CPU, AMD vs Intel

grabbexi · 2013-09-14 11:26:01

What is the actual difference in performance between AMD and Intel CPUs in Linux, or even more specific: in Arch? Will there be many differences between distros?

I often run simulations (physics, engineering) in MATLAB and similar programs, but also use my PC (now portable) for tasks like browsing or writing reports etc. I assume that there will be performance differences between processors depending on programs and types of tasks, but how would buying the cheaper AMD affect calcuations (let's say that this is my main concern)? And a little bit off-topic maybe: Would it work ok for games under Windows? (Say BF3)

graysky · 2013-09-14 11:31:27

Highly workload dependent. Suggest you take to google...

EDIT: Ah, you said CPU. I want to change my answer: Intel. If you're talking GPUs, AMD can offer advantages in speed/cost over nvidia, but I misread.

Last edited by graysky (2013-09-14 11:39:24)

karol · 2013-09-14 11:34:10

Generally, Intel is better for modern games.

grabbexi · 2013-09-14 11:52:41

I appreciate the answer, but as you may have read karol games are not my main concern - even though I'd love some FPS from time to time! So now, simulations: Intel or AMD? Will there be a major difference in flops/sec?
Graysky, care to motivate?

graysky · 2013-09-14 11:58:56

grabbexi wrote:

Graysky, care to motivate?

You want me to search for something that doesn't interest me so you can have the answers spoonfed to you with no time spend on your part?

Last edited by graysky (2013-09-14 11:59:38)

Iranon · 2013-09-14 12:18:11

AMD CPUs at a given price point will usually be more powerful than their Intel competitors.

Much software, especially Windows games, tends to be better optimised for Intel processors. On the low end without a dedicated graphics card, more powerful integrated graphics lets AMD compete, at the high end Intel + nVidia is probably the way to go.

For mostly serious stuff with a side of light gaming, I'd probably go AMD... but yes, look up details yourself because you'll be the only one to
a) know what matters to you
b) care enough

Thaodan · 2013-09-14 13:32:40

Iranon wrote:

AMD CPUs at a given price point will usually be more powerful than their Intel competitors.

This was long time ago, today even an I3 is better than most AMD CPUs.
The only thing where AMD is their APUs.

mapintar · 2013-09-14 17:18:27

In my opinion, intel have a decent video drive for linux, and makes all the difference for desktop. I have a i5-2500k and use mesa-full-i965 package for AUR, and video is very fast and stable for office use (no game system). Suport for AMD or NVIDIA video in linux is poor at this time compared intel.

Last edited by mapintar (2013-09-14 17:18:45)

srs5694 · 2013-09-14 21:11:40

There are likely to be bigger differences within each manufacturer's lineup than between the manufacturers. Of course, the speed differences correlate with price within each line. Sometimes the price/performance curves for the two brands can cross -- one brand may win at the low end and the other may be better at the high end.

In the past, there have been significant price differences in motherboards and even in the RAM that they use, so to do a fair comparison, you need to include those components. You might find that $X will buy you a better CPU from Brand A than from Brand B, but if Brand A's motherboard is significantly more expensive, you could end up paying less for the same performance by buying Brand B. The last time I bought a new computer was about a year ago, so I'm not sure how this all plays out right now.

What all this boils down to is that you've got to do research on specific products. I recommend you set yourself a budget for the whole computer, or at least for those components that tend to be linked (typically CPU, motherboard, and RAM). You can then put together a few comparison products "on paper" and research the performance of the combinations you've "built."

graysky · 2013-09-16 09:21:29

@OP - As an aside, have a look at the repo-ck package stats on page 7 to see a break down of what packages users and downloading. The majority are Intel.

Arch Linux

#1 2013-09-14 11:26:01

CPU, AMD vs Intel

#2 2013-09-14 11:31:27

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#3 2013-09-14 11:34:10

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#4 2013-09-14 11:52:41

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#5 2013-09-14 11:58:56

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#6 2013-09-14 12:18:11

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#7 2013-09-14 13:32:40

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#8 2013-09-14 17:18:27

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#9 2013-09-14 21:11:40

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

#10 2013-09-16 09:21:29

Re: CPU, AMD vs Intel

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