What CPU?

[Smoogel]

Hey guys.

I'm not so pro at hardware but it has always intrested me. I'm going to create a brand new build and I have done several to this date. However, today I am stuck with one problem. AMD or Intel CPU?



The CPU chips I am looking at are:

Intel Core i7 2600K 3.4GHz (4 Core CPU, 8 including hyperthreading)
Intel Core i7 2600k 3.4GHz Socket 1155 8MB Cache.. | Ebuyer.com

AMD Bulldozer FX-8 8150 8 Core CPU 3.6GHz
AMD Bulldozer FX-8 8150 8 Core 3.6Ghz Socket AM3+ 8MB.. | Ebuyer.com

I am open to suggestions on other processors but I would prefur something along these lines.

Now, on paper the processors are very simular. I know performence will differ and from what I see the Intel really does offer better overall performence but when it comes to games theres little to no diffrence.

The AMD is aprox £60-£70 cheaper than the Intel and I am looking to spend as little as possible on the processor. But if there is a huge performence increase then I would go for the Intel, no doubt.

I use my computer for many day to day things but these are the key things I want it to do. I would like the processor which can do the best of the following aspects:

• Gaming (new games, would be great if future proof too)
• Entertainment (music/HD flims)
• Designing software (e.g Photoshop, Dreamweaver etc...)
• Heavy multi tasking (bot software, coding applications etc)

I know both them CPU's should be fine for what I want. But what offers the best performence? The intel or the AMD for £70 less? Would it be worth investing £70 to get the Intel or could the AMD compete well enough for the reduced price?

Thanks to everyone who places some imput into this thread.

A intresting article which reviews the AMD core but also compares it to that Intel is here: http://www.overclockers.com/amd-fx-8...ocessor-review

[brimblood]

I have the Intel i7 2600k and let me just say that it's amazing, But it's much more expensive. This is because alone it's the more expensive one because of their easy unlocking abilities, but also because you need to by another heat sink fan. The stock fan isn't that great and is pretty loud. I suggest that you go with the HyperX 212+ for the heat sink fan. That being said it also has to do with the motherboard that you have, if you have an intel mother board you have to get an intel cpu and if you have a amd motherboard..well you know. So I would like to put the money on the Intel i7 2600k, but the AMD is the thing to get if you want to use a stock fan and if you don't really care about overclocking. Also, I made this mistake a while back, MAKE SURE YOUR MOTHERBOARD IS AN LGA 1155 OR THE CPU WILL NOT WORK. I had to end up buying another mother board when I looked over this key part. Have fun

[CireG]

I'd go definitely with the Intel, They consume less power which means less heat is produce. Also, your electricity bill won't be so bad.

If you do NOT plan to overclock your machine and stay at stock speed, save some cash and buy a 2600.

What brimblood stated before about the HyperX 212+ is a great heat sync for it, but I prefer the 212+ Evo w/ an addition CoolerMaster 120MM fan to do a Push-Pull Setup.

Also, if you can wait a bit for the Ivy Bridge to come out that way you'll save even more on the 2600[k], or spend the same amount as you would now for the 2600k and get the 3770[K].

[Darchrow]

Ok, I'm drunk and I didn't read your text but I can say you:

Get Intel/nVidia NOT AMD/ATI. If you get a good i7-Core it will own. Better invest some more money and get nice quality and power.

[KingBennon]

Intel/Nvidia all they way!!!!
And yes I've had AMD/ATI

[Darchrow]

I just ordered my i7 2600k today + new components. Intel ftw.

[Smoogel]

Thank you all for your imput. All of my systems in the past have been based around Intel and I havent had any problems with them. The only problem is the price! I currently have a i5 quad core (running at a measly 2.6GHz! Which was good years ago haha). I still have it, but need another computer too, with more power.

Is the Intel really worth a increase of £70 in price? This AMD CPU appears to be not so far behind it in terms of performence. The only thing that really conserns me is the increased wattage and generally more heat being produced, since the system is likely to be on for 24 hours a day. But it shouldent be a problem? Surely if it produced that much heat it would not be sold.

And Darchrow, I love the ATI graphic cards and I intend to stay with them. They have never failed on me and always delivered fantastic performence in all my builds.

Perhaps if I quickly list the rest of the system build I would buy since it could help come to a conclusion:
8GB 1600MHz RAM
ATI Sapphire HD 6870 (I would upgrade this reguarly)
Asus M5A99X EVO 990X Motherboard (I may change my mind on this one and this is what i would get if AMD, unsure on intel)
120GB SSD and my old 1TB 7200RPM hard drive

I also use a 24" mointor and do plan to get another to help improve my productivity when coding and such.

[Darchrow]

I think I will stay at Intel/nVidia combi forever but your system seems to be fine ;-) Maybe get 16GB (2x 8GB) of RAM if there no high difference in costs.

Be careful with some SSD's (especially OCZ) because they often don't work properly.

[LayA]

nvidia is the best it works fine.

[Smoogel]

Thanks again for comments.

I havent perticually decided what CPU together but I have threw the i7 out of the window. I rather save the money and splash out on other parts. I feel that it would be to much power wasted for me. Anyhow, I am now looking at 3 CPUs.

Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivy Bridge)
Intel Core i5-3570K 3.40GHz (Ivybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor (77W) - Retail [BX80637I53570K]
£174

Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge)
Intel Core i5-2500K 3.30GHz (Sandybridge) Socket LGA1155 Processor - Retail [BX80623I52500K]
£161

And now we are back to the orignal AMD in question

AMD Bulldozer FX-8 8150 8 Core CPU 3.6GHz
AMD Bulldozer FX-8 8150 8 Core 3.6Ghz Socket AM3+ 8MB.. | Ebuyer.com
£175

They all perform pretty simular in benchmark tests however, because I got a heavy load (wow bots, many applications etc) would I benifit from the increased number of cores? Or should I just stay with the safe and reliable Intels? If I should stay with the Intels, should I get that brand new Ivy bridge? Only issue I can find with that is that it produce more heat than the Sandybridge...


Why has there got to be so much hardware about?!