Windows 7: AMD FX-8150 Breaks New Clock Speed Record at 8.8 GHz

and not to mention that it is spending like 2x the watts

The top of the line Piledriver CPU, the FX-8350, is $219 @ Newegg(currently out of stock) and it doesn't run nearly as good as some Intel Core-i5's. The Piledriver platform DOES perform about 15% better than Bulldozer, but what is that really saying.....it has 15% less suck to it? AMD processors are priced the way they are for a reason, it's not an accident, a $200 AMD CPU is comparable to a $200 Intel CPU...most of the time a little less. Unless you are using very specific programs or very core/thread intensive tasks, there is no reason to go with AMD in my opinion. A good 2500K/3570K will violate the FX-8350 for general tasks/gaming.

To add something to the thread: 8.8-9GHz is outstanding as far as records/numbers go! They have always been good overclockers as far as I can remember, no doubt about that. Burnouts are cool and all, but unfortunately they don't win races.

It is like a drift, very good, long and cool, but doesnt mean it is the fastest driving line, on the otherhand if someone overclocked a top of the range i7 extreme to 8-9ghz, then you have something worth having.

Realistically, not a wise choice. Neither is Piledriver.

Intel has definitely won this round.

Not about speed or matching core per core performance

Bulldozer Runs period it is option that he might be looking to because not everyone can afford an intel rig

If you guys havent watched this yet and I dont know about you but I love this guy for his indebt reviews and testings

AMD FX8350 Piledriver 8 Core CPU Review - YouTube

Unfortunately the cost argument is now rather moot as the prices of 'mid range' intel chips, like the 3570k, is only about $10 more. Motherboard price/range is the same. So too is Ram.

Back when a lot of enthusiasts went with the 1366 socket, the AMD vs Intel cost argument was valid. With the release of Sandy however and the majority of users going with 1155, the price gap has virtually diminished.

I could only recommend these chips if you had an existing AMD rig that's compatible.

Otherwise, for a ground up build - I do recommend intel over AMD.

It's not that the AMD chips are bad, because they aren't. But when a 4 core chip outperforms and uses less wattage to do the same job as an 8 core chip with virtually no price difference - you can see it makes sense to suggest intel.

(You know I'm no fanboy either Tommy, nor am I in any way making fun of existing AMD owners. If AMD had the superior chip, I'd be running an AMD rig. The facts are simply what they are. )

Not exactly very new......