October 18, 2004. Intel has announced that it is to cease the development of its 4.0GHz Pentium processor. In July 2004, it announced that the 4.0GHz processor would not achieve its shipment dates for the end of the year, and put back the launch dated to the spring of 2005. But, for the time being, 3.8GHz is to remain the highest clock speed for the Pentium processor. Intel says that it will be transferring its engineers to work on the dual-core designs demonstrated at the recent Developer's Forum. The reason for this change in policy is probably because Intel and arch-rival AMD have been having increasingly difficult problems with producing reliable fabrications able to cope with the amount of heat generated by such high clock speeds. First AMD and now Intel have moved away from developing raw clock speed towards putting more than one processor on a single chip. Early indications show that the dual-core strategy boosts performance by up to 55 per cent.
The clock-speed contest may be at at an end, but, for marketing purposes, Intel still needs to show that its processors are constantly improving. Hence the adoption of a new way of naming them. For more information on this subject, read this earlier story:
Intel adopts a new and highly confusing numbering system for its processors
Intel has decided to use a new confusing numbering system for its processors instead of using just the name of the processor and its clock-speed in gigahertz (GHz).
"Intel Introduces Processor Numbers" -
http://www.intel.com/products/processor_number/info.htm#p4htt
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"Pentium® 4 processors Optimization Tip - Driver Installation Order"
"Correct Driver installation is crucial to overall platform performance. This is especially true for the Intel® 850 and Intel® 845 chipsets. Drivers should always be installed in the order displayed in Table 1 below. The most critical step in the installation order is to run the Intel® Chipset Software Installation Utility before all other drivers. Once the chipset is properly detected and configured using this utility, device driver installation order becomes less crucial and will have less impact on system performance." - From a page called Pentium® 4 processors Optimization Tip - Checking Driver Installation that no longer exists on Intel's site.
Visit Intel.com for any such information or Intel Chipset Software Installation Utility that you need for your particular motherboard's Intel chipset.
Friday, December 26, 2008
The AMD Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, and Athlon 64 X2 (dual-core) 64-bit processors
Most current desktop and mobile computers use 32-bit processors made by Intel or AMD. But that position won't last long because the latest processors made by both companies are 64-bit processors that can run both 32-bit and 64-bit software.
The single-core Athlon 64 and dual-core Athlon 64 X2 64-bit processors from AMD (that, in theory, can access and transport twice as much data at once as 32-bit processors) are available. The new processors have more pins than their predecessors, the Athlon XP Socket A processors, which are now out of production.
The Athlon 64 processors can run 64-bit applications, which are not yet available, and the current 32-bit software. A 64-bit version of Windows XP Professional Edition for 64-bit processors is now available, but there is currently (August 2005) no 64-bit version of Windows XP Home Edition.
No emulation mode is used by a 64-bit processor in order for it to run 32-bit software. The processor can run both types naturally and at once.
Click here! to go to information on the Software pages of this site on the 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista.
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The single-core Athlon 64 and dual-core Athlon 64 X2 64-bit processors from AMD (that, in theory, can access and transport twice as much data at once as 32-bit processors) are available. The new processors have more pins than their predecessors, the Athlon XP Socket A processors, which are now out of production.
The Athlon 64 processors can run 64-bit applications, which are not yet available, and the current 32-bit software. A 64-bit version of Windows XP Professional Edition for 64-bit processors is now available, but there is currently (August 2005) no 64-bit version of Windows XP Home Edition.
No emulation mode is used by a 64-bit processor in order for it to run 32-bit software. The processor can run both types naturally and at once.
Click here! to go to information on the Software pages of this site on the 64-bit versions of Windows XP and Windows Vista.
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Windows Vista and dual-core and multiple processors
All of the versions of Windows Vista down to Home Basic, support multicore (dual-core/quad-core) processors, and the Business, Enterprise, and Ultimate Editions all support multiple processors on the motherboard (that is, the motherboard must have more than one processor socket).
Exploiting Multi-Core Processors in Windows Vista -
http://developer.amd.com/documentation/articles/Pages/282007123.aspx
****
Each of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core chips can be installed in the standard Socket 939 motherboards used by the latest Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 FX processors as long as the motherboard maker provides an updated BIOS. However, Intel's dual-core desktop Pentium D processors require a new motherboard based on the nForce4 Intel Edition, 955X or 945 chipsets, because of minor pinout changes in their design that require a new processor socket.
Note that a licence for Windows XP (or any other version of Windows) only allows the use of a single processor. If you use two separate processors on a motherboard, you have to purchase two licences for Windows. This is not the case with a dual-core processor, because it is installed as a single unit in a single socket on the motherboard.
