Thinking about a new PC laptop ... have always thought Intel-pentium was better (faster, quality?) than AMD ...Now I see Intel-core instead, so am guessing that's the next generation up from the Pentium (or not, tech-stupid here)Can someone explain the difference - it's it same technology and different brand for the processor?And what in general do I look for? We use it to write (MSWord - Excel) and process photos ... and minimal artwork production, just enough for personal website. No gaming, no other special 'stuff' ... just very basic PC use.Speed is probably more important, as lots of photos processing and website searching ... but nothing technical and complicated.Would prefer the major name brands rather than 'save a buck' off-brands. We're caring more about quality of the product that an inexpensive. Although am not interested in over-spending either.

I am getting a new one too. My computer guru says that the i5 is one of the best processors. in fact i3 or higher is what he says I should get. I got the i5 so it should be all I want or need . it really doesn't make any diff for me, I don't know how to use it to it's fullest any way.

I have always been a diehard Intel Processor user then I tried an AMD quad core processor and so far been quite impressed with it. Basic use is Excel, Word, Filemaker Pro, some photo editing, listening to music and some videos. Overall I am very impressed with it. The following link should give you an overview of the AMD product line. Hope it helps in your decision.AMD Model Numbers and Feature Comparison

When I was building my desktop I looked at the latest in Intel and AMD. I went with AMD as I got a lot more for what I was paying - and went with a 6 core AMD chip. I built another desktop for my wife who does more basic computing tasks than I do, and used an AMD quad core processor. I am very impressed with the speed and reliability of both of these chips. Whatever Intel comes out with AMD will come out with similar - and the same holds true for AMD coming up with something that Intel will follow with. Each calls the same process that their processing chips do something different but in the end there is no difference.

Is the processor what give it more speed, and what 'reading' in the specs tells you which is faster?

I, too, used to only get Intel processors, but my latest desktop, HP with A10 5700 processor 3.4 GHz with 10 GB of memory does everything I need and quickly. Very happy with the graphics side of it. I like to do fly-over on Google Earth, and this computer handles it very well and has never frozen up because I was "flying" to fast.I keep my desktop about 5-6 yrs, so I started with the fastest, for the money.

intel-core vs AMD | Good Sam Community

24 Replies

strollin
Explorer
May 14, 2013
Microsoft has already announced Windows 8.1 and confirmed that it will be a free upgrade. Rumors are that it will bring back the Start Button and that it will have the option to boot directly to the desktop. It is supposed to be available in the October time frame so I wouldn't be too quick to dump Win 8 and return to Win 7.

Microsoft confirms Windows 8.1 is a free upgrade
bwanshoom
Explorer
May 14, 2013
You might check out this video which gives you a quick overview of navigating around. There's also a longer one linked at the end if you need more detailed help.
monkey44
Nomad II
May 14, 2013
With Wdw8, I can't figure out how to 'return' to anything. Working on a photo, can't do the "forward' to the next one, it always goes back to the 'mother page' and then I have to hit wdw button again. So, once I figure out how to elude the 'always to the mother page' then it probably won't matter.

But there seems to be NO 'return' to anything except the web pages. The screen just stays a blank, and no icons to go anywhere. On the right side, there are a couple, but they don't return either. Pretty puzzling at this point.

Am almost ready to dump this Wdw8 and install my Wdw7 on this one - but will give it a few more learning days.
zman-az
Explorer
May 14, 2013
As mentioned processor is only part of the speed. Motherboard, video card, memory and hard drive make a difference. The new SSD's are a game changer in computer speed.
LittleBill
Explorer
May 14, 2013
i have gotten to the point with win8, where u don't even know its not win7(modified)

no metro nothing, just back to basic

i think they feel no one is a power user anymore
monkey44
Nomad II
May 14, 2013
Well, homework always helps ... asked a couple tech friends too, and then went to Best Buy and bought a Toshiba Intel-core i5 15" laptop... and like it just fine, although at the moment, my choice would be throw Windows 8 in the trash can. They had a 17" i7 - but somehow, it seems too awkward that large. If we want to carry that monster around, might as well get a suitcase and cart a desktop ...

But maybe once I learn some of W-8 (the parts I need) may change my mind, but at the moment it seems too much like some Tech Whiz dreamed it up and expects everyone to know how it works and it has lots of web squares in the main page that I'll never use ... and it does some things and I ask "why?" ... as it's less effective than Windows 7, and nothing will ever beat XP ... as soon as I learn one (reasonably) my PC fails and gotta learn another one.

But I like the Laptop just fine - very quick, clear, very functional, and it's certainly has enough room ... got a couple issues I'll ask on a new thread.
So, thanks for the advice ... happy camping!
deleted-2
Explorer
May 14, 2013
Another AMD user here.

Nothing against Intel iSeries other than cost.
joebedford
Nomad II
May 14, 2013
OP: given what you use it for, either processor will be fine. I would guess that ANY system you buy now will be sufficient for your processing needs.

My machine has an AMD hex core which is wasted most of the time.
1492
Moderator
May 14, 2013
Personally, I prefer Intel based notebooks. My experience with AMD notebook processors is that they tend to run hotter, fan runs more often, especially with CPU intensive applications.

However, all my self assembled desktops use AMD processors. IMO, they represent a better value versus performance.
Flyfisherman128
Explorer
May 14, 2013
Is the processor what give it more speed, and what 'reading' in the specs tells you which is faster?

The system as a whole gives you speed. Fast processor alone doesn't give you speed. To move the information across your motherboard efficiently you need a big frontside bus. To quickly free up the processor you need a fast graphics card. To retrieve stored information fast you need a fast hard drive. One under sized component will cause an processing bottle neck and bog down the fastest processor.