AMD vs. Intel
A client of ours was interested in what part of a workstation decision was based on the chip manufacturer’s roadmap.
What is the Market Evaluation of the comparison between an Intel and a AMD CPU?
How do they compare in terms of Performance, Viability, Software Image Management, etc.?
For the same specifications, how much one should be cheaper than the other?
Roadmaps
If we take a look at the recent and proposed processor offerings, we should be able to get an idea of the traditional and potential direction of the manufacturers. In this way it should be possible to determine if there is a significant difference (in direction) that an enterprise should take into consideration before investing in one processor platform over another.
The following are some observations based on milestones.
01/07/10 Intel introduced its Arrandale chip, mobile version of the dual-core 32 nm Westmere line. It supports hyperthreading (four threads). It will be sold under the following names - Celeron P4xxx, Celeron U3xxx, Core i3-3xxM, Core i5-4xxM, Core i5-5xxUM, Core i5-5xxM, Core i7-6xxUM, Core i7-6xxLM, Core i7-6xxM. It includes the capability of supporting both basic processing and graphics.
12/21/09 Intel announced a new generation of the Atom processors which will exhibit lower power consumption (40%) than their predecessors.
09/23/09 Intel introduced the higher end quad-core (eight-thread) "Clarksfield" chip, which is sold under the Core i7 brand. It is sold under the following names - Core i7-7xxQM, Core i7-8xxQM, Core i7-9xxXM. It is a mobile chip that is faster than any other mobile chip released at that time.
Recent Intel processor releases demonstrate the focus on mobile computing and the realization that as the demand for applications increases (as per iPhone and iPad), more processing power will be needed to compete on mobile platforms.
In addition, the shift from single to multi-core processors is also in response to multi-processing requirements.
As expected, many of the older processors, especially the ultra low voltage, will be around for a while due to the need for extended battery life.
Intel has also historically focused on different processing/price points to meet the demands of the low/medium/high market.
05/12/10 AMD introduced the Danube processor. This is aimed at the mobile market and has single, dual and quad core versions. It also contains graphics capabilities as well.
05/12/10 AMD announced additions to the Nile Platform. Code named “Geneva”, it is aimed at the ultra-thin mobile market.
2011 AMD is expected to release a number of new processors that focus on more processing power, more memory and ultra-portable support.
Concurrently, AMD has released processors that focus on the mobile market, multi core processing, and graphics. Historically, AMD has excelled in the graphics, gaming market.
In addition, AMD is focusing on the ultra-portable, ultra-thin market.
AMD has also historically focused on different processing/price points to meet the demands of the low/medium/high market.
Experture believes that there are not any significant distinctions between Intel and AMD roadmaps. Both of these vendors have historically followed market demands very closely.
Processing Power Comparison
Using the CPU information provided by the customer, Experture collected processing power information for comparison. Listed below are the results.
It appears that the “best” CPUs for the four different uses/users are:
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Mini Tower – Intel single core I5-660;
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Standard Desktop – Intel single core I3-530;
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Developers Laptop – AMD quad Phenom II N930;
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Standard Laptop – Intel single I5-520M.
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AMD vs. Intel
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Performance Comparison*
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Manufacturer
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Core
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Model
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Speed
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Use
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CPU Mark*
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Rank*
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Intel
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Single
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I5
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3.33
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Mini Twr
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3124
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106
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Intel
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Single
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I5-660
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3.33
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Mini Twr
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3114
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107
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Intel
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Single
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I3
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2.93
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Desktop
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2715
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130
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Intel
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Single
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I3-530
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2.93
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Desktop
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2715
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130
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AMD
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Quad
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Phenom II N930
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2.10
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Dev LT
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2496
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143
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Intel
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Single
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I5-540m
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3.06
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Dev LT
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2461
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146
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Intel
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Single
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I5-520m
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2.93
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Stnd LT
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2444
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147
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Intel
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2 Duo
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Penryn
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2.80
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Dev LT
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1906
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195
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Intel
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2 Duo
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Penryn
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2.66
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Stnd LT
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1810
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212
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AMD
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Single
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Athlon II X2 B24
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3.00
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Desktop
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1690
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230
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AMD
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Single
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Phenom II X2 B55
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3.00
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Mini Twr
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1686
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232
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AMD
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Dual
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Turion II P520
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2.30
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Stnd LT
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1371
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300
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*PassMark Software CPU Benchmarks, http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu_list.php
The Bottom Line – Regardless of manufacturer, the price/performance ratio of different CPUs varies over time. As demonstrated the historic and future direction of Intel and AMD are not that different.
Since the processor isn’t the only factor to consider, Experture suggests a holistic approach when choosing an appropriate workstation. In Experture’s opinion, price negotiation is based on the workstation vendor (Dell, HP, Lenovo) and not on the CPU manufacturer. The customer should focus on the workstation itself and the features, support plans, price discounts, and longetivity.
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http://www.experture.com/; Contact: inquiry@experture.com
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