I need to get my hardware updated.  Considering all options.  Is AMD still evil in the DAW/SONAR world?

I do not think AMD was ever evil in a DAW. Early on there may have been glitches with code that was specifically written and tested on WIntel machines, but current SONAR system requirements include AMD as well as Intel. At one point the clear bang for the buck went to AMD because of the significant price difference and comparable performance, but in more recent years, the complaint has mainly been that AMD has not kept pace with Intel in performance leading a lot of people to opt for the Intel products in spite of their price. For a more nuanced, though probably not unprejudiced take on this issue:
 
http://www.digitaltrends.com/computing/here-we-explain-the-basic-differences-between-intel-and-amd-cpus/
 
 

I know AMD are about to release a new CPU but my guide is what do professional DAW manufacturers use?

I also thought I read somewhere, though I could be mistaken, that there was micro code in the Intel chips that was of benefit to DAW and Audio production that AMD does not.  Again this could all just be a furry fantasy contained within my furry mind. 

Reading SBF's link (Thanks) and some followups tells me things are waaaaay different than they used to be.  No need to even consider AMD - unless Zen blows everybody away.  Even if it does, I'm not an early adopter type.
 
Thanks guys

I have had AMD CPU's in multiple build of my computers over the last 10 years, with the single exception of one Intel-based i7-2600k machine.
 
The AMD computers ALL ran just fine, with zero performance problems, and all of those builds had at least 16 GB and most had 32 GB.
 
I currently use 2 primary computers, one with an AMD 7850 CPU with 32 GB of memory, and the other is an i7-2600k also with 32 GB of memory.  The Intel-based one is actually my backup computer at the moment.
 
Bob Bone
 

Been using intel for over a decade but always used/supported AMD till intel pulled away, DAW performance wise...I just stress my cpu too much, although things are way better now with Sonar's/W10's core distribution/efficiency improvements  Intel has been stagnating as a result of no competition; their latest CPU's are no better than their last CPUs for power users, DAW wise. Indeed, my older 6 core cpu is still nearly as good, and it's been quite awhile...
 
I truly hope Zen puts AMD back into the drivers seat; it appears as good or better than the best intel(which is BIG bucks)... and will  DEFINITELY be cheaper and more future proof, platform wise (mb, socket, etc).  If I were you and could wait a month or two, I'd go AMD in a heartbeat as the initial results are Zen is truly a beast.  You'll save money and support the only company driving innovation.
 
There's an individual into mega machines over at VI Control, into HUGE DAW/VID projects who'll b testing Zen shortly... I'm tracking the thread and will report the results.

If/when AMD CPUs pull ahead of Intel, we'll be first in line to use them.
For the foreseeable future, it's Intel. 

Jim Roseberry
If/when AMD CPUs pull ahead of Intel, we'll be first in line to use them.
For the foreseeable future, it's Intel. 

I completely agree that at this point in time, Intel makes a faster processor, and they rock in lots of areas.
 
My reasons for currently using AMD, are because of bang for the buck.  AMD bundled CPU and motherboard deals allow me to purchase a very capable AMD processor and a good motherboard, for FAR less money than a comparable Intel combination.
 
Doing that allows me to spend money for more memory and better and bigger hard drives, etc.
 
My AMD-based machine will not match the high-end Intel CPU's, for performance, however mine does everything needed of it, and the performance of the computer is plenty fast enough for all of my Sonar needs.  I would have had to spend several hundred dollars for a comparable Intel-based system, and there was no need for it.
 
Lots of memory and good data streaming are also quite important to performance in music production, and I am quite happy with my AMD-based computer's performance.  With a solid-state drive for a primary drive (C:) a couple others now for the sample libraries I have, and 32 GB of memory, my system rocks, and is completely stable.
 
Again - not knocking Intel - I just get great performance for lots less money.
 
Bob Bone
 

robert_e_bone
My AMD-based machine will not match the high-end Intel CPU's, for performance, however mine does everything needed of it, and the performance of the computer is plenty fast enough for all of my Sonar needs.  I would have had to spend several hundred dollars for a comparable Intel-based system, and there was no need for it.

+1
Identify your needs and meet them efficiently. This is the essence of rational design decision making. 

I know it is likely to be completely objective but I would stay with intel.
 
I have had issues with every AMD system I've had. Maybe AMD just doesn't like me. Or maybe there is something in my chakras that doesn't allow AMD's to work reliably. shrugs