Intel Core i7 3930K versus AMD FX 8150

The Intel i7 3930K runs on the X79 chip-set (SB-E architecture, where the E might stand for expectations not fully met yet , and the K at the end of the processor model, stands for overclock-able or unlocked for overclocking). Recently released into the market on the footsteps of the X58 chip-set processors like the i7 970, it is Intel's younger sibling to the flagship Extreme Edition desktop processor i7 3960X.

The Intel Core i7-3930K Processor is a powerful "unlocked for overclocking" desktop processor, though, like the i7 3960X it has some simply unexpected minuses. 
The AMD FX 8150 also packs power, but in other ways, and is also unlocked for overclocking without showing off with an extra K at the end of the model number. The FX 8150 is AMD's flagship desktop processor, and can go head to head with, and even beat the i7 3930K when it comes to comparing specifications, and price versus performance value. First of all we are going to look at the basics:

www.knowbytes.com knowbyte on YouTube knowbytes on BlogSpot	i7 3930K	AMD FX 8150
Launched	November 14, 2011	October 12, 2011
Speed	3200 MHz	3600 MHz
Cores	6	8
Price (week of Dec. 10, 2011)	US $600	US $240

The i7 3930K was released over a month after the FX 8150 so the speed difference of a paltry approximately 12.5%, with the FX 8150 being 400 Mega Hertz faster than the i7 3930K, is not much of a deal. Unless one thinks in a traditional manner...