Intel Cripples Speed of Programs Run on AMD?

[incurablegeek]

Is there any truth to the assertions at http://www.agner.org/optimize/blog/read.php?i=49#131?

Specifically that Intel has a "Cripple AMD Feature" built into its compiler?
-and-
that AMD processors can be "rebranded" as Intel to bypass this roadblock?

Result: Programs run slower on AMD than on INTEL, all hardware being equal?

Conspiracy Theory or Fact?

[javajolt]

Fact!!

your link is not active

this dates back about a  year and Intel said they were going to fix this, but the FTC is still interested in the matter because VIA the chip involved might still be at a disadvantage,

[incurablegeek]

Why the link is not active I do not know.  Here it is again - and this time I shall test it.  Sorry!

http://www.agner.org/optimize/blog/read.php?i=49#131

So that is a Fact! 

this dates back about a  year

  Yes, but the article has been nicely updated and is current.  Apparently with no change by the intransigent Intel.

Seriously do you recommend I apply the "trick" whereby I convince the Intel compiler into thinking my AMD is actually Intel?  Or is that just a waste of effort?

[javajolt]

Seriously do you recommend I apply the "trick" whereby I convince the Intel compiler into thinking my AMD is actually Intel?  Or is that just a waste of effort?

If you wanted Intel then why did you buy AMD?  Let each processor stand on its own merits...waste of effort

This is like applying a compiler to make me more like you or vice versa

Lets just call it individuality.

[incurablegeek]

1) If you wanted Intel then why did you buy AMD?  Let each processor stand on its own merits...waste of effort

2) This is like applying a compiler to make me more like you or vice versa

1) Intel is way, way overpriced for what you get.
2) That would be called a False Analogy.

Although I agree with you in the sense that applying the fix engineered by the Russian tech could be risky, a careful read of the article will show that it does have its merits. Check out the results of a "straight AMD" vs "an AMD tricked into looking like Intel". The compiler does have its built-in bias - and therein lies the legal rub.

Another interesting point: Even the benchmark tests are designed to favor the Intel compiler and therefore give the impression that Intel is dramatically faster when in fact it is not. How's that for a level playing field?

[javajolt]

Even the benchmark tests are designed to favor the Intel compiler

CPAs call it ''Cooking the books''

I have owned and built countless computers using both CPUs each having their own Pros and Cons.  AMD is just as good as Intel, is less expensive, and more times than not as fast or faster that the same speed Intel.

From time in memorial, MHz's to GHz's it has always been that way no matter what Intel says.

[incurablegeek]

That's about as balanced opinion as one could have. I sure as heck wasn't going to try the Russian fix, not because I don't trust Russian technology but because Agner himself said the following:

Here is a CPUID manipulation program for AMD processors that I have received from a Russian friend. link. I haven't tested it. Use it at your own risk.

Even though I am a speed and power addict, I'm not that big a risk taker. 

An interesting take on the situation: Perhaps Intel is counting on folks like us just to accept what they have created as the status quo.

[DMHolt57]

All of my AMD machines run just fine, I don't use Intel products, have no plans to change my loyalties to the brand, and if it aint broke, don't fix it... 

[javajolt]

I agree more than words can say 

[DMHolt57]

Warning: 'fan-boy' opinion... 

I'd be willing to bet a dollar against a donut hole, if ya pull two ten year old machines out of the closet, one AMD, one Intel, tell two geeks to slap a new hdd in and install Windows 98,.....the AMD gets online first... 

[javajolt]

I wouldn't touch that bet with a 10' pole, as I would have to bet on the AMD.....

[incurablegeek]

You two fellows have just achieved "Most Favored Nation" status.  Thanks to you, I am no longer besieged by Angst.

But then, there is that lingering question as to whether or not my two new Intel SSD's will play well with my AMD processors ...

Ah, there seems to be no end to my many neuroses. 

[DMHolt57]

...gives me a shudder down my spine...frankenmachine comes to mind...

[javajolt]

But then, there is that lingering question as to whether or not my two new Intel SSD's will play well with my AMD processors ...

It will function as a regular unit regardless of the name brand. This is not like macs where everything is regulated. It should work fine! just make sure your motherboard has some open sata ports.

[incurablegeek]

JavaJolt, you are such a good and sincerely helpful person. Have no fear about:

It will function as a regular unit regardless of the name brand. This is not like macs where everything is regulated. It should work fine! just make sure your motherboard has some open sata ports.

I was only joking about my unending angst, which is a reality. I often worry that I am worrying too much.

SATA Ports?  Oh, we got SATA Ports: on-board 6 X 6GBs/second, 2 X 3 GBs/second plus a Promise SATA Expansion card with extra SATA and PATA ports.

I told you. There are no limits on my neuroses.  I'm even overclocking my 3.2 GHz AMD 6-core to 3.6 GHz. (optimal overclock according to Toms Hardware (http://www.tomshardware.com/reviews/overclocking-phenom-ii-x6-efficiency,2633.html)  Excellent article btw on the limitations of overclocking Multi-Cores.

Power to the FrankenMachine.