Quoting kona0197, reply 50For now. AMD could come out with a CPU that beats any I7. I wouldn't bet against it.
Kona...I live in the 'Real World' [tm]. It's entirely irrelevant who 'might' do what - when.
If you consistently choose Ferraris [because they are good/fast] you don't rush off and buy a Porsche instead because someone thinks they 'might' be faster/better tomorrow. Tomorrow never comes....
I have an AMD FX8350 that beats 'some' i7s, but it is way off beating the more recent Haswell series. The AMD FX 9350, which must be liquid cooled, comes closer but still no cigar. To date, Intel beats AMD for speed every time, which is why it is the CPU of choice for those seeking performance over price, but I did read that AMD is working with a new architecture which has shown promising results thus far.
The problem AMD has faced in recent times is working with an older architecture that hasn't allowed for great expansion going forward, which has allowed Intel, with greater developmental resources, to leap farther ahead in terms of performance. However. AMD's new architecture may see leaps forward in terms of speed to truly rival Intel.
It remains to be seen, and I'd like to see AMD come up with a CPU that truly rivals the best Intel has, but in either event, whether they do or not, AMD do manufacture great CPUs and they're not going away any time soon. AMD does have a dedicated market and it will continue to push the envelope in the endeavour to close the gap, and at the end of the day, it is a matter of preference and what best suits a user's needs. I have an Intel machine for the first time in 10 years, perhaps, but it doesn't mean I will get rid of/sell off my AMD rigs. No, I will still use and cherish my AMD rigs because they continue to serve me well.
