Why Intel is Better than AMD
There is an inherent duality in all digital systems because of the binary digital logic it is based upon. Coincidentally, when choosing computer processors too, there is dual choice in the form of AMD and Intel. Both processor manufacturing giants have always been at war to conquer each other's turf. As of now, Intel has pipped AMD to deliver the best computer chips on the planet. What follows in this Buzzle article, is an analysis of why Intel is better than AMD and what are the changes made in its processor technology, that made this ultimate triumph possible.
About Computer Processors
Prior to presenting my argument on why Intel is the better choice compared to AMD, let me provide some basic information about the prime specifications that one should compare while choosing processors.
Clocking frequency, number of processor cores and cache memory size are the three important parameters you should know about. Clocking frequency determines the processing speed of the chip, making it the most vital specification. Besides this, number of cores do matter. More the cores, more is the processing speed of the computer, due to the workload sharing between the twin, quad or six cores (provided the software used has the ability to utilize multiple cores).
Cache memory and memory bandwidth, along with the power output, also have an impact on processing speed of the computer. By comparing Intel and AMD processors with respect to all these factors and studying the results of benchmark tests, I concluded that Intel is far ahead of AMD as of now, due to its superior technology. The factors which have given Intel an edge, have been discussed in the following lines.
Why is Intel Better Than AMD?
Intel implemented many major changes in the last three years which have enabled it to reconquer lost ground and get ahead in the race. Here are the prime hardware features which have contributed to the superior performance of Intel processors.
32 nm Architecture Gives Intel the Edge
The new 32 nm Westermere architecture adopted by Intel, for its core i3, core i5 and core i7 processors, lowers their power consumption, along with a significant improvement in output performance. Due to this 32 nm technology, more transistors can be etched on a single chip, which contributes to increase in computing speed. On the other hand, AMD is still dependent on the 45 nm architecture, which has a comparatively higher power consumption rate. This 32 nm based technology automatically provides Intel chips with an inherent performance advantage.
Intel Turbo Boost Technology Provides Dynamic Overclocking
The new core i5 and core i7 processors designed by Intel are based on the Turbo Boost technology, which can raise clocking frequency of a processor, on demand. All these processors have a base clocking frequency at which they normally operate which can be raised to a maximum Turbo Boost frequency, which can be achieved through dynamic overclocking. This technology has made it possible to provide phenomenal performance enhancement for Intel processors.
Intel Hyper-threading and Quick Path Interconnect Speed Up Performance
The new Hyperthreading technology developed by Intel enables parallel computing by multiple cores, which leads to a significant improvement in multitasking performance. Besides that, the Quick Path Interconnect (QPI) technology (which replaces the earlier front side bus facility responsible for data transfer between cores), provides a significant improvement in memory bandwidth, leading to faster data retrieval and faster processing.
Thus, Intel has reinvented its entire processing platform by shifting over to the 32 nm architecture, along with the launch of new technologies like Turbo Boost and Hyper Threading. This makes the six core i7 line to be the best processors on the planet, that can deliver superb computing performance. AMD, still stuck with its 45 nm architecture has a lot of catching up to do in the coming years. So if you are wondering which is better - Intel or AMD, right now, most votes will go to Intel. My suggestion would be to go for core i5 or latest core i7 processor lines which can provide you with the best computing performance.
