Hello friends,frankly speaking i haven't been much of a techie who would happen to know the entire computer inside out. Infact, a couple of years back if you would have asked me what's a motherboard, i would have stood there like a dumb fellow....trying to figure out what could be the least embarrassing way to get out of this mess !!! :P :)
But now times have changed and my own need for a desktop made me surf the internet day and night just to know what would be the basic components, (you see unless i have at least a basic knowledge, i couldn't ask my friends for their opinions and if i did, i would have ended up becoming a laughing stock among them), without which if i would've gone to buy a desktop...i was pretty sure i would've been taken for a ride. So finally armed with my so called ''basic" knowledge of computers, i consulted some of my friends and also a couple of my cousins, after which i realized there's more to it than meets the eye when it comes to computers. So it was during this learning phase of mine that i came across two big names in the hunt for a good processor (Central.Processing.Unit), namely, Intel-a name which needs no introduction and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)-almost on par with Intel on familiarity. So searching any content available on Intel and AMD, i came across hordes of information which i wish to compress and share with those guys who like me, had a tough time figuring computers, particularly processors !!!
Introduction
Intel
Founded on July 18, 1968 by Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce, Intel is a name which anyone having a basic knowledge of computers, would be aware of. Having a variety of products that ensured optimum performance which came with a heavy price tag that didn't seem a bad bargain enabled them to sell their products like hot cakes and thus helping them grab a huge market share. Since 1971, Intel has developed numerous microprocessors under the range of 4-bit processors, 8-bit processors, bit-slice processors, 16-bit processors, 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors (phew…quite a long list, don’t you think…..well the microprocessors under these range are even more !!!). However it is the latest Intel core I Series (i3, i5 and i7) that we’ll be talking about as these are the new rage in the market !!!
After the success of Dual core, Core 2 duo and Quad core and Core 2 extreme processors, came the launch of the much talked about Intel Core I series which came equipped with an integrated DDR3 memory controller, Quickpath Interconnect(PCI Express), and Direct Media Interface alongwith 256 KB L2 cache per core, plus up to 12 MB shared level 3 cache. The three variants of this series consisted of i3 (low level), i5 (mid range) and i7( high end performance) processors. However, chipsets and mainboards from previous generations could no longer be used with these processors, since they functioned on DDR2 and these processors used DDR3 in their input/output interconnectivity.
The First Generation I Series was launched in 2010, which is based on Intel’s Nehalem Microarchitecture. The first generation included four variants of core i3 processors, eight of core i5, and five of core i7. Core i3 processors are considered to be the cheapest low end processors when compared to the other members of the 1st generation family, which are Core i5 and Core i7 as it did not support the Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology, which allows the processor to increase the clock speed when needed.
Launched in 2011, the Second generation of I Series, is based on Sandybridge Microarchitecture of Intel . These are the first Core i3 processors to integrate the processor, memory controller and graphics on the same die, making the package comparatively smaller. As compared to the first gen, the second generation comprises of one Core i7 Extreme Edition processor, twelve Core i7 processors, twelve Core i5 processors and four Core i3 processors. These include several new features to enhance graphics performance. Intel Quick Sync Video enables faster video transcoding by performing encoding in hardware. Intel InTru 3D / Clear Video HD allow playing stereoscopic 3D and HD content on a TV using HDMI. WiDi 2.0 enables streaming of full HD with the 2nd generation processors.
Advanced Micro Devices(AMD)
On May 1, 1969, a group of eight people(Jerry Sanders III, Ed Turney, John Carey, Sven Simonsen, Jack Gifford, Frank Botte, Jim Giles, and Larry Stenger) founded Advanced Micro Devices, known as AMD, which produced logic chips. It later on ventured into the production of RAM chips and Microprocessors. On July 24, 2004, AMD announced the acquisition of ATI Technologies, a semiconductor technology corporation that specialized in the development of graphics processing units and chipsets, thereby making its presence known in the graphic processing industry as well. Known to produce processors that are cheaper than Intel without compromising on the performance, along with a good value for money, AMD is the arch rival of Intel and has its own share of fans throughout the world. It is said that AMD processors are ideal for gaming and is preferred over Intel by most of the gamers. And in AMD, Phenom 2 is going to be the point of discussion, considering its popularity and it giving a head-on competition to Intel.
