24 replies to this topic

[NickC]

Hey everyone,

I'm thinking about getting a laptop for convenience purposes. I can't decide on whether to get Intel or AMD processors.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

[Noldi]

I recommend an Intel Dual Core or an Intel Core 2 Duo processor. I have an Intel Core 2 Duo @ 2.33Ghz and I can boot my computer in just over thirty seconds.

[NickC]

But doesn't booting also depend on how much stuff you have on your comp? Like I can't fully use my comp until the pop up window thingys are all loaded, like AIM, weather on desktop thing, and my gmail notification sign in window...

Whats the difference between the two?

And

What is a decent speed for a laptop? My comp is 2.8 Ghz and its not really that fast. Maybe it is also because I have a lot of junk in it that I need to delete.

[NickC]

Its going to be used for regular computer with little or no gaming. Like doing research for papers, watching movies maybe? and thats all I guess.

Isnt XP extinct?

[Noldi]

If it's just for regular computing then you do not need an expensive computer. Basically anything would do. And it's also true that Windows stopped selling XP and is just focusing on Vista now. However, if you choose to buy a Vista laptop from Best Buy, you can ask them to degrade it for you for only like 50 bucks. Many old programs might not work with Vista. Also, start-up programs will delay the time your computer is ready to use on start-up, but if you choose to get an Intel Core 2 Duo processor, you won't have any problems. Also RAM; if you choose to get a vista make sure you get at least 1GB so you can run it properly, I recommend 2GB. If you need a few links to some laptops, I can help.

[leo2car]

I thinks you can call Dell and ask for XP, not Vista.

[Awad]

Don't get Vista. Trust me.

[NickC]

O_O XP is it then...

But then again, which is faster and better? AMD or Intel? I see the different between them -.-

[marek]

Awad, on Aug 1 2008, 12:12 AM, said:

Don't get Vista. Trust me.

XP is going to be hard to come by now that it officially ended distribution on June 30....
Only other way is to get a downgrade allowed by some loophole or buy one of those paperweight Eee notebooks.

[z2z007]

For your purposes, I doubt you would notice the performance difference between dual core AMD and Intel processors. So, I wouldn't concern myself over the brand of the processor.

[NickC]

z2z007, on Aug 1 2008, 09:09 PM, said:

For your purposes, I doubt you would notice the performance difference between dual core AMD and Intel processors. So, I wouldn't concern myself over the brand of the processor.

LOL so true!

But is there a reason why AMD equipped comps are so much cheaper than intel?

[Awad]

Intel knows how to make more money more consistently than AMD, among other things.

[min]

AMD vs Intel, i find this funny
because, not either one is better than the other,

it all depends on the model CPU you are speaking about,
while numbers may be different as far as ghz, bus speed, etc
in real life, that just equates to minor differences in performance.

[Awad]

min, on Aug 6 2008, 10:00 PM, said:

AMD vs Intel, i find this funny
because, not either one is better than the other,

it all depends on the model CPU you are speaking about,
while numbers may be different as far as ghz, bus speed, etc
in real life, that just equates to minor differences in performance.

You mention basic knowledge in another post, but lack it here. All those differences in numbers is kind of what leads to the different models thing, and consequently, better or worse performing models. Of course chip architecture counts, but then again that's tied to the other stuff as well.

[min]

Awad, on Aug 7 2008, 07:39 PM, said:

You mention basic knowledge in another post, but lack it here. All those differences in numbers is kind of what leads to the different models thing, and consequently, better or worse performing models. Of course chip architecture counts, but then again that's tied to the other stuff as well.

Maybe i didnt make myself clear,
my point was that differences of intel and AMD are miniscule as far as performance is concerned (referring to high end amd cpu vs high end intel)

if youve seen FPS differences in games, performance in video apps, photoshop, etc there are VERY few differences.

And yes i do know that there are different models. I have built several PC's and lack of knowledge on my part is the last thing you should worry about

[LuDevious]

The OP's purpose of a computer is for convenience purposes, without any thought of gaming performance. With that in mind, it is safe to say that both AMD and Intel processors fit his purpose as they are way too powerful anyway.

I agree the OP should not be contemplating what kind of processor is better, but should discuss what kind of a budget he is limited to.

[Awad]

min, on Aug 9 2008, 04:28 PM, said:

Maybe i didnt make myself clear,
my point was that differences of intel and AMD are miniscule as far as performance is concerned (referring to high end amd cpu vs high end intel)

if youve seen FPS differences in games, performance in video apps, photoshop, etc there are VERY few differences.

And yes i do know that there are different models. I have built several PC's and lack of knowledge on my part is the last thing you should worry about

How about power consumption?
Heat?

[LuDevious]

Awad, on Aug 9 2008, 11:30 PM, said:

How about power consumption?
Heat?

again those things are miniscule, although Intel does have a ever so slight advantage in power consumption and heat in benchmarks

in real world computing, i find it hard to believe anyone will be using their laptop for number crunching applications, and i doubt you would either, again the differences are miniscule to the point where your budget should be the only factor when choosing what processor it should be.

As far as what i remember, Intel's use less power in peak performance, but AMD are better in power management when it comes to undervolting its processors. Heat should not be a factor unless you're doing number crunching tasks that put the processor under high load for a long period of time.

Intel chips have a huge premium on price for such a miniscule benchmark advantage, the average computer user does not need such computing power for such a large premium. What is the consumer paying Intel for? Huge marketing costs. Comparing similar chips, AMD can have up to 20% price advantage.

One way to see how marketing works is the period when Athlon 64 was the dominating chip, but Intel used millions (if not a billion) dollars marketing the inferior Pentium 4... and guess what, Intel won.

[SoLR]

NickC, on Jul 28 2008, 07:47 PM, said:

Hey everyone,

I'm thinking about getting a laptop for convenience purposes. I can't decide on whether to get Intel or AMD processors.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated!

If you're going to be using your laptop for convenience purposes than it wouldn't really matter.
Personally, any single core processor with a gig or two of RAM will be able to handle all of your daily tasks.
If you were interested in doing a bit of gaming/running intensive programs than you could upgrade that to a dual core.
But other than that a single core AMD or Intel cpu should be fine.

P.S. (Keep in mind that AMD is often cheaper)