When thinking about the value to build a gaming PC, it is very important to have a look at both the AMD and Intel options for CPU. Latterly Intel has been dominating the market for the value in a CPU. That is, while AMD may be less expensive, the power in the Intel is so much bigger that the higher cost is worth it.
This is one of the key questions that ever gaming PC builder considers – should I go AMD or Intel? AMD carries a type of rebel identify about it as they have always been at the heels of Intel, trying different things to move ahead. In the past they have succeeded – AMD provided the first client 64 bit CPU. While their CPUs are superb, and you can build a great system with them, Intel frequently wins out on overall performance.
Latterly AMD has attempted to gain a hand on Intel by building CPUs with true multiple cores bigger than 4. Now Intel’s highest CPU is a 4 core CPU with hyper-threading making 8 theoretical cores. AMD has offered the AMD bulldozer CPU providing a CPU with true 8 cores in the processor – the speculation being that communication between the 8 cores can be faster and more powerful than with a 4 core CPU with hyper-threading.
Their AMD bulldozer processor was an impressive attempt to create some difference in the market and provide a completely unique offering to fans. Sadly after the releasing of their bulldozer processor, testing has shown it to be unsatisfactory, and not even contesting with Intel’s mid range sandy bridge CPU.
This is primarily because there aren't any programs, operating systems or games which take advantage of more than 4 threads, let alone 8.
So while AMD has made a brilliant attempt at moving the industry forward, their bulldozer attempt has left them at a crossroads – currently AMD is looking to concentrate more on mobile applications. Current rumors surrounding win 8 say that Microsoft is adjusting the OS code to better support AMD’s architecture and in the next system software we may see an advantage for 8 core processors. Until then, Intel is king of the hill.
For 10 years, Joseph Robertson has been building PCs and helping folk learn the way to build PCs including subjects like the AMD Bulldozer CPU. Check out his blog for detailed info on the AMD Bulldozer CPU.