Using the K10 microarchitecture, Phenom 2 is a series of multicore 45 nm processors. Unlike its predecessor Phenom, the Phenom 2 triples the shared L3 cache size from 2MB (in the original Phenom line) to 6MB, which leads to high benchmark performance of 30%. One of the salient features of Phenom 2 is that it’s Socket AM3 versions are backward compatible with Socket AM2, provided the motherboard manufacture supplies the BIOS updates. Also, unlike Intel, the memory controller of Phenom 2 supports both DDR3 as well as DDR2, enabling users with previous processors to upgrade their processors without the need of changing the motherboard or memory. Therefore, it is possible to pair Socket AM3 with DDR2, which is not possible in the case of Intel. AMD claims the “Black Edition” processors are "designed to help you unleash the maximum potential of your system with tunable performance." With the core multiplier unlocked, the user is free to modify the CPU speed as per the need or requirement. For Instance if not all cores are needed, the processor will automatically overclock up to half of the cores by up to 500 MHz, leaving the other half idle. In turn, when the application demands more than half of the cores, the processor will run on standard clock rate and with all cores enabled.
Unlike Intel, Phenom 2 has its series of processors distinguished under 5 different categories based on the number of cores, i.e, Hexa Core(6 cores), Quad Core(4 cores), Tri Core(3 cores) and Dual Core(2 cores); namely, Thuban(Hexa core), Zosma(Quad core), Deneb(Quad core), Heka(Tri core) and Callisto(Dual core).
And also, last but not the least,
Phenom II 42 TWKR(Quad Core) is a limited edition (only less than hundred units were produced) Deneb(Quad Core) based processor for extreme overclocking and performance. Known as the “42”, this beast has four cores running at 2 GHz (neat huh)
That’s all for the introduction……….now lets get on with the most exciting part…AMD versus Intel. Now, there’s a long list of processors when it comes to both Intel as well as AMD. So to make things easier, the very best processor Intel and AMD has to offer, will be pitted against each other.
The best Intel has in its range would be Intel Core i7 2600K, on the other hand, AMD’s best processor would be Phenom 2 X6 1100T (Black Edition). The details of the above two processors are given below in the table.
Name AMD Phenom2 X6 1100T Intel Core i7 2600K
Code Name Thuban Sandybridge
Socket AM3 938 1155 LGA
Technology 45 nm 32 nm
Core Voltage 1.308V 1.208V
Core Speed 3.3 GHz 3.5 GHz
Bus Speed 200.7 MHz 99.8 MHz
Cores 6 4
Threads 6 8
Price INR 13,000 INR 18,500
The Processors
Intel Core i7 2600K
Operating at a 3.40 GHz alongwith a turbo-boost frequency of 3.80 GHz, Intel core i7 comes equipped with 4 cores with 8 concurrent threads while using hyper threading and is designed to work with DDR3 memory along with 8MB L3 Cache.This quad core monster comes in two versions, namely;the "K" model(i7 2600k) which has its clock multiplier unlocked, enabling you to overclock the processor as per your requirement; and the standard model with the locked core multiplier.Hyper threading technology, Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP),integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller, Hypertransport Bus Speed,built in HD 3000 Graphics are some of the other features that this i7 has in its arsenal.
AMD Phenom2 X6 1100T Black Edition
Based on "Thuban Architecture', Phenom 2 x6 1100T BE(Black Edition) has six cores operating at 3.3 GHz, which is 100MHz faster than its predecessor.Also the Turbo Core technology of Hexa core has been increased by 100 MHz thereby enabling it to reach as high as 3.7 GHz.With an unlocked clock multiplier like Intel, and also Turbo Core( Similar to Intel's Turbo Boost), 1100T allows the system to increase the speed of some cores automatically. For instance, if it is heavily loaded on 2 cores with the other 4 cores remaining idle, the speed of the 2 cores with the load is increased to a maximum of 3.7 GHz while maintaining the 125w limit.This does'nt require the user to do anything and would pass wihougt being noticed by the operating system. What is remarkable is that any combination of the hexa core can be increased in this manner without limiting to any single or groups of cores.
