Is it even worth considering AMD?

[CAT-THE-FIFTH]

I couldn't agree more but I've read a few more and most (all, in fact. Nothing I've seen suggests any AMD CPU is comparitive to the equivilent Intel system) seem to agree. If we're taking Overclocking out of the equation (which I'm not into) AMD can't compete from what I've seen...

I tend not to agree with you here though. For one thing many of the AMD parts are actually clocked higher than the equivalent ones.Also you can get triple core processors for the price of dual core Intel parts which complicates things even further!!

Look at these reviews for example:

http://techreport.com/articles.x/16382/4

http://www.bit-tech.net/hardware/cpu...710-am3-cpus/5

The £120 Phenom II X3 720 with DDR2 is as fast or even faster in the games tested than the more expensive Q6700 and Q9300.

Remember that the Intel processors which are faster actually cost much more than the Phenom II X3 720 and 710 for example.

Check the prices for the processors including a heatsink and you will see why.

Also overclocking is not guaranteed with any processor. It depends on the other components in your PC too. For instance the Phenom II X3 720 has an unlocked multiplier which means it can overclock well with even a cheaper motherboard!

[shbris]

custom pc always remind you that your mileage may vary, they never claim 'this is what it can overclock to'

never really found fault with the magazine, although use bit-tech as a more up to date version of everything

(on a side note, i think bit-techs guide to monthly set ups is awesome)

[peterb]

Yes, it is worth buying AMD unless you have a really compelling reason for Intel, because you are helping to keep a competitive market, which helps drive down costs. If either AMD or Intel went bust, there would be no competition and the survivor could pretty much charge what they like.

[Behemoth]

All the pc's in my house now are AMD based, the only system thats not is my Laptop. It was all really based on the price of the stuff at the end of the day. I'd get more bang for my buck going for AMD and saving myself a few quid than going intel and having to buy new ram if i wanted to go core I7.

as for Custom PC, I've only ever bought it twice, and each time I just felt there was too much willy waving going on under the covers of that magazine.

[mikepegg]

get more bang for my buck going for AMD

With the recent AM3 into AM2+ boards this is now true.

Intel is perhaps more mainstream atm with its recent core 2 duo dominance so will be easier to find that exact matching component and support but with time it will all balance out.