Currently, the two largest manufacturers of CPUs in the world are Intel and AMD.
The current performance and market leader at the time of this writing is Intel, which is the only processor available in all current Apple computers (Macbook, Macbook Pro, Mini, iMac etc.). Intel's most current crop of CPUs are the Core i3, Core i5, and Core i7 while AMD's top offering is the Phenom II.
Though AMD is not the market leader, many of their products are found in high performance, budget-oriented notebook and custom desktop builds as well as low-cost enthusiast-oriented desktops. AMD's highest performance processors however, have not yet been available for mobile platforms as Intel's Core iX series are at the time of this writing.
Let us go through both processors special future:
INTEL Features:
1. Hyper Threading
- The operating system treats the processor as two processors instead of one. This increases the speed of the computer.
- Pentium 4, Core i7, Core i5, Core i3
2. Turbo Boost
- Allows the processor to intelligently overclock themselves so long as thermal and electrical requirements are still met.
- Core i7, Core i5
3. Intel QuickPath Interconnect (QPI)
- A new Intel technology which replaced Front Side Bus (FSB) -- similar in purpose to AMD's competing HyperTransport technology.
- Implemented in some fashion in all Intel core iX series processors.
4. Execute Disable Bit
- Prevents certain viruses from infecting the system by labeling some data "executable."
- All current processors.
5. vPro
- Best for IT people trying to maintain several workstations. It is able to detect systems, even in powered-off states. Synchronizes remote desktop, security, and other multi-station support features. Decreases desk-side maintenance visits.
- Core Duo, Core 2 Duo
6. ViiV technology
- Intel's bundle for enhancing multimedia. Supports HD resolutions 720p up to 1080i
- Pentium D, Extreme, Core Duo, Core 2: Duo, Extreme, Quad.
AMD Features:
1. Hyper Transport
- Feature that allows for faster processing speed and better energy efficiency.
- All Current AMD processors.
2. Cool'n'Quiet
- Reduces heat and noise of processors allowing for increased energy efficiency.
- Phenom I & II, Athlon, Sempron (with exceptions)
3. Turbo Core
- Turbo Core allows for contextual overclocking of the processor to optimize performance subject to electrical and thermal requirements/specifications.
- Phenom II X6
4. CoolCore
- Limits unused elements of the processor such that power is conserved -- allows for increased notebook battery life on a single charge.
- Phenom I & II, Turion
5. Dynamic Power Management
- Allows for dynamic power management to optimize energy consumption while maintaining performance levels.
- Phenom I & II, Turion
Power Consumption
When it comes to the overall power consumption of a system, Intel definitely suffered the initial setback. Its Pentium 4 processors had a very bad reputation of 150W TDP. Intel tried to solve the problem in its Core 2 Duo processor, which goes to less than 75W TDP. But, experiments have still proved that a machine running on an Intel Core 2 Duo processor consumed, at least 7W more power, than an AMD Sempron.
Price vs. Performance
When it comes to the performance to cost ratio, AMD has definitely been the winner, for a long time. Its processors were cheaper, as compared to Intel and they definitely did provide high value performance. But, with the advent of the Intel's Quadcore and Core 2 Duo processors, the situation has totally changed. The performance of a quad-core processor is, perhaps, the best in the market and its price is continuously falling.
3D Gaming
This is basically the feature that had allowed AMD to hold its top position for a long time. Even with no graphics card, AMD's 64 bit processor could take on the load and support the gaming features of advanced games. Intel, however, suffered an initial setback because the multithreading features that it allowed, were not used by many games then. The AMD Athlon 64 bit could beat the Pentium 4 computers, in almost all respects, when it came to gaming.
But, the turnover again, happened with the introduction of the Intel Quadcore and Core 2 Duo processors. The scenario changed completely. Besides the equivalent features that these two processors could provide (when compared to the AMD Athlon 64), they also had an added feature of supporting dual video cards.
Graphics
The comparison would again be the same, as that of the 3D gaming. AMD is a winner when its processors are compared to Intel's previous processors, but Quadcore and Core 2 Duo processors, with their supreme features, have helped Intel to regain the share of the market that it deserves.
MP3 and Video Encoding
AMD's 64 bit processors provided faster encoding of MP3s, as well as videos. The reason is simple - a 64 bit processor will, of course, be faster than a 32 bit processor. Intel's 32 bit processors had higher clock frequencies, but while the clock frequency of a 64 bit processor could be less, it worked at almost twice the speed than what was mentioned in its manual. This feature was also combated by Intel with its Core 2 Duo and Quadcore processors. \
Cooling and Productivity
Computers working on Intel's Core 2 Duo processor and Quadcore processors definitely have superior cooling features and better heat sinks, when compared to the AMD machines. Not only this, but the Core 2 Duo processors could reach to a speed of 3.2 GHz on proper cooling.
Office Productivity and Multitasking
AMD with its 64 bit processors provided better multitasking features and none of the Intel's processors, before the launching of the Core 2 Duo processors could match up to it. But with the entry of Intel's Core 2 Duo and Quadcore on the scene, we can again consider the situation balanced.
Usage is Key!
Personal Use
If you are a general home computer user (light-to-medium web browsing, light gaming, household accounting, etc), you would want to purchase an AMD system as AMD gives you more bang for your money. AMD systems can be purchased in any custom built computer and a select few shelf systems (E-Machines and HP)
Business Use
If you are a business user, where the purchase of many workstations causes budgeting problems, you would probably want to steer toward an Intel system. Intel offers lower end processors that are a lot cheaper. Intel processors are also used in most of the shelf systems (Dell, HP, Compaq, etc.) preconfigured for workstations.
Well, it's up to you to choose which one better suit for your use. It in your decision. Hopefully this post helped you make the decision.