Intel Core i7 2600K vs AMD Phenom2 X6 1100T Black Edition
Frankly speaking, it is said that Intel Core i7 2600K has no direct comparison when it comes to performance. Infact the closest competition to the performance of 2600K is again a flagship model of its i7 family, namely, Intel Core i7 2500K !!! Although, it is not only performance, but also price that varies drastically between 2600K and 1100T.
Intel 2600K, which comes equipped with Hyper Threading, provides an unmatchable threading and enables the smoothest hassle-free multi-tasking. One the other hand, AMD's Phenom 2 X6 1100T has surprised all by providing a considerable improvement from its predecessors, but still has a long way to go when compared against what Intel has to offer. However, Intel has its own share of flaws.
Firstly in order to get the performance claimed by 2600K, the processor cannot be just put into any available motherboard(not even previous Sandybridge motherboards). It means you need to get a specific motherboard just to get the processor running in top performance.Thus getting and Intel 2600K processor and a compatible motherboard might just cost you a fortune. Another flaw 2600 has is that since it has a DDR3 memory controller, all the previous flagship models having DDR2 becomes obsolete for 2600K. But unlike Intel, AMD's 1100T has a memory controller DDR3 which is backwards compatible, i.e, it is compatible with DDR2 as well and also it does'nt require a specific motherboard to unleash its full potential, thus saving you a lot of money, which could be used on some other components.
Although it is true that 1100T does provide a performance that cannot match 2600K, there has been a debate that the performance given by 2600K is hardly rendered necessary. Infact, it is been said that for gaming Intel's 2500K is more preferred than 2600K since there is hardly a couple of games that uses all the threads.
Thus in a nutshell, if you are not concerned about price but require a high end configuration that leaves no stone unturned for high graphic games and also uninterrupted game,image and video editing, then Intel Core i7 2600K is what you are looking for, which provides you an unmatchable performance with a steep price. On the other hand, if you are looking for a great performance without creating a big hole in your pocket and would be interested in a good value for money, then go for AMD's Phenom 2 X6 1100T Black Edition.
For a more detailed comparison, check out the following video.
For more information, check out the following sites.
http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=794&page=13
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-2600K+%40+3.40GHz
But now times have changed and my own need for a desktop made me surf the internet day and night just to know what would be the basic components, (you see unless i have at least a basic knowledge, i couldn't ask my friends for their opinions and if i did, i would have ended up becoming a laughing stock among them), without which if i would've gone to buy a desktop...i was pretty sure i would've been taken for a ride. So finally armed with my so called ''basic" knowledge of computers, i consulted some of my friends and also a couple of my cousins, after which i realized there's more to it than meets the eye when it comes to computers. So it was during this learning phase of mine that i came across two big names in the hunt for a good processor (Central.Processing.Unit), namely, Intel-a name which needs no introduction and AMD (Advanced Micro Devices)-almost on par with Intel on familiarity. So searching any content available on Intel and AMD, i came across hordes of information which i wish to compress and share with those guys who like me, had a tough time figuring computers, particularly processors !!!
Introduction
Intel
Founded on July 18, 1968 by Gordon Moore and Robert Noyce, Intel is a name which anyone having a basic knowledge of computers, would be aware of. Having a variety of products that ensured optimum performance which came with a heavy price tag that didn't seem a bad bargain enabled them to sell their products like hot cakes and thus helping them grab a huge market share. Since 1971, Intel has developed numerous microprocessors under the range of 4-bit processors, 8-bit processors, bit-slice processors, 16-bit processors, 32-bit processors and 64-bit processors (phew…quite a long list, don’t you think…..well the microprocessors under these range are even more !!!). However it is the latest Intel core I Series (i3, i5 and i7) that we’ll be talking about as these are the new rage in the market !!! After the success of Dual core, Core 2 duo and Quad core and Core 2 extreme processors, came the launch of the much talked about Intel Core I series which came equipped with an integrated DDR3 memory controller, Quickpath Interconnect(PCI Express), and Direct Media Interface alongwith 256 KB L2 cache per core, plus up to 12 MB shared level 3 cache. The three variants of this series consisted of i3 (low level), i5 (mid range) and i7( high end performance) processors. However, chipsets and mainboards from previous generations could no longer be used with these processors, since they functioned on DDR2 and these processors used DDR3 in their input/output interconnectivity.
