AMD FX-8350 vs Intel Core I7-12650H: a performance debate with mixed results (using dubious test scores)
AMD FX-8350 vs Intel Core I7-12650H: a performance debate with mixed results (using dubious test scores)
I'm considering replacing my stationary setup (AMD FX-8350) with a laptop (Intel Core I7-12650H). The main concern is that the older processor is nearing its end of life, but I've ended up in a bit of a situation. According to cpubenchmark.net, the FX-8350 starts at 4.0 GHz, while the I7-12650H begins at 2.3 GHz, which initially seemed like a low-end choice. However, single-core performance numbers suggest the I7 offers nearly double the processing power. I tried the userbenchmark, hoping for more accurate results, but it still gave similar outcomes. My takeaway is: 1) The chip feels very weak, yet it passes tests; 2) The benchmark data might be questionable; 3) I'm getting confused about what GHz really means for performance. Maybe I made a mistake and didn't actually upgrade properly. Thanks for any insight! By the way, some reviews call the I7-12650H unreliable, but I prefer not to base my decision solely on that. Cheers! P.S.: Reviews say the I7 is poor, but I don’t want to trust them too much.
Userbenchmark isn't reliable. The FX-8350 performed poorly upon release, making it hard to describe its current state clearly. Comparing clock speeds between different designs and eras isn't useful for meaningful performance insights.
Fair game, glad I could help with the FX details. I headed to userbenchmarks since I had no other choice—it was the closest spot for extra info. That’s how things usually go!
GHz is only one measure, but when discussing CPU speed you must also consider its IPC (instructions per clock). Your latest i7 offers a much higher IPC than the FX, which had issues even before, but managed to compensate with a faster clock. Additionally, newer CPUs can increase their clocks significantly during demanding tasks, boosting both IPC and clock speed simultaneously.
GHz isn't the sole indicator. Processors with 2ghz can outperform 5ghz ones if their performance metrics are better. Factors like IPC matter more than raw frequency. Comparing two CPUs of the same design makes sense—like 12100 versus 12900k.
Finding a precise IPC value is challenging because several factors influence it (like cache usage or application behavior). It's more practical to assess how various CPUs handle your typical programs. cpubenchmark offers a general estimate for comparison, though it doesn't reflect real-world conditions accurately.