Intel owners who have switched to AMD

[freeagent]

Hi, just curious how you like the AM4 platform? Is it as smooth as running an Intel? Any quirks? Regrets? Would you do anything different?

I am running a Z77 system and would like to move into something newer. Years ago I told myself I would have to try AMD again when they are beating Intel again. Looks like the day is here. The last time I ran AMD it was a little quirky.. Performance was excellent, but stability.. eh.. not so much. In these crazy days my money is limited, and I don't want to waste it on a system I may end up regretting. My family uses my computer so the stability isn't just for my sanity. If I did end up rolling with AMD, who makes the most stable boards? I dont mind spending a few bucks if its worth it. I probably wouldn't be going with the newest that's out, but maybe something second gen-ish.

Thanks!

 

[Bill_Bright]

I don't see how this is a valid question. Both makers produce dozens of different processors all the way from $50 up to $2800. No one brand leads in every single category so you cannot compare "all" Intel processors to "all" AMD processors based on "anecdotal" experiences with just one or two.

Most stable boards? Again, no such beast. All the major makers produce "stable" boards. All the major makers sell dozens at all price points and feature sets.

The truth of the matter is, both CPU makers produce excellent processors and all the major motherboard makers make reliable boards.

Stability is not based on the board alone. Stability comes from the board, CPU, memory, graphics and power, among other things, working in concert.

What you need to do first and foremost is define the purpose for this computer. The second thing is to set a budget.

Then, pick a processor brand. It truly does not matter. Either can form the foundation for an excellent (and stable) platform. If you like blue, pick blue. If you like red, pick red. If you don't know which you want, toss a coin!

Choose a quality case. I see you like Fractal Design. Great cases. Choose a quality PSU but wait until you have selected everything else first, then determine your power needs and buy accordingly.

Edit comment: fixed typo

 

[freeagent]

Fair enough.

 

[jayseearr]

I like it and it's been smooth as a baby's behind for me. switched over a few months from intel z97 system.
I can't/won't speak for anyone else as far as stability goes, but i have had literally zero issues
as far as best board makers, like bill said there isn't a such thing. just do your homework before you buy and make sure the vrms are good and it's got the features you need. Same thing with the memory, do a little research make sure it pairs with your board and it has good reviews. These are recommendations i would make to someone building ANY system, not just AMD.

 

[freeagent]

Excellent, that's what I like to hear.

 

[EarthDog]

I've only benchmarked and tested between systems... but, both systems have always been 'as peppy' for me. The only time I really noticed a difference just putzing around was anything pre Ryzen vs Intel. Since Ryzen came out, and without benchmarks, you'd be hardpressed to tell a difference. Now, that performance has flipped where AMD is a bit faster, but most users would hardly notice a difference without a counter/result staring them in the face.

It really is a good time to be a PC user/gamer.

AMD (CPUs) is the best buy and way to go right now. As far as stability goes, it's a new CPU so there are potential growing pains, but it's stable. Get a decent board, QVL memory, quality PSU and it's no different than Intel.

 

[Sybaris_Caesar]

Switched from ancient i5 2400 and H61 system to Ryzen 5 3600 and B450 last year. No issue. No regrets. As for stable boards I don't think any of them are unstable. And you aren't getting first gen anything. If you get 5000 series CPU you're getting 4th gen Ryzen basically. And if you're getting X570 or B550, you're basically getting the third (and last) chipset on AM4 socket.

 

[Vayra86]

No complaints from the Ryzen systems I've built and used myself and for others.

For some reason in the house all (two) desktops are still Intel rigs; this 8700K is showing no signs of age and the 3570K downstairs is plenty fast for an HTPC.
We have a Ryzen low-end laptop and its not super fast but as expected. Usable and definitely stable.

No complaints from my end, and since Ryzen 2xxx no compatibility issues encountered. Took a bit of a longer look at RAM at the time, but even that is easier now.