The software that can make optimal use of a dual-core processor has to be multithreaded. Currently, there isn't much such software in existence. Since most software is still designed to make use of a single processor, a dual-core processor, such as the AMD Athlon X2 4800+, performs much like a single-core Athlon 64 4000+ processor when running an application, because both cores run at 2.4GHz, which is the same speed as the Athlon 64 4000+ processor. However, when two applications are run at the same time, each one is run on a core of its own, so both of them run at full speed.
Visit this page - http://multicore.amd.com/ - to find out more about AMD's dual-core processors.
HT stands for HyperThreading. It is technology that belongs to Intel that allows a single processor to emulate two processors, so AMD Athlon processors don't use it.
If you see nm in relation to processors, it stands for nanometres, and describes how small the manufacturing process - called fabrication - can wire the processor's interconnections - measured in nanometres. Intel has already updated from using 130nm to using a 90nm fabrication process, which is used to manufacture the Pentium 4 Prescott and AMD's Athlon 64 processors. Determined to keep one step ahead of AMD, Intel will soon be moving to the even more miniaturised 65nm technology.
A nanometre is a billionth of a metre (a nanosecond is a billionth of a second), where a billion is 1,000 million, so a namometre is 10 to the power of minus 9 of a metre; an incredibly small distance.
Below are images showing the top (left), and underside views of the Intel's Celeron 1.7GHz Socket 478 processor. The 478 is derived from the number of pins on the processor - 478 - that fit into the socket. Note that Socket 478 has been replaced by Socket LGA775.
The pins can clearly be seen in the image on the right. The processor can stand on its pins, but should one break off, or bend so that it doesn't fit into its corresponding hole in the processor socket, the processor won't be able to function. Bent pins can be straightened, but if a pin breaks off, a new processor would be required.
The start-up screen for a system running an American Megatrends (AMI) BIOS and an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ processor is shown below. The Checking NVRAM.. 1048576KB OK is 1GB of RAM. There may be power problems with upgrading a system to run large amounts of RAM. See the RAM page on this site for more information on this subject.
The system's DRAM clock is shown as 400MHz, so DDR400 (PC3200) RAM) is installed. Pressing the DEL key enters the BIOS setup program, pressing the F11 key brings up the Boot Menu, and pressing the F10 key runs the BIOS recovery utility, which you would use if the computer won't boot past the start-up screen, and you can't enter the BIOS because it has become corrupt.
Exploiting Multi-Core Processors in Windows Vista -
http://developer.amd.com/documentation/articles/Pages/282007123.aspx
****
Each of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core chips can be installed in the standard Socket 939 motherboards used by the latest Athlon 64 and Athlon 64 FX processors as long as the motherboard maker provides an updated BIOS. However, Intel's dual-core desktop Pentium D processors require a new motherboard based on the nForce4 Intel Edition, 955X or 945 chipsets, because of minor pinout changes in their design that require a new processor socket.
Note that a licence for Windows XP (or any other version of Windows) only allows the use of a single processor. If you use two separate processors on a motherboard, you have to purchase two licences for Windows. This is not the case with a dual-core processor, because it is installed as a single unit in a single socket on the motherboard.
The software that can make optimal use of a dual-core processor has to be multithreaded. Currently, there isn't much such software in existence. Since most software is still designed to make use of a single processor, a dual-core processor, such as the AMD Athlon X2 4800+, performs much like a single-core Athlon 64 4000+ processor when running an application, because both cores run at 2.4GHz, which is the same speed as the Athlon 64 4000+ processor. However, when two applications are run at the same time, each one is run on a core of its own, so both of them run at full speed.
Visit this page - http://multicore.amd.com/ - to find out more about AMD's dual-core processors.
HT stands for HyperThreading. It is technology that belongs to Intel that allows a single processor to emulate two processors, so AMD Athlon processors don't use it.
If you see nm in relation to processors, it stands for nanometres, and describes how small the manufacturing process - called fabrication - can wire the processor's interconnections - measured in nanometres. Intel has already updated from using 130nm to using a 90nm fabrication process, which is used to manufacture the Pentium 4 Prescott and AMD's Athlon 64 processors. Determined to keep one step ahead of AMD, Intel will soon be moving to the even more miniaturised 65nm technology.
A nanometre is a billionth of a metre (a nanosecond is a billionth of a second), where a billion is 1,000 million, so a namometre is 10 to the power of minus 9 of a metre; an incredibly small distance.
Below are images showing the top (left), and underside views of the Intel's Celeron 1.7GHz Socket 478 processor. The 478 is derived from the number of pins on the processor - 478 - that fit into the socket. Note that Socket 478 has been replaced by Socket LGA775.
The pins can clearly be seen in the image on the right. The processor can stand on its pins, but should one break off, or bend so that it doesn't fit into its corresponding hole in the processor socket, the processor won't be able to function. Bent pins can be straightened, but if a pin breaks off, a new processor would be required.
