lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

Over the past 40 years, I have had several computers (many custom built locally) and a Dell laptop that were powered by AMD processors. All of those computer served me well. My current laptop is a HP powered by an intel core i5 processor. This machine has been a constant pain in my... neck! And it has been almost a year since I received the notice from HP that this machine would no longer be supported parts or service wise.

So I have been on a year long hunt for a new laptop. I have a Motorola phone powered by Lenovo. When the HP crashes, the phone and the old Dell Vista laptop continue on. From things I have observed first hand, I do think that I would prefer a 15" Lenovo laptop.

What will I be doing? The plan is to travel the US in a motor coach and take photos. Space will be minimal, so that is why the laptop. Riding in a motor coach makes solid state drives preferable. I will be doing word processing, building data bases, shopping on line, getting my news, emailing, face book, and of course post processing. I am not going Apple, so don't even bother to go there.

So, my question to all of you, do you have a preference to AMD or intel? And of course, WHY?

Architect1776 Loc: In my mind

Do not know other than I have always had Intel with no processor problems. Other things like drives have failed as they got old but not the processor.
That said:
If you are happy with AMD then stick with it.

Toment Loc: FL, IL

I’ve used both, no difference I can see...
Good luck
Have fun😀

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

You may find this link useful: https://www.pugetsystems.com/labs/articles/What-is-the-Best-CPU-for-Photography-2019-1620/#LightroomClassicCPUPerformance

The net-net is that the performance is similar enough that other factors, such as price, may drive your selection. In general, the new AMD Threadripper and Ryzen CPUs tend to put more cores on a die than Intel and if your application is sufficiently parallelized to use the extra cores, the new AMD CPUs are marginally faster. In terms of reliability, I’ve never seen either fail in all the years I’ve been building and using machines. There is one other consideration, and that is heat and power consumption, especially important in a laptop. In general, the new AMDs, using lots of cores, have been more power hungry and been been hotter than Intels, but it depends on the specific model device. When you get down to a few choices, check the exact model of CPU in each and look up the power/heat spec - lower heat/power consumption is always a good thing in a laptop where cooling is minimal and battery life is important. Be sure to get a laptop with a good separate video card (rather than the CPU’s onboard graphics), plenty of memory and a good sized SSD. I’ve had excellent luck with both Dell’s and Lenovos over the years.

lmTrying Loc: WV Northern Panhandle

My two main problems have been:
Connection to, or disconnection from a web site. It's not uncommon to be shopping a catalog, or browsing the news for this system to suddenly not be able to connect. I'm getting real tired of seeing the white page declaring, "Oh snap, we can't find that page." The only cure seems to be to shut the machine off and start over. Not always what you want to do when shopping through a long catalog listing.
The keyboard surface seems to be very touchy, especially when two hands get involved. You may suddenly find yourself some other place in a word document or data base. Or, as in my first attempt at typing the original post. two thirds of the post just disappeared. So I had to start over.

nicksr1125 Loc: Mesa, AZ

I think you'll find it's more important that you like the feel & layout of the keyboard than whether it has an AMD or Intel processor. As long as it's in your budget, has the specs you want, & you like the keyboard, go for it. I think your problems with web pages not found is not related to the CPU but, RAM or website problems.

johngault007 Loc: Florida Panhandle

Neither of those issues are due to the processor.


Like mentioned above, for most users, it comes down to price due AMD catching up with Intel on processing.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

We have three computers with Intel processors, never a problem.

TriX Loc: Raleigh, NC

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Regarding your browsing issue, have you tried different browsers? Are you connected to your ISP via WiFi or Ethernet? Are there any other machines connected to the same modem? If so, do they exhibit this issue?

Regarding what you perceive as a keyboard issue, do you use a mouse or a touch pad? Have you tried resetting the sensitivity lower on either?

anotherview Loc: California

Good question. Slightly off-topic reply: I too travel and take along a laptop computer. Frankly, I pay little attention to the processor in the machine. A graphics card seems necessary these days for doing Photoshop. I've good experiences with Dell laptops over the years. About every 3 years, I replace mine for the latest one. I can vouch for this brand.

I concur with finding a comfortable keyboard. I disable the touch pad.

I do not do Apple, either.

Gene51 Loc: Yonkers, NY, now in LSD (LowerSlowerDelaware)

Either will work. I find that the AMD gear tends to run a little on the hot side, which "could" result in reliability issues down the road. Maybe not for the cpu but for other components in the case. I have nothing to base this on other than a gut feeling and 38 yrs in IT. If you get AMD, get it from a custom integrator and make sure you get the cooling upgraded - this will help.

https://xoticpc.com/

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

I going to watch this s well as comment, I've always had Intel, and this computer and the one prior to it have been HP I5's, no problems, got this one as needed more storage, less space taken up ( old one desk top, this an all-in-one) , and bigger screen. I recently got a new traveling computer, Lenovo Flex 11, very impressed, and it is a Celeron if my memory is correct, things have gotten better in the computer world as far as I'm concerned, I have considered AMD chips when making purchase decisions, that's why I'm going to watch this discussion, Bob.

Xanadu Loc: Clay County FL

The attached link shows the specs of a laptop I have ordered by not yet received. One exception to the specs is I opted for a 512GB hard disk.
I, like you, have owned many over the years. My best experience has been with Dells and my worst experience has been with Lenovos. Not to say all Lenovos are bad or all Dells are good - just my experience.
I have a geek for a neighbor who was very helpful in assembling the specs of the yet to be received laptop. Not a high bar but the neighbor is much more knowledgeable than I will ever be.
I offer the attached because your needs and wants seem very similar to mine. Good luck.

https://www.dell.com/en-us/work/shop/dell-laptops-and-notebooks/precision-3541-mobile-workstation/spd/precision-15-3541-laptop/xctop354115us3

bobmcculloch Loc: NYC, NY

An added question , Is this going to be your only computer? or just a travel computer? In my case it makes a serious difference, size and weight are very important while travelling, years ago I had a 17" laptop, found it too heavy to travel with, and my wife's 15" Toshiba wasn't much better, Bob.

Longshadow Loc: Audubon, PA, United States

What do size and weight have to do with the decision between AMD and Intel operating characteristics?