 

[TheLostSwede]

I would put out a few words of caution here. Not to scare you away, but some things you should be aware of.

First of all RAM. XMP might not work and either which way, it's not running at ideal settings for AMD, since it's an Intel standard. This means configuring the RAM manually for best performance.
You're going to want to invest in fast RAM, at least 3600MHz, maybe even 3800 or 4000MHz. 4000MHz isn't guaranteed though and not all 5000-series CPUs will do it. The 3000-series maxes out at around 3800MHz.
This is 1:1 with the Infinity Fabric, as if you end up having the IF running slower than 1:1 with the RAM, you introduce a lot of memory latency, which is a no-no for Ryzen CPUs.
If you have the cash, go for a decent set of Samsung B-die modules.
In case you missed it, two dual rank or four single rank modules gives you a nice little performance boost (this apparently applies to Intel too).

Then we have motherboards, UEFI and AGESA. People here are saying no problems. Well, yes, my system has been rock solid for over a year now, but early on, it was from doing everything that was promised by AMD. Expect some issues with the 5000-series CPUs, depending on the motherboard you get. Some people are having problems with RAM speeds over 3200MHz on some MSI boards for example. There might be some other quirks with the 5000-series as well, I don't have one, but the obvious one is that AMD has already promised improved support for 4000MHz RAM/IF down the road, as they've said they're going to improve the support in future AGESA releases. As such, expect to be updating the UEFI at least a few times. My board is at release 31 at this point and it's less than 18 months since it was launched.

There's no integrated graphics in AMD's CPU, so to get the system going, you need a graphics card. Some motherboards have display outputs, but unless you get an APU, they're non functional. Some people here wasn't aware of it, so I'm just making sure you're aware.

That said, compared to the first gen Ryzen, things are vastly much better and the overall platform has improved a lot.

Beyond that, there's nothing else I can think of that really matters vs. Intel. There are benefits like PCIe 4.0, which might be worth keeping in mind when you get an NVMe drive.
Also, liquid cooling is recommended if you want to get the most out of your CPUs boost speed.

If you're bored and want to compared nitty gritty details of motherboards, there's a huge spreadsheet someone has put together.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1wmsTYK9Z3-jUX5LGRoFnsZYZiW1pfiDZnKCjaXyzd1o/

 

[freeagent]

Thanks guys, I really appreciate it. Ok I'm going to try a new AMD system! Scary lol.. I haven't used one since Conroe came out, so I'm a little out of the loop that way. I've seen how they bench, and it looks great, even the not so new stuff. Since there isn't much in the way for overclocking it seems it would come down to the user experience now. I'm pretty sure I don't need to go out and spend loads of cash to get something decent now. I probably wont clock it (much because old habits die hard.)

I just want something a little more modern, maybe with a little bling from RGB, but not much.. just a little. It doesn't even have to clock that well, as I'm sure it would destroy my 3770K in just about every possible way.

 

[Vayra86]

Overclocking these days really is down to how you cool it more than anything else. Things are tweakable, but everything hinges on load temps. (That is, I take it you're going to look at some good performant chip).

Dual stack air or water is no luxury.

 

[freeagent]

Actually it will probably be just a middle of the road system, nothing crazy. Probably not the nicest.. As for cooling, I have a couple of Thermalright coolers, A 212, and an H100 that needs a bit of a top up and a bunch of thick fans. I can run my 3770K semi passively on my Le Grand Macho RT with a 1GHz overclock, I could probably get away with the same on something like a 2600 or something.. maybe.

 

[freeagent]

I know right? I started with Intel slot 1, s370, than AMD socket A, 939, than to 775, 1366, 1155 and soon I guess AM4.

I will always have some dirty AMD in me

It just took awhile for me to go back.. besides.. nothing lasts forever.

Because you know I will have my new AMD for 6 months and then Intel will drop another Conroe because that is my luck.

