Desktops: AMD Processor Reliability

AMD reliability a plus!

marketwatcher,

As a computer technician, I've worked with Intel and AMD both. I've seen ups, and downs to both sides. I've also seen people buy the wrong type of processor for them.

As far as reliability, AMD and Intel are for the most part, the same. Expect years of service from both.

However, DON'T run out buying a 64-bit Athlon because somebody told you to. First off, AMD's seem to fit better into the gaming slot. Most geeks delight in a faster processor, cheaper. Intel seems to lag in the gaming market.

Now, that doesn't mean that you should ONLY consider an AMD. If you want to run buisness apps, I suggest getting an Intel. My personal experiance is that Intel is better suited towards the high end buisness apps.


If you just want the basics (like Microsoft Word, internet, printing information for personal or professional use) I suggest going with the AMD Duron or Intel Celeron, simply because, in general, they have lower price tags.
Though keep in mind.. if speed is important... an AMD Duron was SUPPOSED to be an AMD Athlon... but it failed its testing.
By the same token... an Intel Celeron was SUPPOSED to be an Intel Pentium... but it too failed its tests. (Thats a nasty little secret, isn't it?) Personally, I prefer the Intel Celeron in this case. Not quite as peppy as the Duron, but it seems to do a little bit better on the basics like Microsoft Word (from what I have seen).

Ok, now that you've made your decision between a gaming rig, or a buisness machine.... and if you want just the basics, or something with a little more 'umph', you now need to know WHICH of AMD or Intel is right for you (the hardest part is now over).
Your selection will be limited, as it seems the Duron is no longer listed by AMD as a current processor (expect a Duron machine to be next to nothing... if you can still find one).

If you have decided that you can take a slight hit in speed, and you would like to keep that wallet at fat as possible, you don't need this next part, as a Celeron or Duron (if you can still find one...) would be just fine for you.


Now... we hit what type.
Right now, the 64-bit series isn't too useful, since most apps don't take advantage of the 64-bit structure. Expect that to change within a year or so, Especially with the release of the next version of Windows, Windows Vista.

If you want a long term, higher performance AMD, go with the 64-bit AMD that you are looking at.
If this is just a short fix (less than 16 months), stick with and AMD Athlon.

If the Intel series fits you best (as mentioned earlier...), and you need a long term machine, go for a Dual-Core system. That is, if you can find it, and more important, afford it. If you can't find it, or afford it, stick with an Intel Pentium 4. Though the Pentium 4 was knocked out of Intel's line-up just a couple of months ago, you might be able to have the last laugh by getting a left over Pentium 4 system. Don't fret. The Pentium 4 still packs quite a punch, in the buisness apps section.


Well, I hope that this helps. More important, I hope that I havn't given you mental indigestion.

If you still need more help, just let us know!