The First Generation I Series was launched in 2010, which is based on Intel’s Nehalem Microarchitecture. The first generation included four variants of core i3 processors, eight of core i5, and five of core i7. Core i3 processors are considered to be the cheapest low end processors when compared to the other members of the 1st generation family, which are Core i5 and Core i7 as it did not support the Intel’s Turbo Boost Technology, which allows the processor to increase the clock speed when needed.
Launched in 2011, the Second generation of I Series, is based on Sandybridge Microarchitecture of Intel . These are the first Core i3 processors to integrate the processor, memory controller and graphics on the same die, making the package comparatively smaller. As compared to the first gen, the second generation comprises of one Core i7 Extreme Edition processor, twelve Core i7 processors, twelve Core i5 processors and four Core i3 processors. These include several new features to enhance graphics performance. Intel Quick Sync Video enables faster video transcoding by performing encoding in hardware. Intel InTru 3D / Clear Video HD allow playing stereoscopic 3D and HD content on a TV using HDMI. WiDi 2.0 enables streaming of full HD with the 2nd generation processors.
Advanced Micro Devices(AMD)
On May 1, 1969, a group of eight people(Jerry Sanders III, Ed Turney, John Carey, Sven Simonsen, Jack Gifford, Frank Botte, Jim Giles, and Larry Stenger) founded Advanced Micro Devices, known as AMD, which produced logic chips. It later on ventured into the production of RAM chips and Microprocessors. On July 24, 2004, AMD announced the acquisition of ATI Technologies, a semiconductor technology corporation that specialized in the development of graphics processing units and chipsets, thereby making its presence known in the graphic processing industry as well. Known to produce processors that are cheaper than Intel without compromising on the performance, along with a good value for money, AMD is the arch rival of Intel and has its own share of fans throughout the world. It is said that AMD processors are ideal for gaming and is preferred over Intel by most of the gamers. And in AMD, Phenom 2 is going to be the point of discussion, considering its popularity and it giving a head-on competition to Intel.Using the K10 microarchitecture, Phenom 2 is a series of multicore 45 nm processors. Unlike its predecessor Phenom, the Phenom 2 triples the shared L3 cache size from 2MB (in the original Phenom line) to 6MB, which leads to high benchmark performance of 30%. One of the salient features of Phenom 2 is that it’s Socket AM3 versions are backward compatible with Socket AM2, provided the motherboard manufacture supplies the BIOS updates. Also, unlike Intel, the memory controller of Phenom 2 supports both DDR3 as well as DDR2, enabling users with previous processors to upgrade their processors without the need of changing the motherboard or memory. Therefore, it is possible to pair Socket AM3 with DDR2, which is not possible in the case of Intel. AMD claims the “Black Edition” processors are "designed to help you unleash the maximum potential of your system with tunable performance." With the core multiplier unlocked, the user is free to modify the CPU speed as per the need or requirement. For Instance if not all cores are needed, the processor will automatically overclock up to half of the cores by up to 500 MHz, leaving the other half idle. In turn, when the application demands more than half of the cores, the processor will run on standard clock rate and with all cores enabled.
Unlike Intel, Phenom 2 has its series of processors distinguished under 5 different categories based on the number of cores, i.e, Hexa Core(6 cores), Quad Core(4 cores), Tri Core(3 cores) and Dual Core(2 cores); namely, Thuban(Hexa core), Zosma(Quad core), Deneb(Quad core), Heka(Tri core) and Callisto(Dual core).
And also, last but not the least,
Phenom II 42 TWKR(Quad Core) is a limited edition (only less than hundred units were produced) Deneb(Quad Core) based processor for extreme overclocking and performance. Known as the “42”, this beast has four cores running at 2 GHz (neat huh)
That’s all for the introduction……….now lets get on with the most exciting part…AMD versus Intel. Now, there’s a long list of processors when it comes to both Intel as well as AMD. So to make things easier, the very best processor Intel and AMD has to offer, will be pitted against each other.
The best Intel has in its range would be Intel Core i7 2600K, on the other hand, AMD’s best processor would be Phenom 2 X6 1100T (Black Edition). The details of the above two processors are given below in the table.