 

[jayseearr]

overclocking is not same with AMD. There is not as much benefit to be had from it on amd (generally speaking), plus you made it seem as if though a stable family p.c was at the top of your priorities. Overclocks do not equal more stability they equal less stability. My advice would be leave it alone, let it do it's thing on auto boost. unless you are a competitive benchmarker looking to dethrone Kingpin or a hardcore esports gamer looking to squeeze out EVERY LAST fps and get signed to faze that should be more than enough for you

 

[freeagent]

My z77 is pushing a pretty heavy oc and my family uses it daily. Like I said I probably won’t clock it but I’ll see what I can get.. nothing crazy as it would be just air, but am confident I could get a little more than Max boost. Again, at stock I’m sure it would manhandle my 3770K. So no real need to overclock it. I have been overclocking since ~2002-2003 so I will tweak it a bit because it’s just what I do. Can’t leave well enough alone and I have to push buttons.

 

[jayseearr]

That is of course your call to make, I'm just saying...if you're an avid overclocker then sticking with intel wouldn't be a bad play either. At the end of the day I'm just saying there's ALOT of reason to switch over to the AM4 platform from what you got now, but overclocking capabilities isn't one of them. just my opinion.

 

[Bill_Bright]

The only time I really noticed a difference just putzing around was anything pre Ryzen vs Intel. Since Ryzen came out, and without benchmarks, you'd be hardpressed to tell a difference. Now, that performance has flipped where AMD is a bit faster, but most users would hardly notice a difference without a counter/result staring them in the face.

This illustrates my point about valid - or rather invalid - comparisons. Both makers make dozens of processors at all sorts of price points and performance levels.

Anything pre Ryzen?​

AMD is a bit faster?​

Most users?​

So that scenario could pit a i3 against a Ryzen 9. Or an i9 against a Ryzen 3. Those are invalid scenarios. We must pit a specific AMD against a specific Intel for any comparison to be valid.

The top of the line does not define the entire brand!

As for most users and without benchmarks - here's a blanket statement. I bet no user can tell if the computer is AMD or Intel based in a blind test. That is, all the user sees is the keyboard, mouse, and application being run on the monitor. He or she is given no information as to CPU brand or model, # of cores, speeds, amount of RAM, drives, network connection, motherboard, GPU, etc.

The placebo effect rules.

 

[freeagent]

Okay Mr Bright, you are forgetting that I have not used a modern AMD system, or Intel for that matter. My baseline is on a nearly decade old computer.

Obviously I am not going to pit an i3 vs R9. Cmon now.

It’s all good my man. I’m just saying it seems like you are expecting me to know how these products feel without using them. At least that’s how I am reading into your reply’s. I was asking about user experience rather than overclocking or anything like that. Yes you picked up on keywords like stability. I asked because I saw a prominent member here mention some time ago that he made the switch and ended up going back. I’m sure he isn’t the only one.. and that’s why I mentioned it.

 

[Calmmo]

The numbers speak for them selves but you're looking for an excuse (..??..) to buy Intel regardless.
From a user experience pov you won't notice any difference running your computer with a 5900x or 10900k. (good luck finding them not overpriced)
If you want the best right now buy the one brand, if you don't care stick with the other brand and win loyalty and/or imaginary stability bucks.

 

[Bill_Bright]

No, I am

Okay Mr Bright, you are forgetting that I have not used a modern AMD system, or Intel for that matter. My baseline is on a nearly decade old computer.

Obviously I am not going to pit an i3 vs R9. Cmon now.

Cmon now? Ummm, did you notice I was not really responding directly to you, but to the crowd? I was not suggesting you were going to compare an i3 vs R9. I was pointing out how using blanket statements about the brands to justify purchasing one brand over the other could pit those two against each other. Therefore, not valid arguments.

It does not matter that you have not used a modern AMD or Intel, or that your baseline is 5, 10 or 20 years old. The fact remains, you cannot, with any "technical" validity, chose AMD or Intel based on just a few CPU models from the entire lineup. To suggest that every model from Brand A is better than every model from Brand B in every task is just wrong.