The start-up screen for a system running an American Megatrends (AMI) BIOS and an AMD Athlon 64 3200+ processor is shown below. The Checking NVRAM.. 1048576KB OK is 1GB of RAM. There may be power problems with upgrading a system to run large amounts of RAM. See the RAM page on this site for more information on this subject.
The system's DRAM clock is shown as 400MHz, so DDR400 (PC3200) RAM) is installed. Pressing the DEL key enters the BIOS setup program, pressing the F11 key brings up the Boot Menu, and pressing the F10 key runs the BIOS recovery utility, which you would use if the computer won't boot past the start-up screen, and you can't enter the BIOS because it has become corrupt.
AMD Live!
AMD Live! is AMD's branding for computers designed for digital entertainment. It is the equivalent of Intel's Viiv.
Intel® Viiv™ technology - "Intel's new platform designed for the enjoyment of digital entertainment—Intel® Viiv™ technology—delivers the multitasking power of a dual-core processor and enables sleek new designs that fit your lifestyle." -
http://www.intel.com/products/viiv/index.htm
An AMD Live! PC has to meet several hardware and software requirements, including a dual-core AMD processor, such as a Turion 64 X2 for laptop/notebook PCs and an Athlon 64 X2 4200+ for desktop PCs. AMD Live! computers should come with Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium, or Windows Vista Ultimate, which all run the Media Center. A suite of software should also be included that can, for instance, allow the user to share files online. This software pack can be downloaded from http://www.amdlive.com/gb-en/free_downloads.aspx.
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Unfortunately, the situation with regard to the complexities involved in choosing or even identifying the kind of processor required in a laptop or desktop PC intended for use for specific purposes is set to get even more confusing. Now that invisible features are being added to processors instead of raw clock speed, both Intel, and, to a lesser extent at present, AMD, think that it is a good idea to include an encoded description of what those features are in the model names of their processors. Unfortunately, AMD seems intent on following Intel's lead in creating the same kind of confusion about its processors.
This is what Tom's Hardware Guide had to say on this subject on a page that no longer exists:
"It is hard to decide whether it was a bunch of marketing people that didn't think through how to categorize future processors properly, or if Intel actually intended the nomenclature to go bananas. Either way, it is clear that with processor numbering schemes becoming increasingly complex, nobody but the most deeply involved enthusiasts, tech journalists and the technical elite of the industry will be able to keep track of processor models, their features and performance capabilities."
In any case, before you purchase a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, it is advisable to find out what the make and model of the processor used in the machine is, and then conduct a Google search for its manufacturer's site and others that provide information on it.
It's possible to install a motherboard that can run two separate processors (multiple processors) in a personal computer, but most current computers use a motherboard that can run only one processor - or a dual-core processor.
The operating system has to be designed to run multiple processors. Linux, Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional Edition (32- or 64-bit versions), Windows XP SP2 Home Edition, and Windows Server 2003 can do so, but the two versions of Windows XP Home Edition prior to SP2 (the original XP Home and XP Home SP1) and Windows 95/98/Me cannot. Windows 95/98/Me can't run multiple processors or multiple-core processors. The software being used also has to be programmed to use multiple processors, otherwise it will just use one of the processors.
This MS Knowledge Base article: Computers that are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 and that are equipped with multiple processors that support processor power management features may experience decreased performance applies to Windows XP Service Pack 2 when used with Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition.
Intel® Viiv™ technology - "Intel's new platform designed for the enjoyment of digital entertainment—Intel® Viiv™ technology—delivers the multitasking power of a dual-core processor and enables sleek new designs that fit your lifestyle." -
http://www.intel.com/products/viiv/index.htm
An AMD Live! PC has to meet several hardware and software requirements, including a dual-core AMD processor, such as a Turion 64 X2 for laptop/notebook PCs and an Athlon 64 X2 4200+ for desktop PCs. AMD Live! computers should come with Windows XP Media Center Edition, Windows Vista Home Premium, or Windows Vista Ultimate, which all run the Media Center. A suite of software should also be included that can, for instance, allow the user to share files online. This software pack can be downloaded from http://www.amdlive.com/gb-en/free_downloads.aspx.
________________________________________
Unfortunately, the situation with regard to the complexities involved in choosing or even identifying the kind of processor required in a laptop or desktop PC intended for use for specific purposes is set to get even more confusing. Now that invisible features are being added to processors instead of raw clock speed, both Intel, and, to a lesser extent at present, AMD, think that it is a good idea to include an encoded description of what those features are in the model names of their processors. Unfortunately, AMD seems intent on following Intel's lead in creating the same kind of confusion about its processors.
