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.
