Consumer Reports and Intel are Buddies

[chicsdiggit]

I was reading the latest holiday version of Consumer Reports, and they stated something like "intel is lagging right now with their P4". That was on the cover, and then, when you go to the Computer section of the mag, they recommended an intel proc! AMD is clearly ahead right now in almost every category and they still recommend intel. Either these people are stupid, or they are in bed with intel, like almost everyone else.

That led to a conversation about AMD vs. Intel vs. Apple. The person I was talking to SWORE up and down that the apple proc was faster than all of them. His proof was that "the military used apple procs for their guided missile systems, and Apple procs are the only proc that can do that."

 

[stevty2889]

Originally posted by: chicsdiggit
That led to a conversation about AMD vs. Intel vs. Apple. The person I was talking to SWORE up and down that the apple proc was faster than all of them. His proof was that "the military used apple procs for their guided missile systems, and Apple procs are the only proc that can do that."

That would indicate to me the person had no idea what they were talking about..

 

[LTC8K6]

I recommend Intel sometimes and AMD sometimes.

Did the CR article explain why Intel was recommended?

There's absolutely nothing wrong with buying an Intel processor, you know. 😀

 

[rcomo]

I have used Apples and PCs pretty extensively. I cannot comment on Apple architecture and speed as comparible to PCs, other than this: Apple procs handle much more different programs faster, but don't neccesarilly run them faster one at a time. It just seems that Apples multitask better, hows that?

 

[LTC8K6]

That's an anecdote. It's interesting but it doesn't mean much. Many people would say the same thing with AMD or Intel in place of Apple.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: rcomo
I have used Apples and PCs pretty extensively. I cannot comment on Apple architecture and speed as comparible to PCs, other than this: Apple procs handle much more different programs faster, but don't neccesarilly run them faster one at a time. It just seems that Apples multitask better, hows that?

Well if the Apple you were on was SMP that's how 😛

As to the topic, did they just recommend the CPU or an OEM system that features one? Because a Dell hot deal system is hard to beat for value when buying pre-built OEM.

 

[slash196]

The simple truth is that for the layperson, Intel is better because they've heard the name all their lives. Also, as in my sig, most people assume that higher numbers are better, which is a perfectly reasonable thing for someone with no idea what they're talking about to think. Consumer Reports is a pretty crappy source, though. All their categories are totally subjective, with no hard benchmarks or any real quantitative data to gague performance. Simply put, Consumer Reports and Intel are for the feeble-minded.

In other news, I got the Dell Holiday Catalouge in the mail yesterday, and much hilarity ensued. I especially like their ratings section. The ratings start at Good, and go to Excellent. What, no Average? I laughed at the misfortunes of the uninitiated for several minutes.

 

[Concillian]

Originally posted by: slash196
In other news, I got the Dell Holiday Catalouge in the mail yesterday, and much hilarity ensued. I especially like their ratings section. The ratings start at Good, and go to Excellent. What, no Average? I laughed at the misfortunes of the uninitiated for several minutes.

Half of the computer industry is a money trap for people with no clue. It's really a shame.

Worst is the low end video card market. I can't count the times I've been reading at <insert specific game forum name here> Hardware forum and somebody posts on how the game isn't running right on their GeForce FX 5200 (sometimes it's even a 64 bit one). 🙁

In case you were wondering, the other half of the computer industry is a money trap for people who know better, but just can't resist buying more than they need just because they want to.

 

[chicsdiggit]

Consumer Reports just simply stated an Intel proc, and they gave no reasoning why. The people I was talking to were laymans, and they totally believed everything Consumer Reports said. The people were like "They don't have any affiliation with the sites, and they don't get any money from the companies. This is ALL for the consumer." I REALLY doubt it. If so, then they would be out there showing all the layman people free apps for their comps, etc. Something just stunk with that to me. Oh yea, I know there is nothing wrong with buying an Intel proc, it's just that I don't like it when people shove it down your throat just because it has a good name. If Consumer Reports wants to help the people, they need to make more informed decisions. I didn't even bother to look at the rest of the mag.

 

[Duvie]

Drop the victim mentality of the AMD wing, please!!! Go on with life. Consumer reports reports on reliablility. Intel systems and their chipsets are top notch and very reliable....So are amd, BUT NOWHERE in the article does it say Intel is better then AMD, or AMD is less reliable. It is saying Intel are good reliable computers. Simple as that. They are not trying to hurt all the ppl with AMD systems feelings!!!!

 

[slash196]

Originally posted by: Concillian

In case you were wondering, the other half of the computer industry is a money trap for people who know better, but just can't resist buying more than they need just because they want to.

Don't we all know it🙂

 

[Jayavarman]

Originally posted by: Concillian

In case you were wondering, the other half of the computer industry is a money trap for people who know better, but just can't resist buying more than they need just because they want to.

I am a victim of this. Where can I get some counseling?

 

[beatle]

Originally posted by: Jayavarman

Originally posted by: Concillian

In case you were wondering, the other half of the computer industry is a money trap for people who know better, but just can't resist buying more than they need just because they want to.

I am a victim of this. Where can I get some counseling?

