Question : Problem: Is there really a performance difference between Intel and AMD Athlon?

I'm looking at a couple of computers right now and I've always wondered if there really is a significant difference in performance between Intel and AMD Athlon. I'm comparing two HP desktops one with an Intel quad core, the other with an AMD quad core. Should iIsave the $200 with the AMD model?

Please share your thoughts. Thanks.
John

Answer : Problem: Is there really a performance difference between Intel and AMD Athlon?

There are a variety of differenct benchmarks, but in my opinion the best pure measure of CPU "horsepower" is PassMark's CPUMark.   Any other differences in performance are likely due to different graphics adapters; different memory configurations; etc.

For the two CPU's you're looking at ...

A Q8200 scores 3117 on PassMark.
An X4 9150E scores 2137.

I'd consider the Q8200 easily worth the $100 difference.

Different benchmarks will give results in different ranges; but the relative performance of the two is going to be essentially the same.   You did just fine with the Q8200-based system :-)

Are there any other notable differences between the two systems you looked at?  [Different graphics adapters; different amounts of memory; different hard drive capacities; etc.]