Introduction
The Processor, also known as the Central Processing Unit (CPU), is the brain of a computer. Its primary function is to process instructions by retrieving data from the computer’s RAM. Without it, a computer cannot function at all. Currently, Intel and AMD are the two major manufacturers of processors. In this paper, we will explore the differences between Intel and AMD 32-bit processors.
Clock Speed
The clock speed of a CPU is defined as the frequency at which a processor executes instructions or processes data. This clock speed is measured in millions of cycles per second or megahertz (MHz). The clock itself is a quartz crystal that vibrates at a certain frequency when electricity passes through it. Each vibration sends out a pulse or beat, like a metronome, to synchronize with each component.
The clock speed of AMD’s 32-bit processor is only 1400 MHz, while Intel’s clock speed is 3066 MHz. This means that the Intel processor can process instructions faster than the AMD processor, resulting in higher speed.
Bus Speed
A bus is a collection of wires that transmit data from one part of a computer to another. It can be thought of as a highway within the computer through which data travels. Each bus has a clock speed measured in MHz, and a faster bus allows for quicker data transfer, resulting in faster application performance. (What is Bus?)
The bus speed of an AMD processor is 266 MHz, while that of an Intel processor is 522 MHz. This indicates that the Intel processor will process more and faster because the bus speed determines how many instructions are processed at a time. With its high bus speed compared to AMD’s, Intel can transmit more data at once.
Volts
The power utilized by the processor generates heat, which is a result of the current and voltage consumed by the processor. The voltage consumed by the processor is directly dependent on its clock speed.
The AMD 32-bit processor consumes 1.75 Volts of voltage, while Intel draws only 1.55 Volts (according to The CPU Featurator). This indicates that the AMD processor requires more voltage and will consequently generate more heat. As a result, the AMD processor necessitates casing with water pipes to keep it cool.
Connector
Motherboards are categorized based on the type of processor socket they have. The processor socket, also known as a CPU socket, is the connector on the motherboard that houses and forms an electrical interface with the CPU. Processor sockets use a pin grid array (PGA), where pins on the underside of the processor connect to holes in the processor socket. (What is a CPU Socket?)
The AMD 32-bit processor uses Socket A, while the Intel 32-bit processor uses Socket 478 (according to The CPU Featurator). The main difference between these two sockets is their architecture. Socket A is known to be delicate, and some users have reported damage to the socket while handling the processor or fixing the motherboard. This has resulted in customer complaints. However, such issues are not observed with Socket 478.
Cache
The cache is a high-speed and expensive memory used to speed up the memory retrieval process. Without cache memory, every time the CPU requested data, it would send a request to the main memory, which would then be sent back across the memory bus to the CPU. This process is slow in computing terms. The idea of cache is that this extremely fast memory stores frequently accessed data and also if possible, the data around it. This achieves the quickest possible response time to the CPU by playing percentages. If a certain piece of data has been requested five times before, it’s likely that this specific piece of data will be required again and stored in cache memory.
The cache of the Intel 32-bit processor is 512 kB, while that of the AMD 32-bit processor is only 256 kB. As a result, the Intel processor can store more data in its cache, leading to faster retrieval of frequently required data. In fact, the speed of retrieving such data on an Intel processor is double that of an AMD processor.
Temperature
The temperature of a processor depends on various factors such as its type, manufacturer, speed, sensor location, and currently running programs.
The temperature of an AMD processor typically reaches around 90-95 degrees Celsius, while the maximum temperature for an Intel processor is around 75-82 degrees Celsius. This indicates that the AMD processor tends to heat up much faster and may not perform optimally when overheated, potentially leading to restarts.
Transistors
Transistors are small devices used in electronic devices to amplify current. This means that a small amount of current can control a large amount of current flow. Although transistors can be expensive, mass production in almost all industries reduces the cost per transistor.
The Intel 32-bit processor uses 55 million transistors, while the AMD 32-bit processor only uses 37 million. This means that the Intel processor draws less current but amplifies it to a larger flow, resulting in faster speed and less electricity consumption.
Power
This is the amount of electricity drawn by the processor to function. If a processor consumes more electricity, it is not considered good. The Intel 32-bit processor consumes 69 Watts, whereas the AMD 32-bit processor requires 65-72 Watts. This means that the AMD processor requires more power and since it has fewer transistors than Intel, the flow of current will be low and performance will deteriorate.
Price
The price of the Intel 32-bit processor ranges from $69 to $109 (Intel Computers), while the price of AMD 32-bit is $108 (AMD Computers). This indicates that Intel processors are significantly more affordable than their AMD counterparts.
Conclusion
I would recommend customers to choose the Intel 32-bit processor because it is faster, consumes less electricity, and is also more affordable. Additionally, AMD processors are highly sensitive to heat. Improper ventilation or insufficient fans, as well as a thick casing, can cause damage to an AMD processor much quicker than an Intel one. Secondly, AMD processors are significantly pricier than Intel processors.
Works Cited
- AMD Computers. <http://computers.pricegrabber.com/processors-retail-box/m/688941/st=product/sv=title/>.
- Clock Speed. (2008, June 14). Retrieved from http://www.pccomputernotes.com/clockspeed/clockspeed.htm
- How does the CPU Cache Work? (2008, June 16). Retrieved from http://www.pantherproducts.co.uk/Articles/CPU/CPU%20Cache.shtml
- Intel Computers. (2008, June 16). Retrieved from http://computers.pricegrabber.com/processors-retail-box/m/779130/st=product/sv=title/
- The CPU Featurator. (2005, October 8). Retrieved from http://www.cpuscorecard.com/cpuprices/feature_comp.html
- What is Bus? (2008, June14) Retrieved from https://www.webopedia.com/TERM/B/bus.html
