AMD Processors for Laptops - how to choose

First of all, a Processors is a hardware component that is complicated to explain how it works and what it does to a consumer. However, just understand that the processor is basically the HUB where everything processes through in a computer (very basic explanation so other techs don't beat me up for description). With this said, there are 2 processor brands in the market - Intel and AMD. This post will be on the lower end CPU's AMD offers. AMD came out with "low cost laptop processors" called "E" series that has a 1, 2 or 3 code after the E. This processor is pretty weak in the performance arena but allows the low cost laptop to be distributed. Now AMD has come out with an A9 version which some will argue due to the bad press on the E series processor. AMD makes this numbering system complicated to understand, so I will present why it is confusion. AMD release a number of years ago an A8 and A10 processors (also referred to as CPU) which have double the processing capabilities and performance abilities as well as uses less electricity to do this. Then AMD released the A9 series. A logical thought by consumers is A9 must be better than the A8 and less power than the A10. This is totally incorrect fact regarding the A9 processor. Our testing shows this process runs around 60% of capability to run Windows 10 and 4 tabs open on a browser like Chrome. Many times when changing website will spike the processor use to over 90% maybe even sustained 100% for a minute. While as a general position, we find AMD processors are a better choice than Intel based on Price, Performance and Product Availability. We are not saying AMD beats all performance capabilities of Intel processors but we are saying the Return On Investment is consistently better than Intel. We suggest purchasing an old AMD A6 processor laptop over the newer A9 processor. We are willing to review as we can the laptops you find and provide our thoughts at no charge. This Blog is about information and not for sales.

Intel Processor warranty

This post is based on a recent personal experience and deals with what I see as "fake" warranty offerings. I purchased an LGA 1155 processor for a PC build we did about 2 yrs ago. This processor has a 3 year warranty which is good well into 2020 and the processor has failed. We determine it was the cause of PC failure by installing another exact make and model process and the system issues went away. Contacted Intel support for warranty replacement. After approx 1 hr on the phone - some time spent attempting to read a 1 pt font on the chip which is part of the serial number. I had to take several pictures of the processor and attempt to enlarge the picture to make the characters readable. Once the serial number was provided to Intel support, they notified be that they did not have anymore of these processors in stock and no longer manufacturing the processor. I bet right now your scratching your head, I know I was. Through many minutes discussing the why they cannot stand behind their own warranty, they agreed to refund my payment price while the processor was "mainstream" and cost less than it does now. It has been almost a month ago I provide all of the items they requested and still have not seen the refund nor the processor.

Now to present the issues caused by the inability to provide a replacement processor.
1. Purchasing replacement processor is about 30% more due to "supply and demand" mentality
2. Warranty is really worthless since the manufacture does not replace the processor
3. Each motherboard (this is what the processor is connected to in a PC) only supports specific processors. Thus this motherboard is now scrape as well unless I want to purchase a USED processor.
4. In 2 decades, I have only seen 2 processors fail, yes both were Intel Processors
5. It took almost 2 hrs to work with Intel support that I will never get back. This time does not include troubleshooting - we make sure what the issue is before contacting the manufacture for warranty replacement.

Concerns every consumer should have
1. How good is any warranty that part cannot repaired or replace the failed product
2. Intel has had processor shortage for the last 2 yrs - has increased price for this reason
3. Many software manufactures list Intel as the only processor supported - which is not technically true since the launch of Windows XP. Logically seems Intel may be providing kick back benefits to companies to claim this.
4. While the failure rate is really pretty small even by our experience (this failure rate is based on "dead on arrival" failures not included in this number), it does suggest thousands of people can be affected.
5. Failure to stand behind warranty is not an Intel issue, it exists in many large companies.
6. Also understand, companies are also abused by consumers that make up issues to get something for free. Everyone needs to be outward focused and treat others like they want to be treated.

Introduction

Welcome to our Blog. After being in the technical career field (full time) for almost 2 decades, I have been able to experience many changes and interactions with all sorts of outcomes. Our goal here is to provide a factual guideline for people. In hopes my experience will provide others a mirror to skip the mistakes I have made, see what the real backdrop is behind the curtain and learn how to deal with companies as a consumer. I have a vast experience due to the many career paths (not to mention my very analytical thought process in absence of emotion).  My longest career is by far being technology (system engineer).

I wanted to provide a quick breakdown of what I plan to contribute to you. First, debunk some of the advertisements that are presented by corporate america - not bashing any company, but taking an analytical look into the words they use to distract you from knowing what the real DEAL is. Looking into technology offerings - the good and bad. Presenting some Return On Investment facts that the business world does not want you to know. I want to put you, the consumer, in the driver seat

While I will be presenting my experiences as well, some may think my position is OPINION and not factual. However, keep in mind it is factual to me since I personally experienced the encounter.

Things we will NOT do. We will not be selling any of the services we offer, endorsing a product or server due to being paid to do so, present any political propaganda. However, I will be posting on items in the political arena since manipulation happens in the politics. I will not enter into any debate with any comment. I will take down any comment that is rude, attacking any person personally, comments that contain profanity, etc.