Processors Toolkit

Story: Dual core shoot-out: Intel versus AMD

Posted by: cyber (Monday 13 February 2006, 10:50 PM)

Thank you for this article. I am in the process of my CompTia certs, and this issue came up. I would like to say, I find that the bias toward AMD seems to be a cost issue. If you don't have the money to spend, then yeah, it's a better deal. Power consumption? You never discussed the wide array of MB makers that would have effected that heavily. Additionally, the EE can operate at 2 different FSB rates, meaning that it was dependent on MB type as to whether it would function at its full capacity. The worst part of the comparison - the lack of 64-bit software platforms taking full advantage of this architecture. Yes, it's true, the hyperthreading should significantly slow down the EE when there is no use of it (more for the data to flow through, overbreakdown of data, etc). It simply becomes overhead. Furthermore, the 955 chipset also adds needless overhead load when not in full utilization. Max power to a unit not using its resources will slow it down. I'd like to see this EXACT test re-run when we have a solid, 64-bit architecture OS and associated Benchmark software out there. Your summary really should have included the slow down on the EE being a lack of backward compatibility on processor functions with 32 bit architecture. It should also consider how different vendors will handle the different MB's. That would have made it more thorough. You can't compare two Corvette's for effeciency, heat build, etc., when one has 4 cylinders and the other 32. The difference would be a gigantic engine being drug into the ground when the max track limit speed is 100 mph.?? But, again, thankyou for this article. This is part of the reason I read ZDNet. Lots of good info about the Athlon that makes knowing about it in its current state, with 32-bit platforms still dominant, important to know before I go out and buy anything!