I'm planning on upgrading from my Pentium D x2 3.2 Ghz to either a phenom II x4 955 black or an i7. Either way I would have to buy a new motherboard but the way I see it going down the AMD road will lead to a better situation than the intel one. $$$ and upgradability wise. Anyone have any thoughts on this, and does the i7 have any special capabilities that the phenom doesn't. (I've read benchmarks and had people tell me the phenom is actually superior to the i7 but idk so i'm throwing this out there.
I7 or phenom II?
- Thread starter Garrettvt
- Start date
if you want the ultimate system get the best i7.. but bang for buck, get the phenom ii.. the i7 with mobo is WAAAAAAAY more expensive than a phenom ii + mobo and the performance increase isn't such a big deal.
depends what you want, i7 is faster on 'multi threaded' apps such as um video decoding i think? while for gaming, it doesnt make such a big difference, games usually only need a dual core
depends what you want, i7 is faster on 'multi threaded' apps such as um video decoding i think? while for gaming, it doesnt make such a big difference, games usually only need a dual core
Twist86
Active Member
I7 is fantastic if you do video editing/CAD work...something that will use all 8 threads at 100% will see massive benefit. You also pay for that too. I7 is roughly $200 more expensive to Phenom II set ups. Intel is always more expensive where AMD is more of a bargain.
Phenom II = Q9550+ in terms of performance. I use a Q6600 and I7 would be a very little of a upgrade for me. I7 is superior but even with my Q6600 I never see 100% load unless I am doing heavy editing (gaming I see maybe 40%)
If your mostly gaming then id suggest Phenom II and spend the extra money saved on a awesome GPU (aka GTX 275 1768mb version or 4870x2)
If you want everyone here @ CF will be glad to help you build either rig.
Phenom II = Q9550+ in terms of performance. I use a Q6600 and I7 would be a very little of a upgrade for me. I7 is superior but even with my Q6600 I never see 100% load unless I am doing heavy editing (gaming I see maybe 40%)
If your mostly gaming then id suggest Phenom II and spend the extra money saved on a awesome GPU (aka GTX 275 1768mb version or 4870x2)
If you want everyone here @ CF will be glad to help you build either rig.
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Care to explain why?
The worst i7 is a better CPU than the best Phenom II at the moment. If he lives by a microcenter - he can pick up an i7 for 199 at a local store.
Bodaggit23
Active Member
I would, and did, get an i7 setup.
CardboardSword
New Member
If you have the budget for it, get an i7, hands down. There are some benchmarks where the Phenom II 955 comes close, but in general, its not the better buy if you're going for sheer performance. Not to put it down, its a fantastic processor especially for the money and its actually what I plan on putting into my build, but then I'm more budget minded. Anyway, my point is, if you can afford it, i7, if you're tight on cash, go the 955 route. You won't be disappointed with either.