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Which processor is the best? AMD, Intel, Dual-Core, Quad-Core, Phenom, i7?
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The great debate
The age old battle between AMD vs. Intel rages on as processors become cheaper and better. As consumers, we are always faced with the dilemma of what should I buy, and when should I buy it? In this article, I will deliver my advice about the right processor to buy for the current market.
First off, the market is beginning to retire the Intel P4 / AMD Athlon era and usher in the dual and quad core processors. The great part is that both companies manufacture dual and quad cores, but unfortunately, that is also the tricky part. So, which one should I go for?
AMD or Intel?
Right now, the best processors you should get for affordable prices are either the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400, AMD Athlon 64 X2 7750, or the AMD Phenom II X4 940 (Core 2 Duos are cheaper depending on processor speeds). The best processor you can get is the Phenom II X4, and the price is comparable to the Intel Core 2 Duo.
For a while, AMD dominated the market until a couple of years ago. Many AMD processors run on a 64nm and 90nm process nodes whereas Intel runs on a smaller 45nm node. This meant lower energy use and lower temperature, which meant better performance. When AMD released the Phenom II X4 processors, it incoporated the smaller node (45nm node) into the build, and it jumped ahead of Intel's dual core; It currently falls slightly below the Intel quad core.
As a result, the Intel Core 2 Duo is still a great choice, but overall the AMD Phenom II X4 is a better decision. If you're on a tight budget, but want to play all the current games, then the Athlon 64 X2 is the economic friendly bet.
What about Intel Quad-Core Processors? What about i7?
In my opinion, the Intel quad core processors are a waste of gaming fulfillment right now. The height of the gaming industry stands at the Intel Core 2 Duo. The great thing is that many motherboards can switch between dual core and quad core. So if or when trends begin using the quad core, then a simple processor upgrade will not require other major hardware changes. Also, when developers begin using it, it'll be at a much cheaper price.
Similarly, Intel's quad i7 has just become purchasable to everyday consumers. For performance enthusiasts, the quad i7 is the best chip, and it will out live all other current processors. The downside is that it is also the most expensive.
Conclusion
For performance junkies who are not affected by price, then the i7 is the choice, but If you're looking for a budget buy, then I suggest an Athlon. They are a bit old, but you can't beat the price tag. If you want something in between, then a Core 2 Duo or a Phenom II X4 is a good recommendation.
NOTE: I'll probably be receiving hundreds of comments bashing my knowledge about this and that, but if you actually have something pertinent to say or want to point out the errors of my judgment, then please do. I admire criticism, and I always want to build upon pre-existing knowledge. I'm still a young writer and want to learn as much as possible.
If it's comments regarding how 'stupid' I am or how 'retarded' I write, then please leave comments aside. If you want processor comparisons and benchmark results, then head over to AnandTech, or simply type it in Google Search. After all, this is an opinion piece.
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