Question regarding processors and video cards

[ToiletPastries]

Was wondering if there really was a noticeable difference between
ATI and NVidia
and
Intel and AMD

I've owned three gaming computers - all with ATI and haven't had any problems with them before. They were mid-ranged and could run most of my games medium-high settings. The ATI card I have now can run ALL my games on it's highest settings on a 24" monitor (1920x1080) with no problem at all.

As for Intel and AMD. I've used AMD dual core every year and it seemed to work fine. My current build currently has an Intel Quad Core and it is noticeably faster, but I'm going to assume it's because it's a 2.5Ghz Quad (as opposed to 2.6Ghz Dual AMD).

I've had two friends build 2 out of the 3 computers I've owned. Both of them said there is a slight difference but it's nothing really major. "It's mainly just two groups of fanboys overstating performance" - is what I've been told. Just wanted to know if there was a major difference.

 

[Blue Stealth]

basically the difference between video cards right now is getting slimmer and slimmer as nvidia and ATI are doing a much better job competing on the market. Nvidia currently has the most powerful cards out there, but ATI probably wins in terms of price for performance.

As for intel and AMD its a given that intel cpu's are more fitted for gaming. All the games advertise that they are run best on intels and the fact that intel rules most of the market says a lot too. AMD is catching up to intel but in terms of technology, intel is on top at the moment. I think a lot of people who used to say intel was way overpriced probably dont any longer after the i7 cores came out. So to answer your question regarding cpu's intel will generally beat amd, and intel usually blows amd out of the water when it comes to overclocking, but not always. I think with the chipsets released in the past 6 months intels are much more efficient when overclocking. I would stick with intel, its personal preference and common sense(as long as you have the cash).

If you are building a gaming machine, you really cant go wrong with either nvidia or ati. In my experience I have found ATI drivers to be more stable though. And I would highly suggest using intel's i7 for CPU. I think they run for about 260 dollars now.

-Blue

 

[Bane]

well from my experience with ATI was bad....i have had ATI in my comp for 2 years gave it a 2nd chance and it failed...now i have Nivda and there is no problems at all...i love it.

as for AMD and intel it is what you prefer. Intel is Killing amd in specs and marketing but amd still has quality chips....but the best bang for your buck is the Intel i7 currently so dont go AMD

 

[Blue Stealth]

yeah i know what you mean when you say ATI doesnt have the most stable cards. Years ago when I got my radeon 9800 pro it came DOA. I sent it back though and it worked perfectly for four or five years until one day when I was rebuilding the computer it fell on the floor and fried.
It was a sad day.

I have never had hardware failure with nvidia, and am currently using nvidia, but ATI cards are generally smaller and generate less heat. Nvidia cards are more visually appealing. Nvidia SLI is more mature than ATI Crossfire. It really all depends on what you want your computer to be though.

If you want the hottest gaming rig on your street, go with Nvidia. But if you dont need the top specs and you are low on cash, I would go with ATI.

For specific cards if you buy nvidia I would buy a 260GTX. For ATI I would look at the 4870X2 or the HD4890. Those cards are in the middle of the high range and are good cards to compare if you are trying to get a feel for ati vs nvidia. Also, be sure to check out plenty of reviews on cards you are considering. The reviews will give you a good idea how the other company is doing in terms of price and performance ratio.

-Blue

 

[Xzbit]

I used to use intel cpu's but after i went amd, i dont wish to use a intel anymore. i have not had one problem, with the intel cpu the computer ran slow. i am not a ati user, i had one and it died after 3 days of use. i have never had a issue with nvidia.Even though my motherboard has onboard sli for ati cards. and amd are cheaper to build.

 

[Crawlerz]

meh... well anything can happen. I myself was nVidia even under the penalty of death. wouldn't goto ATi. (although had a DELL with an ATi about 4 years ago). since I came to play on monster games (GTA4, ArmA2, cod4, cod 5, pacific fighters, ka-50 BS, etc.) I found video cards make a diff. my nVidia 8800GTX has given me the "video driver has stopped working and recovered" from day one. don't even talk about running aero! (probably most things happended due to the stock 375W wimpy DELL PSU). on recommendations of overclockers' community I bought a ATi 4890 1GB (wanted the 4870 2GB but was talked out of it)... I myself then chose a monster 910W continuous P&C PSU nonmodular, 80mm fan. not one error. running aero, games full force. the DELL on for 1 week straight.
what I'm saying is price vs. bang: nvidia's got waaaay to expensive.
p.s. I don't plan on EVER becoming a AMD man. that's something even overslockers can't take away from me! next gaming rig will be built around i7 hopefully overclocked...