Expert: Andre Hickman - 6/13/2011

Question
Hi

Sir I am doing  Graphical works like  Maya, 3dx Max, Z Brush like that.

I want to built a new Workstation with  2 * Amd Opeteron 6168 (1.9GGhz 12 core processor)( so total 24 cores) + 16 gb Ram ddr3 (1333)

If we have more cores our Rendering work will be done quickly according to my experience. And some Applications run sommothly am i right or not (really i am confusing in this regard)

Intel is more expensive and that to in workstation series intel processors having only 6 cores. ( And expensive also compared with amd 12 core processor)

So please guide me which system is best to my Works(For Smooth real time working)  and Rendering purpose also.

Please give your valuaable suggestions and openions also. thanks for your time and attention


Atchuth

Answer
Hey Atchuth,

This is what I understand.  First I would not try to directly compare cores-to-cores when talking about AMD vs. Intel. There is one thing that a lot of people don't understand or overlook, and that is the THREADS per core.  Most of those Intel processors with 6 cores actually have 2 threads per core, which each thread functioning like a core itself.  Therefore, if the AMD processor that you are looking at has 12 cores, each running a single thread, then comparably, a 6-core/dual thread is equivalent to a 12-core/single thread.

That being said, (and I understand speeding up renders with more cores), now you need to really look at the processor speed, when it comes to realtime application.  The faster the speed, the smoother your realtime workflow is going to be.  So pay attention to the processor speed as well, when comparing CPUs.  The one you are talking about is 1.9Ghz/12-core/and I am assuming single thread.  But if you find a 2.2Ghz/6-core/dual thread for a comparable price, you may want to seriously consider it, because it is faster, and probably more efficient in distributing workload.

That's my 2 cents.  At any rate, sounds like a monster of a machine! I don't think you're going to be terribly disappointed at all with performance, either way.

Cheers,
Andre