This is what Tom's Hardware Guide had to say on this subject on a page that no longer exists:
"It is hard to decide whether it was a bunch of marketing people that didn't think through how to categorize future processors properly, or if Intel actually intended the nomenclature to go bananas. Either way, it is clear that with processor numbering schemes becoming increasingly complex, nobody but the most deeply involved enthusiasts, tech journalists and the technical elite of the industry will be able to keep track of processor models, their features and performance capabilities."
In any case, before you purchase a desktop or laptop/notebook computer, it is advisable to find out what the make and model of the processor used in the machine is, and then conduct a Google search for its manufacturer's site and others that provide information on it.
It's possible to install a motherboard that can run two separate processors (multiple processors) in a personal computer, but most current computers use a motherboard that can run only one processor - or a dual-core processor.
The operating system has to be designed to run multiple processors. Linux, Windows 2000, Windows XP Professional Edition (32- or 64-bit versions), Windows XP SP2 Home Edition, and Windows Server 2003 can do so, but the two versions of Windows XP Home Edition prior to SP2 (the original XP Home and XP Home SP1) and Windows 95/98/Me cannot. Windows 95/98/Me can't run multiple processors or multiple-core processors. The software being used also has to be programmed to use multiple processors, otherwise it will just use one of the processors.
This MS Knowledge Base article: Computers that are running Windows XP Service Pack 2 and that are equipped with multiple processors that support processor power management features may experience decreased performance applies to Windows XP Service Pack 2 when used with Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional Edition.
The price of AMD and Intel dual-core processors
You can find out what the current prices are in the UK at a site such as http:www.overclockers.co.uk/ and at http://www.newegg.com/ in the US.
There are many other vendors that you can locate by making use of the Google search box at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled). You could use a search term such as: amd + dual-core + processors.
Problems with overheating did not force AMD to reduce clock speeds in order to run two processor cores within a single unit, which means that each of the cores in AMD's dual-core processors run as fast as the single-core processors that they are created from. However, Intel has clearly had problems with overheating, because the fastest of Intel's current dual-core processors runs at a clock speed of 3.2GHz, while the fastest of Intel's single-core processors runs at a clock speed of 3.8GHz.
If you are not sure if your motherboard can run a particular dual-core Intel processor, visit the manufacturer's website for that information. For example, I discovered that an MSI 7093 motherboard can run Athlon 64 X2 (dual-core) processors by visiting the BIOS update page on the MSI site. The page stated that the latest BIOS update enables dual-core processor support.
Intel dropped the 4 from Pentium 4 for the name of its first range of dual-core processors. The Intel Pentium D 840, 830 and 820, and Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 (EE), are all dual-core models. Core 2 Duo is Intel's second range of dual-core processors.
All of the above-mentioned processors can run 32-bit software, but require 64-bit software to run at maximum efficiency. Microsoft has already issued a 64-bit edition of Windows XP Professional Edition, and the Linux kernel can run 64-bit software, but, currently, there is hardly any 64-bit software available.
Visit the following two pages to view tables containing all of the technical specifications (clock speed, supported instruction sets, cache, etc.) and other information, such as the dates of release, of all of the processors made by AMD and Intel up to the present. The further down the list a processor appears, the more recent it is.
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - AMD processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=0
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - Intel processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=4
There are many other vendors that you can locate by making use of the Google search box at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled). You could use a search term such as: amd + dual-core + processors.
Problems with overheating did not force AMD to reduce clock speeds in order to run two processor cores within a single unit, which means that each of the cores in AMD's dual-core processors run as fast as the single-core processors that they are created from. However, Intel has clearly had problems with overheating, because the fastest of Intel's current dual-core processors runs at a clock speed of 3.2GHz, while the fastest of Intel's single-core processors runs at a clock speed of 3.8GHz.
If you are not sure if your motherboard can run a particular dual-core Intel processor, visit the manufacturer's website for that information. For example, I discovered that an MSI 7093 motherboard can run Athlon 64 X2 (dual-core) processors by visiting the BIOS update page on the MSI site. The page stated that the latest BIOS update enables dual-core processor support.
Intel dropped the 4 from Pentium 4 for the name of its first range of dual-core processors. The Intel Pentium D 840, 830 and 820, and Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 (EE), are all dual-core models. Core 2 Duo is Intel's second range of dual-core processors.
All of the above-mentioned processors can run 32-bit software, but require 64-bit software to run at maximum efficiency. Microsoft has already issued a 64-bit edition of Windows XP Professional Edition, and the Linux kernel can run 64-bit software, but, currently, there is hardly any 64-bit software available.
Visit the following two pages to view tables containing all of the technical specifications (clock speed, supported instruction sets, cache, etc.) and other information, such as the dates of release, of all of the processors made by AMD and Intel up to the present. The further down the list a processor appears, the more recent it is.