Name AMD Phenom2 X6 1100T Intel Core i7 2600K
Code Name Thuban Sandybridge
Socket AM3 938 1155 LGA
Technology 45 nm 32 nm
Core Voltage 1.308V 1.208V
Core Speed 3.3 GHz 3.5 GHz
Bus Speed 200.7 MHz 99.8 MHz
Cores 6 4
Threads 6 8
Price INR 13,000 INR 18,500
The Processors
Intel Core i7 2600K
Operating at a 3.40 GHz alongwith a turbo-boost frequency of 3.80 GHz, Intel core i7 comes equipped with 4 cores with 8 concurrent threads while using hyper threading and is designed to work with DDR3 memory along with 8MB L3 Cache.This quad core monster comes in two versions, namely;the "K" model(i7 2600k) which has its clock multiplier unlocked, enabling you to overclock the processor as per your requirement; and the standard model with the locked core multiplier.Hyper threading technology, Integrated Graphics Processor (IGP),integrated PCI Express 2.0 controller, Hypertransport Bus Speed,built in HD 3000 Graphics are some of the other features that this i7 has in its arsenal.
AMD Phenom2 X6 1100T Black Edition
Based on "Thuban Architecture', Phenom 2 x6 1100T BE(Black Edition) has six cores operating at 3.3 GHz, which is 100MHz faster than its predecessor.Also the Turbo Core technology of Hexa core has been increased by 100 MHz thereby enabling it to reach as high as 3.7 GHz.With an unlocked clock multiplier like Intel, and also Turbo Core( Similar to Intel's Turbo Boost), 1100T allows the system to increase the speed of some cores automatically. For instance, if it is heavily loaded on 2 cores with the other 4 cores remaining idle, the speed of the 2 cores with the load is increased to a maximum of 3.7 GHz while maintaining the 125w limit.This does'nt require the user to do anything and would pass wihougt being noticed by the operating system. What is remarkable is that any combination of the hexa core can be increased in this manner without limiting to any single or groups of cores.
Intel Core i7 2600K vs AMD Phenom2 X6 1100T Black Edition
Frankly speaking, it is said that Intel Core i7 2600K has no direct comparison when it comes to performance. Infact the closest competition to the performance of 2600K is again a flagship model of its i7 family, namely, Intel Core i7 2500K !!! Although, it is not only performance, but also price that varies drastically between 2600K and 1100T.
Intel 2600K, which comes equipped with Hyper Threading, provides an unmatchable threading and enables the smoothest hassle-free multi-tasking. One the other hand, AMD's Phenom 2 X6 1100T has surprised all by providing a considerable improvement from its predecessors, but still has a long way to go when compared against what Intel has to offer. However, Intel has its own share of flaws.
Firstly in order to get the performance claimed by 2600K, the processor cannot be just put into any available motherboard(not even previous Sandybridge motherboards). It means you need to get a specific motherboard just to get the processor running in top performance.Thus getting and Intel 2600K processor and a compatible motherboard might just cost you a fortune. Another flaw 2600 has is that since it has a DDR3 memory controller, all the previous flagship models having DDR2 becomes obsolete for 2600K. But unlike Intel, AMD's 1100T has a memory controller DDR3 which is backwards compatible, i.e, it is compatible with DDR2 as well and also it does'nt require a specific motherboard to unleash its full potential, thus saving you a lot of money, which could be used on some other components.
Although it is true that 1100T does provide a performance that cannot match 2600K, there has been a debate that the performance given by 2600K is hardly rendered necessary. Infact, it is been said that for gaming Intel's 2500K is more preferred than 2600K since there is hardly a couple of games that uses all the threads.
Thus in a nutshell, if you are not concerned about price but require a high end configuration that leaves no stone unturned for high graphic games and also uninterrupted game,image and video editing, then Intel Core i7 2600K is what you are looking for, which provides you an unmatchable performance with a steep price. On the other hand, if you are looking for a great performance without creating a big hole in your pocket and would be interested in a good value for money, then go for AMD's Phenom 2 X6 1100T Black Edition.
For a more detailed comparison, check out the following video.
For more information, check out the following sites.
http://www.pureoverclock.com/review.php?id=794&page=13
http://www.cpubenchmark.net/cpu.php?cpu=Intel+Core+i7-2600K+%40+3.40GHz
