Dual-core desktop duel: AMD vs. Intel

Round 3: Multitasking
Dual-core chips take on apps two at a time.

AMD

AMD
Our SysMark test gauges a processor's ability to work with a series of applications, but it doesn't really give us an idea of how well a CPU handles two intensive tasks simultaneously. That's where our multitasking test comes in. If you've ever run a virus scan on your PC (and we hope you have), you've likely experienced the swimming-in-molasses effect this process has on overall performance. But if you believe the marketing hype, dual-core CPUs are supposed to make virus scanning faster while letting you perform other tasks at the same time without delay.

To test dual-core CPUs then, we employed McAfee's VirusScan to inspect 40GB worth of files, while simultaneously encoding an 85MB video file using a program called Dr. Divx. We then timed how long it took each chip to complete both tasks. The results of our tests skewed heavily in AMD's favour (sensing a pattern yet?).

Multitasking test (in seconds)
(Shorter bars indicate better performance)
 McAfee VirusScan and Dr. DivX  
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+
196 
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+
207 
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+
207 
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840
211 
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+
230 
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+
233 
Intel Pentium D 840
234 
Intel Pentium D 830
250 
Intel Pentium D 820
263 

The best Intel could place on this test was fourth, with its Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 chip coming within 4 seconds of the Athlon 64 X2 4400+. It's also interesting to note that all three of Intel's Pentium D chips finished last on this test. As we saw in the last round with the gaming test, AMD overachieves to the point where even its budget Athlon 64 X2 3800+ chip outpaces Intel's second-fastest Pentium D 840. If you are like most computer users, you have more than one window running more of the time. And if you are like most computer users reading this story, you will draw the same conclusion as we have: AMD's Athlon X2 processors are the clear choice for superior multitasking performance.




Winner: AMD


    Round 1 Round 2 Round 3 Round 4 Round 5 Round 6 Round 7  
  AMD X X X          
  Intel                

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Talkback 10 comments

  1. AMD crushes Intel chips across the board Anonymous -- 13/12/05

    This is THE best article I have seen showing that AMD processors are dominant across the board - no ifs ands or butts. Its amazing to me this data isnt more well known and more importantly why a Dell doesnt take notice and ship AMD processors.

  2. The reason AMD X2's are faster Kym Busby -- 13/12/05

    There is good reason that the X2's are faster than the Intel's. The 2 cores of an AMD X2 talk to each other directly using a 2GHz Hypertransport link, while the 2 cores of an Intel talk to each other via the north bridge on an 800MHz FSB. This, as well as the integrated memory controller is the decisive factor in the absolute flogging the AMD's give to Intel !!!

  3. AMD neo -- 13/12/05

    LiveSTRONG AMD, Baby!

  4. Curious use of memory Joel Friedman -- 14/12/05

    Maybe it's a misprint, but why was 400Mhz DDR memory used for the AMD system and the higher speed DDR2 memory installed in the Intel tester? An intentional handicap?

    1. memory difference david lee -- 14/12/05

      I saw the memory speed to that is a 267Mhz difference and the amd still won

    2. Athlon doesn't support DDR2 Anonymous -- 14/12/05

      The Athlon does not support DDR2 memory. DDR has lower latency than DDR2 and better suits the Athlon. It should have been noted in the article what memory timings were used, however, as this plays a not unsignificant part in the overall system performance

    3. Athlon X2 supports ddr2 Bobson -- 02/04/07

      Athlon X2 supports DDR2 memory at 800mhz
      but the DDR mem. has a lower latency.

  5. Dual-Core blowout Anonymous -- 16/12/05

    I would like to see a control test using a single-core Intel EE and the AMD FX-55 or FX-57. Are the dual-core chips faster than their single-core cousins?

  6. AMD OR INTEL Colin Davies -- 10/05/07

    Im looking to upgrade motherboard and chip.Can any tell me which is the best for converting dvix to dvd.

    1. the best vic -- 06/06/08

      if u wanna do multi-tasking in a good pace, go for amd without even a second thought................

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