AMD or Intel???

[blreese]

So, I'm looking for a new computer for school, but I don't want to spend a lot. All I do is get on the internet, and do online work, check my email, that sort of thing, but I know nothing about AMD. I want an Intel i3, and I was wondering about cheaper AMD counterparts, like what one should I look for that sort of thing.

 

[Icaraeus]

If you can afford it then Intel is better than AMD. AMD makes decent budget CPUs but if you're looking for performance you go for Intel.

 

[TheTeenageComputer]

if your looking for gaming amd would beat it cause it has gaming etc and overclocking abilities for a cheaper prices but for a new computer for school I recommend a intel i3 cause it is amazing for its price unlike other amd counnterparts

 

[Bossyfins]

If you are just doing basic browsing etc, either AMD or Intel would be fine. An X860k would be a perfect example of a chip for this purpose. AN i3 Would also work as well.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.95 @ OutletPC)
Total: $447.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-16 20:56 EDT-0400

This is a cheap intel build. Should easily be able to do what you are doing. Also, lets say you need some more power, you can easily drop in an i3 or i5.



As for an AMD build,
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($70.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88X-D3H ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($62.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.95 @ OutletPC)
Total: $457.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-16 21:03 EDT-0400

Both build are nice for what they do.

 

[Aspiring techie]

Is this new computer going to be a desktop or laptop?
If desktop, then go the AMD route, preferably an A8. It's much cheaper than an i3, and you won't notice a difference when doing simple schoolwork and surfing the internet.
If it's a laptop, then it's your call. Generally, AMD laptops tend to produce more heat and noise than Intel ones because of their higher power consumption. If you don't mind noise, then choose whatever.

 

[blreese]

If you are just doing basic browsing etc, either AMD or Intel would be fine. An X860k would be a perfect example of a chip for this purpose. AN i3 Would also work as well.


PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: Intel Pentium G3258 3.2GHz Dual-Core Processor ($64.88 @ OutletPC)
Motherboard: ASRock H97M PRO4 Micro ATX LGA1150 Motherboard ($71.98 @ Newegg)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Cooler Master N200 MicroATX Mid Tower Case ($34.99 @ Newegg)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.95 @ OutletPC)
Total: $447.77
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-16 20:56 EDT-0400

This is a cheap intel build. Should easily be able to do what you are doing. Also, lets say you need some more power, you can easily drop in an i3 or i5.



As for an AMD build,
PCPartPicker part list / Price breakdown by merchant

CPU: AMD Athlon X4 860K 3.7GHz Quad-Core Processor ($70.99 @ NCIX US)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-F2A88X-D3H ATX FM2+ Motherboard ($62.88 @ OutletPC)
Memory: Crucial Ballistix Sport 8GB (2 x 4GB) DDR3-1600 Memory ($53.99 @ Newegg)
Storage: Crucial BX100 250GB 2.5" Solid State Drive ($94.99 @ Amazon)
Case: Corsair 200R ATX Mid Tower Case ($47.99 @ Micro Center)
Power Supply: Rosewill Capstone 550W 80+ Gold Certified ATX Power Supply ($39.99 @ Newegg)
Operating System: Microsoft Windows 8.1 (OEM) (64-bit) ($86.95 @ OutletPC)
Total: $457.78
Prices include shipping, taxes, and discounts when available
Generated by PCPartPicker 2015-05-16 21:03 EDT-0400

Both build are nice for what they do.

Is this new computer going to be a desktop or laptop?
If desktop, then go the AMD route, preferably an A8. It's much cheaper than an i3, and you won't notice a difference when doing simple schoolwork and surfing the internet.
If it's a laptop, then it's your call. Generally, AMD laptops tend to produce more heat and noise than Intel ones because of their higher power consumption. If you don't mind noise, then choose whatever.

 

[blreese]

Thanks for the feedback so soon, I appreciate it. It whould be noted that I am looking for a laptop, and I am curious what the price difference would be and whether or not it is worth it.

 

[Icaraeus]

For laptops it's best to get one with an Intel chip as the per-worker core performance is far greater.