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - AMD processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=0
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - Intel processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=4
AMD's Socket AM2+ platform: The Phenom processors
For the first time since its take-over of the graphics-chip company, ATI, AMD has produced a complete platform, code-named Spider, that consists of the new Phenom processor, the 790FX motherboard chipset, and the Radeon HD3800 series of graphics cards.
Intel's quad-core processors are really just two dual-core processors in a single package. However, AMD's quad-core processors have all four cores in a single chip.
The good news is that the Phenom processors, and all of the Athlon 64 Socket AM2 processors, can be used on either the new Socket AM2+ motherboards or on Socket AM2 motherboards. In other words, in order to run, the Phenom processors do not require a new Socket AM2+ motherboard. They will also run in a Socket AM2 motherboard. A Phenom processor uses Hypertransport 2.0 on an AM2+ motherboard, and Hypertransport 1.0 on a AM2 board. However, a BIOS update may be required to run a Phenom processor on an AM2 motherboard.
The single-die, quad-core design involves a greater risk of manufacturing defects resulting in lower yields per silicone wafer. If only one of the four cores is defective, it cannot be sold as a quad-core processor. However, if one of the cores is defective, it is deactivated with the intention in mind of marketing it as a triple-core or tri-core processor. AMD’s customers will therefore soon be able to purchase a less expensive tri-core processor. However, at the time of writing this (November, 2007) no information was available about when the Phenom X3 processors will be brought to the market.
Each of the four processor cores of a Phenom processor possesses its own 512 KB of L2 (Level 2) cache, and all of the cores have access to 2MB of L3 (Level 3) cache, which produces an increase in performance.
Even future Phenom processors manufactured on a 45nm fabrication process and supporting DDR3 memory will run in Socket AM2 and AM2+ motherboards. The Socket AM3 45nm Phenom processors are scheduled for release in 2009.
The other advantages of the Spider platform are that it can be upgraded to use up to four graphics cards, and the platform supports the new PCI Express 2.0 graphics standard.
Motherboard manufacturers Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte were at the introduction of the Spider platform in Warsaw to show off their AM2+ motherboards. According to AMD, the MSI K9A2 Platinum (MS-7376) is currently the best of the offerings.
AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processors -
http://www.amd.com/...0,,30_118_15331_15332,00.html
Intel's quad-core processors are really just two dual-core processors in a single package. However, AMD's quad-core processors have all four cores in a single chip.
The good news is that the Phenom processors, and all of the Athlon 64 Socket AM2 processors, can be used on either the new Socket AM2+ motherboards or on Socket AM2 motherboards. In other words, in order to run, the Phenom processors do not require a new Socket AM2+ motherboard. They will also run in a Socket AM2 motherboard. A Phenom processor uses Hypertransport 2.0 on an AM2+ motherboard, and Hypertransport 1.0 on a AM2 board. However, a BIOS update may be required to run a Phenom processor on an AM2 motherboard.
The single-die, quad-core design involves a greater risk of manufacturing defects resulting in lower yields per silicone wafer. If only one of the four cores is defective, it cannot be sold as a quad-core processor. However, if one of the cores is defective, it is deactivated with the intention in mind of marketing it as a triple-core or tri-core processor. AMD’s customers will therefore soon be able to purchase a less expensive tri-core processor. However, at the time of writing this (November, 2007) no information was available about when the Phenom X3 processors will be brought to the market.
Each of the four processor cores of a Phenom processor possesses its own 512 KB of L2 (Level 2) cache, and all of the cores have access to 2MB of L3 (Level 3) cache, which produces an increase in performance.
Even future Phenom processors manufactured on a 45nm fabrication process and supporting DDR3 memory will run in Socket AM2 and AM2+ motherboards. The Socket AM3 45nm Phenom processors are scheduled for release in 2009.
The other advantages of the Spider platform are that it can be upgraded to use up to four graphics cards, and the platform supports the new PCI Express 2.0 graphics standard.
Motherboard manufacturers Asus, MSI, and Gigabyte were at the introduction of the Spider platform in Warsaw to show off their AM2+ motherboards. According to AMD, the MSI K9A2 Platinum (MS-7376) is currently the best of the offerings.
AMD Phenom Quad-Core Processors -
http://www.amd.com/...0,,30_118_15331_15332,00.html
Spoiled for choice
There are now so many options available that it is becoming more confusing than ever to discover and understand the implications of what is on offer new and on the second-hand market. However, if you keep reading the articles made available on the web, such as this one, you should soon be able to distinguish the wood from the trees.
AMD's 64-bit processors are the Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, and its Athlon 64 X2 dual-core ranges. X2 stands for dual core, which means that two processor cores are housed in a single unit.
Dual-core processors run as if they're a single processor, but two processors appear in the Windows Device Manager - and under the Performance tab of the Windows Task Manager that you bring up by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination.
