4 tiedown points) the AMD is a simple 2 minute (lever type) installation (no tools required). I would be hesitant to buy another intel just because of the hassle of installing the cpu fan. That's something else to think about.

http://www.tomshardware.com/charts/2009-desktop-cpu-charts/XviD-1.2.1,1383.html

 

The Phenom 9750 is a very weak quad core CPU, and that's the main reason why you can't tell the difference between it and the 4800+, there isn't one! To all intents and purposes the 9750 is just two 4800+s stuck together, and that's it. Unless you have a quad core capable app, there are no advantages whatsoever.

On the contrary about the cooler, intels are MUCH easier to install when they work, the trouble is, they don't stay there, which is worrying. I would sooner have four screw points.

 

What was that (c. XX%) thing sam?

And I don't understand this
"On the contrary about the cooler, intels are MUCH easier to install when they work, the trouble is, they don't stay there, which is worrying. I would sooner have four screw points."

please explain it about the they don't stay there, frou screw points, and installation. =] Thanks.

 

One thing I like about AMD is how long they keep a socket type. I believe most current AM2,AM2+,AM3 motherboards all use the same socket, so a dualcore athlon or quadcore phenom will fit into the same motherboard (older boards may need a bios upgrade to support newer CPUs). This offers a better upgrade path IMO.
Intel constantly change their sockets with newer CPUs, forcing a motherboard upgrade with a CPU upgrade.

 

Actually Socket 775 has been around pretty much as long as AM2. There's more confusion with the AMD sockets because not only do you need to make sure not just the chipset, board and BIOS can support your CPU, you need to make sure if it can handle the power consumption as well - Phenom CPUs use enough power to burn a hole through most lightweight boards.

Gera: Just read the sentence again and you'll understand it, it wasn't meant to be difficult.

 

What?

 

You can overclock Intel CPUs to a higher clock speed than AMDs with standard equipment.

 

Oh OK, it was a typo. I thought you were talking about two different Intel processors.

 

What was that (c. XX%) thing sam?

So you meant that intel coolers come off of the socket over time and need to be placed in again? Cuz what four screws were you talking about when they just attach without needing screws? Thanks.

 

Oh whoops, only just noticed that.

 

Intel coolers aren't liable to fall off by themselves, but their install procedure is a little odd in that you can't always tell if you got it exactly right or not - if you didn't, the coolers are liable to come loose.

 

So how would I tell if it's in or not? Cuz I always pushed it in as hard as I could so it stays. Thanks. And that was your typing error including that (c. XX%) thing?

 

No, the percentage change wasn't a typo, it's simple maths. Phenoms will only overclock by about 20%, core 2 quads will manage up to 40% - since you're not overclocking it's irrelevant.
If your cooler is secure your temperatures will be fine. If it is not secure you'd know about it as your PC would shut down due to overheat.

 

2 Hours is fast for converting to Xvid?
id toss my cpu now if it took that long.
on my newly aquired Q9550 i can convert to xvid in about30-35mins.(if its that long), and convert xvid to dvd format in about 12 mins.
not trying to dog ya here but 2 hours is a long time just to convert to xvid. $169 is what i just paid for my Q9550.