Me too, I find myself pouring more and more money into my computer(s) every year! 😛 Isn't there some kind of way to uninstall this addiction?

 

[Insomniak]

Originally posted by: rcomo
I have used Apples and PCs pretty extensively. I cannot comment on Apple architecture and speed as comparible to PCs, other than this: Apple procs handle much more different programs faster, but don't neccesarilly run them faster one at a time. It just seems that Apples multitask better, hows that?

From what I understand, that's an OS thing.

 

[gururu]

AMD processors are fantastic, but Intel chipsets are the best. And its the chipset that makes for a more stable system with less worry of peripheral incompatibilities. Usually, it takes a few more mobo incarnations of an AMD cpu chipset to work out 'issues' than it does for an intel chipset. so for the non-enthusiast, I usually recommend Intel. Unless of course I build them one.

 

[Duvie]

The day amd makes their own chipset will be a great day. I have always said why trust your fate in the hands of the other guys. Intel doesn't....Look at Via P4 chipset, pure crap...need I say more???

 

[Yanagi]

AMD did make their own. I owned a mobo with a AMD chipset.. forgot the chispets name now though since it was way back when I had my 1.4 Thunderbird.

 

[StrangerGuy]

Originally posted by: Yanagi
AMD did make their own. I owned a mobo with a AMD chipset.. forgot the chispets name now though since it was way back when I had my 1.4 Thunderbird.

It is the AMD 760 chipset.

 

[DAPUNISHER]

Originally posted by: Yanagi
AMD did make their own. I owned a mobo with a AMD chipset.. forgot the chispets name now though since it was way back when I had my 1.4 Thunderbird.

That was the AMD 761 with Via 686B SB, Damn shame they didn't do the whole chipset on that venture. There were a couple known incompatibilities they cover here and the infamous SBLive+686B wasn't exactly a bonus 😛

The 8000 series is the latest offering AMD-8000? Series Chipset Since there has been a 400% increase in Opteron sales in the last year I should think there have been quite a few AMD 8000 series chips sold too. Though obviously not every Opteron sold ended up running on a AMD chipset board, mine don't 😱

I had the K8USA with the 8151 AGP tunnel chip and even@lower CPU and HTT speed it scored higher in most 3D benchies than my AN50R did. Unfortunately the ALi SATA controller wasn't worth a crap 🙁

I have read AMD hates doing chipsets thoguh, and that they prefer to let others provide them. If true, what the hell are they thinking? Intc is out there as a shining example of what a homogenous solution can offer and prosper.

 

[Markfw]

Originally posted by: Duvie
The day amd makes their own chipset will be a great day. I have always said why trust your fate in the hands of the other guys. Intel doesn't....Look at Via P4 chipset, pure crap...need I say more???

My Opteron is on an AMD 8000 chipset. But actually, due to the bad updates to the drivers (or lack of) I would like to see nvidia or VIA take a shot at it ! (for Opterons)

 

[Acanthus]

Originally posted by: Markfw900

Originally posted by: Duvie
The day amd makes their own chipset will be a great day. I have always said why trust your fate in the hands of the other guys. Intel doesn't....Look at Via P4 chipset, pure crap...need I say more???

My Opteron is on an AMD 8000 chipset. But actually, due to the bad updates to the drivers (or lack of) I would like to see nvidia or VIA take a shot at it ! (for Opterons)

There is an Nforce 3 dual opteron board. (socket 940)

 

[DAPUNISHER]

I'm posting from a Via dual Opteron but it doesn't support independent memory adressing and NUMA 🙁

The IWILL DK8N uses the nF3 250pro and Tyan has a nF4 SLI board coming too.

What problems/issues/incompatibilities are you having you hope a driver update will solve Mark?

 

[PingSpike]

Originally posted by: DAPUNISHER
I have read AMD hates doing chipsets thoguh, and that they prefer to let others provide them. If true, what the hell are they thinking? Intc is out there as a shining example of what a homogenous solution can offer and prosper.

You have to remember that AMD is still the underdog and isn't anywhere near as large as Intel. I think they don't like putting out chipsets because its one more thing they have to do, and they could end up spreading themselves to thin. I actually tend to agree with AMDs decision in this regard, it leaves them available to focus on a few projects that they are good at and alleviates burden and risk onto other vendors.

Plus, you can always blame the chipset if you didn't make it. 😛

Its a tough call, but I think makes sense for AMD as opposed to Intel in that Intel has the resources to throw at that department and AMD really doesn't.

 

[Zebo]

Fusk consumer reports. I bought their cheap ass 4-runner one year and destroyed it in less than 6 months cause it was so cheap and flimsy.

 

[Zebo]

Originally posted by: rcomo
I have used Apples and PCs pretty extensively. I cannot comment on Apple architecture and speed as comparible to PCs, other than this: Apple procs handle much more different programs faster, but don't neccesarilly run them faster one at a time. It just seems that Apples multitask better, hows that?

BS. Apples only do one thing better and thats cache to OS. When I multitask on panther I see that "rainbow spinning ball" all to often, all the time actually just switching back and forth between apps or doing anything intesive. May you have a a dual CPU? Then ya two IBMs will beat a single processing PC.