The three similar computers

In case of a computer, it’s the CPU's or Processors which forms the brain of the PC.

Various CPUs work in different way and are not interchangeable which clearly demarcates the extremity and hence the way they work. When it comes to desktop processors, there have been continuous arguments that which computer is the best. The final question may scale down to just one question which is nothing but “which CPU offers the best performance for the kind of work one has to do?Hence in order provide an answer to the above mentioned question, this document has been developed with sole purpose being to let a normal user know about various technical aspects of a processor and how one processor is better than other over a particular aspect (Apong, 2008). The analysis has been based on two parameters with first one being the processors for Gaming purpose while the second one being the processors for high-end zone.Three computers based on processors Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770, Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 and AMD Phenom X4 9950 are being compared for two main parameters with first one being the gaming use and the second one being the powerhouse like processing capacity. The first parameter is based on user’s need for a gaming PC.

The processors are here characterized by the kind of visual and FPS performance they provide. Here the performance of both CPU and video card need to be sync with each other.Quad core processors by both AMD and Intel namely Core 2 Extreme QX9770 or AMD’s Phenom X4 9950, have been considered as an extraordinary step and has shifted the actual focus from Intel Core 2 Duo E8500. As the PC in this case is meant for serious gamers, hence systems with integrated graphics is to be avoided and hence a board with dual PCI Express x16 slots with a full 16 PCI express lanes each. The best of the three in this case is the Core 2 Extreme QX9770. This assessment is in sharp contrast to what has been understood till now.

Right from the beginning, it used to be AMD CPUs considered as the processors for serious gamer.But due to lower clock speed per core, AMD processors have faded into oblivion. The Phenom X4 9950 has been a no-match to Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 in dual-core compatible games. The difference in the performance expands further when AMD’s Phenoms are compared with Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9770 (Apong, 2008). The second parameter is based on high end zone where PCs are no less than ultimate high end systems. Here the actual user belongs to the power user crowd.

The PCs are now professional machines used as tools for 3D-rendering, video processing, heavy duty graphical designing etc.Apart from these they have to handle other processing power hungry applications like MS Office, web browsers etc. The options provided by both AMD and Intel in this category are Dual- core as well as Quad-core processors but if models are being talked about then the choice for discussion zeroes down to Intel’s Core 2 Extreme QX9770 or AMD’s Phenom X4 9950 processor (Tom’s Hardware DE, 2008). Now, under above mentioned architecture, the fastest processor from Intel platform is the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 manufactured on a 45 nm process consisting of two dual-core processors with frequency of each of them being 3. GHz The two CPUs have access to 6 MB shared L2 cache.Hence with four computing cores and 12 MB of L2 cache, the processor boasts of the cumulative (FSB) front side bus 1600 MHz effective with each of the processor capable of 400 MHz frequency.

But despite being developed on 45nm manufacturing process, Intel’s processors have been extremely power hungry with QX9970 model having 136 watt TDP. From AMD desk, its always been a catching game. Their processor architecture has been in a continuous updating mode so as to achieve higher clock speed so that it could keep itself competitive in PC processor market dominated mainly by Intel.As their fastest processor being the Phenom X4 9950 clocks at 2. 60 GHz, but its been the slashed prices that have made AMD CPUs inexpensive enough to compete its top end product with Intel’s mid-class products.

As, AMD manufacturing process is still at 65 nanometers, the power consumption by the processor gets an extreme hike when clock speed of the processor is ramped up. The operating power requirement of a 2. 50 GHz clocked quad-core Phenom X4 9950 is 125 watts (Tom’s Hardware DE, 2008). Hence, depending on the form of usage and the budget of the possible buyer, the answer for the question Intel vs. AMD gets changed.In categories like Gamers’ choice and high-end professional users, it’s been the Intel processors which have brought misery to processor from AMD’s stable.

Intel is a definite winner and the most favorite CPU when system prices increase without any boundary. Though in the gaming segment, Intel’s E8000-series Core 2 Duo processors has been best among all offerings while in case of professional PCs where power hungry CPUs hold their ranks, it’s the Intel’s Core 2 Extreme QX9770 that performs in both categories of gaming as well high end performances leaving behind both Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 as well as AMD Phenom X49950.