Read Managing Processes and Tasks in Windows Vista to find out what the differences are between the Task Manager in Windows XP and Windows Vista.
However, note that for both AMD and Intel dual-core processors, if the motherboard was initially manufactured to run a single-core processor, a BIOS update that allows the system to be configured to run a dual-core processor is probably required. If such an update is not available for such a motherboard, it won't be able to use a dual-core processor. This will not be the case if the motherboard was manufactured to be able to run dual-core processors out of the box.
To run AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors, motherboards that support both single-core and dual-core processors only require a BIOS update. However, Intel's dual-core processors only work with certain motherboard chipsets, so just having a Socket LGA775 motherboard doesn't mean that it can run Intel's dual-core processors. Intel's Pentium D 800 and 900 series of dual-core processors require a motherboard that uses Intel's 965 chipset or higher or a motherboard with an nVidia nForce 4 chipset. Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors, including the Core 2 Extreme X6800, require a motherboard with at least a 975 chipset, or a motherboard with an nVidia nForce 5 chipset.
If in doubt, you can easily check the make and model of a motherboard at its manufacturer's site to find out which processors it supports.
Note that if you are upgrading a PC's motherboard and processor, you must also find out if you have to upgrade the RAM memory, because the current types - DDR and DDR2 RAM - are incompatible with each other.
A few of the early Socket LGA775 motherboards that run Intel processors support DDR memory, but most of them require DDR2 memory.
The Socket 939 motherboards that can run some of AMD's Athlon 64 processors require DDR memory, but the Socket AM2 motherboards that run the latest Athlon 64 processors require DDR2 memory.
With dual cores, each processor contains two separate cores capable of running independently. This should not be confused with Intel's HyperThreading technology that allows a single processor to emulate two processors. Nor should it be confused with multiple processors that are discussed further down this page.
Intel has Pentium 4 single-core, the Pentium D (the first range of dual-core processors), and the latest Core 2 Duo dual-core products. Visit http://www.intel.com/ to find out what the current ranges of desktop PC and notebook PC processors being made available by Intel are.
AMD's dual cores consist of a single piece of silicon, while Intel puts two single-core processors into its Socket 775 processor packages - the Pentium D 900 and the Core 2 Duo ranges.
Intel has predicted that 70% of its processors will have two processing cores by the end of 2006.
In AMD's design, the processor cores are interconnected within the processing unit itself. In Intel's design, the motherboard's system bus is used to connect the two cores. Moreover, the AMD design integrates the memory controller within the processor, while Intel follows the classic approach of having the memory controller built into the motherboard - even with its latest Core 2 Duo dual-core processors.
The advantages of AMD's design are shorter memory latencies and thus higher memory efficiency, which is one reason why Athlon 64 processors outperform the Pentium processors in the majority of benchmark tests. Moreover, AMD's integrated approach and a more elaborate manufacturing process produces superior energy efficiency compared to Intel's non-integrated approach.
Note that to say that the two versions of Windows XP Home Edition prior to SP2 (the original XP Home and XP Home SP1) don't support Intel's HyperThreading technology because they don't support multiple processors is false. Although that was the information that Microsoft supplied, it is incorrect. Those two versions of Windows XP Home Edition support HyperThreading and dual-core processors.
However, you should note that only Windows XP Professional Edition supports multiple processors (a motherboard running two or more independent processor units). That said, systems running multiple processors are very seldom used as home PCs.
AMD's 64-bit processors are the Athlon 64, Athlon 64 FX, and its Athlon 64 X2 dual-core ranges. X2 stands for dual core, which means that two processor cores are housed in a single unit.
Dual-core processors run as if they're a single processor, but two processors appear in the Windows Device Manager - and under the Performance tab of the Windows Task Manager that you bring up by pressing the Ctrl+Alt+Del key combination.
Read Managing Processes and Tasks in Windows Vista to find out what the differences are between the Task Manager in Windows XP and Windows Vista.
However, note that for both AMD and Intel dual-core processors, if the motherboard was initially manufactured to run a single-core processor, a BIOS update that allows the system to be configured to run a dual-core processor is probably required. If such an update is not available for such a motherboard, it won't be able to use a dual-core processor. This will not be the case if the motherboard was manufactured to be able to run dual-core processors out of the box.
To run AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors, motherboards that support both single-core and dual-core processors only require a BIOS update. However, Intel's dual-core processors only work with certain motherboard chipsets, so just having a Socket LGA775 motherboard doesn't mean that it can run Intel's dual-core processors. Intel's Pentium D 800 and 900 series of dual-core processors require a motherboard that uses Intel's 965 chipset or higher or a motherboard with an nVidia nForce 4 chipset. Intel's latest Core 2 Duo processors, including the Core 2 Extreme X6800, require a motherboard with at least a 975 chipset, or a motherboard with an nVidia nForce 5 chipset.
