What computer to get

[John Rofrano]

I need to know if anyone is using the AMD chips and how they compare to the i7’s. I just can’t swing an i7-930 system for cost right now. Any input would be appreciated!

When the AMD 6 core first came out I did some reading up on it and looked at the benchmarks that had been done and concluded that they are about the same as an i7-920 quad core. I was hoping that 6 cores would beat out 4 cores but in some tests it even did worse so I was not impressed. The AMD x6 is $279 and the Core i7-930 is $284 so I don’t see how you can say that you can’t afford an x6 but not the i7-930. I would definitely go with the i7.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Scott Francis]

The motherboards for the i7 are quite a bit higher as us the need for triple channel memory and a graphics card….I can get by with an AMD for $500-$600 for a base systems…around $900 -$950 for an i7….right now that is an issue..as I want to update BEFORE a big project if possible. After the project is not as pressing. What benchmarks did you look at? I went to Tom’s Hardware, they showed it being close to the i7 for Mainconcept…if there is another set of benchmarks, I would love to see them.. and thanks for the input John!

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions

[Jeff Schroeder]

I second that. I read the articles on tomsharware.com and there wasn’t much, if any, performance gain. I would look into building your own, in the high-end market ($1600+) you can save a lot of money.

I have custom built my last 3 machines and have not regreted it for a minute.

Jeff

http://www.narrowroadmedia.com

[Scott Francis]

I have built my last 15 computers, so this would be a custom built, with some additional components that I already have…..

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions

[John Rofrano]

What benchmarks did you look at? I went to Tom’s Hardware, they showed it being close to the i7 for Mainconcept.

Yea, I always depend on Tom’s Hardware for the low-down. Also the TechReaction blog looks like they did a thorough job and said they were very close. I forgot about the motherboard and stuff. I guess the AMD isn’t a bad deal if you’re on a tight budget.

~jr

http://www.johnrofrano.com
http://www.vasst.com

[Jeff Schroeder]

Wow, you must be an old timer. In my lifetime I think I’ve had maybe 7 or 8 computers.

http://www.narrowroadmedia.com

[Scott Francis]

Jeff,
I currently have 10 computers!! I have 3 video editing suites computers, one in my audio studio, one for live on-site audio (I can do 48 tracks audio live) and 5 laptops for capturing straight to vegas when doing a 5 cam shoot at concerts and live events. I have been doing computer based audio for 14 years and video since 2000, I have built all but my first computer and laptops….too much fun!! Thanks for input!!

Scott Francis
Mind’s Eye Audio/Video Productions