INTEL VS AMD AND YOUR CPU. WHICH SHOULD YOU CHOOSE?

CPU'S EXPLAINED

A CPU or Central Processing Unit is much like the brain of your computer. It’s responsible for every task you give your computer. At this point, the average user has already switched off and is now reading an email or liking a Facebook status. The remainder of you reading will range from computer enthusiasts to programmers and IT Professionals.
In 2015 a battle still rages on between  enthusiasts and professionals on which CPU is the best. Much like the competition between Apple OS X and Microsoft last decade these comparisons are not entirely fair.*1 To compare Intel with AMD would be like comparing oranges and bananas, both are fruits, both are nutritious and both provide sustenance .

As computers get smaller and their power increases, the argument that both Intel and AMD have had their day. Despite their activity in the laptop and embedded markets, many modern devices today use ARM embedded CPU’s. Smaller, cheaper and faster they can be found in everything from your GPS, Smartphone, Tablet and more. *2

Intel (INTegrated ELectronics) was founded in 1968 and responsible for the first integrated circuits and RAM (Random Access Memory). In the 1980’s they partnered with IBM to supply microprocessors for their personal computers. This partnership grew throughout the 80’s and 90’s to become the dominant supplier of CPU’s while continuing to focus on high-end servers. In addition to changes in the market, antitrust lawsuits and competition from AMD, Intel’s growth and market share shrunk during the 2000’s. Since 2007 Intel has once again regained its standing as the leader in supplying CPU'S for personal computers.
AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) was established in 1969 as a second supplier of semiconductors for the United States Military. In 1980 during IBM’s development of the personal computer, IBM approved Intel as a CPU provider on the condition shared it’s technology with AMD over a 10 year period, yet only lasted 4. Throughout the 80’s AMD continued to manufacture Intel cloned CPU until the early 90’s which proved successful resulting in exclusive agreements with manufacturers such as Compaq.  AMD grew to quick prominence in the 90’s and early 2000’s due to lower costs and unique features such as overclocking.



With the internet allowing connectivity like never before, it’s easy to find content which review and report on the differences between AMD and Intel. Arguments may include the initial cost, the ability to overclock, durability, compatibility, power consumption to even the response times. These reviews and comparisons will eventually take you back to your original question, which is better? AMD or Intel.

This is purely a personal choice. The majority of consumers won't have a choice of CPU's when purchasing a PC or Laptop. Manufacturers and retailers will often offer some systems with INTEL and others with AMD.
If the computer is for daily use e.g. emails, social media and word processing then there is no need to research CPU's. However, if you require a high powered computer for video editing then you should definitely research the right CPU to suit your needs. IT professionals will have their own preference.

Stating one is better than the other depends on your personal requirements as a Gamer will have different requirements than a Graphic Designer, Software Engineer and so on. Both have excellent features and will do the same basic tasks. *3


In conclusion, your choice of AMD or Intel is a personal preference, the best form of research is to ask users (friends or colleges) who use their computer for similar tasks and obtain their positive and negative feedback.

While more expensive, Intel CPU’s have historically been more reliable, more durable and have fewer issues compatibility. In addition Intel and it’s community provide excellent customer support.
1:A graphic designer may prefer Microsoft over Apple, despite Apple’s marketing campaign promoting it as the only choice for creative professionals. The team at General Gaming prefer Apple, however, Photoshop on Windows is almost identical on Apple.

2:AMD and Intel use the CISC method of processing completing one task at a time, despite the term multitasking. ARM uses RISC which processes multiple tasks at once.

3:Different users have different requirements. A graphic designer will focus more on graphics capabilities e.g. (GPU cores) as opposed to an Audio Engineer who requires fast processing (CPU and Ram) and a large amount of storage.   

Historical information and images are sourced from Wikipedia.
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