It’s all good my man. I’m just saying it seems like you are expecting me to know how these products feel without using them.

No! Not at all. What I am saying is what I said in my first post. You need to define the primary purpose for this computer (gaming, graphics design, graphics editing, CAD/CAE, statistic analysis, updating Facebook and watching videos, whatever), set your budget, then pick models the fit your budget, for example Model 123-C from Brand A and compare it to Model XYZ-3 from Brand B.

And note your first posts were all about stability and running smooth - nothing about which "brand" is faster, or which has the highest Prime95 scores.

As Calmmo suggests, it is the user experience that matters. All the highest scores gets you in benchmarks is bragging rights. They do not suggest you will enjoy the game any more, or any less. Both AMD and Intel make excellent processors that are reliable and stable.

Now if you want to talk pickup trucks, then clearly my blue Ford F-150 is better than that red Chevy Silverado in all categories - therefore, all Fords must be better than all Chevys.

 

[freeagent]

Well I may have read into things a little more than I should have.. it happens from time to time sorry about that.. the problem is on my end lol. I'm probably going to go with a second gen Ryzen because I am a little frugal at the moment, and I really don't need anything bleeding edge. My kids can have my Z77 system, it should last, its still quick.. sorta.. but not for any kind of video work other than maybe a game.

Thank you all for your replies, you are awesome just so you know..

So I'm thinking about selling some old systems that I have in boxes.. what do you think they are worth roughly? Looking for an easy sell locally.. but I am not sure of their worth if there is still any left. Everything works minus 1 fan header on each board.. I have a little 92x38 that should never be hot plugged.

 

[Bill_Bright]

Well I may have read into things a little more than I should have.. it happens from time to time sorry about that.. the problem is on my end lol.

LOL No problem. Another thing to consider, especially if the budget matters is the graphics solution. Depending on the task, often money is better spent (in terms of overall performance) on a better graphics solution (and RAM and a SSD) than on the CPU itself.

As far as your old electronics, you will never get what you think it is worth, unless you really find a sucker. I ended up cleaning out my basement storeroom by taking all my old electronics to a local electronics recycling center. They paid me $80 for the aluminum and steel junk value, and for the precious metals in the CPUs and RAM. Most importantly, it all was properly recovered and recycled to keep the hazardous waste out of landfills.

 

[freeagent]

I should have mentioned that. I have several cases.. I have my Define R4, I have a Meshify C, and I have a Define Mini C. So I can use any of those minus the latter unless I get an matx board.. For my cooler I have Thermalright Le Grand Macho RT, or True Spirit 140 Power that I will be using, not sure which one yet.. I am going to keep using my CM M2 850 PSU, and my 980 Classified for now. My kids would have a 970 FTW to use and a 650w PSU.

 

[NoJuan999]

A 2600 on a decent mid level B450 or X470 motherboard with either of those coolers should work very well for you.
And as for OCing you should be able to OC a 2600 to 3.9 - 4 GHz (possibly even 4.1 GHz) with either of those coolers and good case airflow.
The Meshify C you have is a good case for airflow.
Just be sure to get 2933-3200 RAM that is compatible with the Motherboard and CPU you end up choosing.
Ryzen CPU's like fast RAM.

I have a 2600 (OC'd to 4 GHz) on an Asus ROG Strix B450-F using an Arctic 33 eSports cooler.
Look at my Signature for the full specs of my 2600 rig.

PS
The 2600 rig is my First ever AMD rig and I am Very happy with it and even Happier with my newer 3700x rig.

 

[seth1911]

The IPC of
Zen 1 is under Haswell
Zen + on pair with Haswell
Zen 2 is 6% over Comet Lake

If a Consumer dont need 12 or 16 Cores theres no reason to buy any AMD.

Zen 3 maybe, but 300$ for a 6 Core in 2020


My latest AMD are Phenom x6 1055T and A10 6800K