This new range of dual processors from Amd, consists of four models, Amd 64 X2 4200+, Amd 64 X2 4400+, Amd 64 X2 4600+ and Amd 64 X2 4800+. All of them are made with 90 nanometer technology, and have SSE3 support.
The 4400+ and 4800+ models use the core called “Toledo”, which have 1Mb of cache memory for each processor, that is, two megabytes of cache memory. The 4200+ and 4600+ models use the “Manchester” core, which has only 512Kb of cache for each processor, making a total of 1Mb.
Unlike Intel, Amd has not been forced to reduce the working frequency of its dual-core processors, so we can take advantage of all the power that those extra megahertz give us. Intel’s fastest cpu runs at 3.8Ghz, while its faster dual-core processor runs only at 3.2Ghz.
This is possible thanks to the small voltage with which the Amd 64 X2 work (1.29volts), which implies that they have a maximum thermal power of only 110Watts. This is a difference of only 21 Watts compared to single-core Amd Athlon 64 processors.
As we can see, its direct competitors, the Intel Pentium Extreme Edition and Intel Pentium D dual-core processors, have everything to lose in this case, since they require a change of motherboard with their specific socket, they have a much more thermal power. high, and, they lose in 90% of the performance tests, compared to the new Amd Athlon 64 X2 processors.
According to AMD, the performance increase of its new processors in several of the most common applications with dual-process support is as follows:
– 3DStudio Max 6 – 80% performance gain.
– LightWave 8 – 70% to 85% performance gain.
– Canopus ProCoder, Procoder Express 68% faster to convert MPG to DVD.
– Windows Media Encoder 76% faster to convert DV to WMV.
– Mandelbrot generator C / C ++ works 99% faster.
– Adobe Premiere Pro 17% – 60% faster depending on the project.
– Cyberlink Power Director 85% MPEG2, 90% WMV, 99% DivX.
– Windows MovieMaker 42% faster.
We must not forget that these data come directly from the manufacturer, so its reliability could be slightly debatable, due to the marketing.
Their prices approximately:
AMD Athlon 64 X2 (2×1 Mb Cache) 4800+ = € 1150 unit
AMD Athlon 64 X2 (2x512Kb Cache) 4600+ = € 900 unit
AMD Athlon 64 X2 (2×1 Mb Cache) 4400+ = € 650 unit
AMD Athlon 64 X2 (2x512Kb Cache) 4200+ = € 600 unit
For those who are not going to use applications that require dual core, or for those who are not willing to spend such a lot on a processor, we remind you that the new Amd Athlon 64 socket 939 processors are already available at www.hardigit.com , with Venice and San Diego cores, in addition to the aforementioned X2, manufactured with 90 nanometer technology, and with support for SSE3 instructions.
In addition, and for those who want to know some data about the Venice core processors, we recommend that you go through this review that, although in English, it is worth taking a look, just click here.