If in doubt, you can easily check the make and model of a motherboard at its manufacturer's site to find out which processors it supports.
Note that if you are upgrading a PC's motherboard and processor, you must also find out if you have to upgrade the RAM memory, because the current types - DDR and DDR2 RAM - are incompatible with each other.
A few of the early Socket LGA775 motherboards that run Intel processors support DDR memory, but most of them require DDR2 memory.
The Socket 939 motherboards that can run some of AMD's Athlon 64 processors require DDR memory, but the Socket AM2 motherboards that run the latest Athlon 64 processors require DDR2 memory.
With dual cores, each processor contains two separate cores capable of running independently. This should not be confused with Intel's HyperThreading technology that allows a single processor to emulate two processors. Nor should it be confused with multiple processors that are discussed further down this page.
Intel has Pentium 4 single-core, the Pentium D (the first range of dual-core processors), and the latest Core 2 Duo dual-core products. Visit http://www.intel.com/ to find out what the current ranges of desktop PC and notebook PC processors being made available by Intel are.
AMD's dual cores consist of a single piece of silicon, while Intel puts two single-core processors into its Socket 775 processor packages - the Pentium D 900 and the Core 2 Duo ranges.
Intel has predicted that 70% of its processors will have two processing cores by the end of 2006.
In AMD's design, the processor cores are interconnected within the processing unit itself. In Intel's design, the motherboard's system bus is used to connect the two cores. Moreover, the AMD design integrates the memory controller within the processor, while Intel follows the classic approach of having the memory controller built into the motherboard - even with its latest Core 2 Duo dual-core processors.
The advantages of AMD's design are shorter memory latencies and thus higher memory efficiency, which is one reason why Athlon 64 processors outperform the Pentium processors in the majority of benchmark tests. Moreover, AMD's integrated approach and a more elaborate manufacturing process produces superior energy efficiency compared to Intel's non-integrated approach.
Note that to say that the two versions of Windows XP Home Edition prior to SP2 (the original XP Home and XP Home SP1) don't support Intel's HyperThreading technology because they don't support multiple processors is false. Although that was the information that Microsoft supplied, it is incorrect. Those two versions of Windows XP Home Edition support HyperThreading and dual-core processors.
However, you should note that only Windows XP Professional Edition supports multiple processors (a motherboard running two or more independent processor units). That said, systems running multiple processors are very seldom used as home PCs.
The safest way to upgrade RAM: Use the UK and US Crucial Memory Advisors
The memory requirements of the versions of Windows Vista
Most of the versions of Windows Vista require more RAM memory to run optimally on a computer that doesn't use memory-hungry applications than Windows XP. A video-editing application is an example of memory-intensive software. Only Windows Vista Home Basic has a recommended minimum amount of memory of 512MB, which is the same amount recommended for Windows XP. Windows Vista Home Premium, the most popular version, and Windows Vista Ultimate require a recommended minimum of 1GB (1024MB) of memory, which is twice the amount of minimum memory recommended to run Windows XP. For more information on computer memory, read the RAM pages of this site.For example, if your computer has an Asus motherboard, open the menu, scroll down to ASUS, and click GO. If, say, you have a Dell computer, scroll down to DELL, and do likewise. You will be taken to the relevant information on Crucial's website.
If you don't know the make and model of the motherboard installed in your computer, here is a good free utility - Belarc Advisor - that creates an analysis of the hardware and software on a personal computer. Look under FREE DOWNLOAD - http://www.belarc.com/. Another utility that also provides detailed information on the memory itself is CPU-Z.
Most of the versions of Windows Vista require more RAM memory to run optimally on a computer that doesn't use memory-hungry applications than Windows XP. A video-editing application is an example of memory-intensive software. Only Windows Vista Home Basic has a recommended minimum amount of memory of 512MB, which is the same amount recommended for Windows XP. Windows Vista Home Premium, the most popular version, and Windows Vista Ultimate require a recommended minimum of 1GB (1024MB) of memory, which is twice the amount of minimum memory recommended to run Windows XP. For more information on computer memory, read the RAM pages of this site.For example, if your computer has an Asus motherboard, open the menu, scroll down to ASUS, and click GO. If, say, you have a Dell computer, scroll down to DELL, and do likewise. You will be taken to the relevant information on Crucial's website.
If you don't know the make and model of the motherboard installed in your computer, here is a good free utility - Belarc Advisor - that creates an analysis of the hardware and software on a personal computer. Look under FREE DOWNLOAD - http://www.belarc.com/. Another utility that also provides detailed information on the memory itself is CPU-Z.
Computer Shopper Intel and AMD processor reviews
Computer Shopper issue 244 (available from around March 20, 2008) in its processor reviews of Intel and AMD processors gave the following Intel processors its Budget Buy, Best Buy and Ultimate awards:
1. - Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 (dual-core processor) - Budget Buy award - Priced at £44 in March 2008 - Click here! to read the review of this class of processor.
2. - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (dual-core processor) - Best Buy award - Priced at £125 in March 2008 - Click here! to read the review of this class of processor.
3. - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 (quad-core processor) - Ultimate award- Priced at £204 in March 2008 - Click here! to read the review of this class of processor.
Computer Shopper 2007 Awards
The Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 dual-core processor received the Best Component award in the Computer Shopper 2007 Awards. It was priced at just over £100 in October 2007.
The Computer Shopper 2007 Awards gave the Best Intel Motherboard award to the Abit IP35 Pro board. The Best AMD Motherboard award went to the MSI K9AGM2 board.
Using a laptop/notebook Pentium M notebook processor in a desktop PC
If you want a quiet desktop computer that uses only a minimal amount of power and that runs so cool that it can be fitted with a passive heatsink (one without a fan), ATX desktop PC motherboards are available that use the processors normally only found in laptop/notebook computers. It is also possible to buy an adapter that fits to particular standard motherboards that allows a mobile notebook processor to be used.
Click here! to go directly to information on these motherboards, processors, and adapters on Page 3 of this article.
The choice doesn't end there. Both AMD and Intel have made dual-core processors available, which are single units that house two processor cores with the same clock speed. Moreover, Intel first made quad-core processors available (its Core 2 Quad range) in January 2007. AMD made its Phenom range of quad-core processors available in November 2007.
Note that all of the dual-core processors made by AMD and Intel are 64-bit processors that can run 32-bit and 64-bit software, which includes a 64-bit operating system, such as Windows XP Professional x64 Edition • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition and Linux.
Note that a 64-bit operating system can also run 32-bit software with ease. However, note that some 32-bit software might not run on a 64-bit operating system, and all 16-bit software will not run on one.
WOWing Your 32-Bit Applications with 64-Bit Windows Part 1 -
http://www.devx.com/amd/Article/20342
AMD has now made triple-core (X3) and quad-core (X4) processors available. This article compares them and the alternatives from Intel. Note that Intel does not have triple-core processors.
New AMD Phenom X3 Vs. Phenom X4 -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/amd-phenom-athlon,review-30731.html
See the Using Windows Vista section on this site for more information on it.
When two or more applications are running on a dual-core or a quad-core system, the work can be shared by the two or four processor cores. However, a single application won't run faster on a dual-core/quad-core system unless it has been programmed to do so by splitting it into threads that can be shared between the two/four cores. A multithreaded application is one that has been programmed to run on two or more processor cores. Such applications are currently (April, 2007) still rare.
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor for Desktop -
http://www.amd.com/usen/Processors/.../0,,30_118_9485_13041,00.html
Intel Core Duo Processors - http://www.intel.com/products/processor/coreduo/
If you are using software that hasn't been written to take advantage of two processor cores, you can make use of SMP Seesaw by Mike Lin.
"SMP Seesaw is a small utility for dual CPU workstations that allows the user to finely tune how Windows balances the processing load between the two CPUs."
1. - Intel Pentium Dual Core E2160 (dual-core processor) - Budget Buy award - Priced at £44 in March 2008 - Click here! to read the review of this class of processor.
2. - Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 (dual-core processor) - Best Buy award - Priced at £125 in March 2008 - Click here! to read the review of this class of processor.
3. - Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450 (quad-core processor) - Ultimate award- Priced at £204 in March 2008 - Click here! to read the review of this class of processor.
Computer Shopper 2007 Awards
The Intel Core 2 Duo E6750 dual-core processor received the Best Component award in the Computer Shopper 2007 Awards. It was priced at just over £100 in October 2007.
The Computer Shopper 2007 Awards gave the Best Intel Motherboard award to the Abit IP35 Pro board. The Best AMD Motherboard award went to the MSI K9AGM2 board.
Using a laptop/notebook Pentium M notebook processor in a desktop PC
If you want a quiet desktop computer that uses only a minimal amount of power and that runs so cool that it can be fitted with a passive heatsink (one without a fan), ATX desktop PC motherboards are available that use the processors normally only found in laptop/notebook computers. It is also possible to buy an adapter that fits to particular standard motherboards that allows a mobile notebook processor to be used.
Click here! to go directly to information on these motherboards, processors, and adapters on Page 3 of this article.
The choice doesn't end there. Both AMD and Intel have made dual-core processors available, which are single units that house two processor cores with the same clock speed. Moreover, Intel first made quad-core processors available (its Core 2 Quad range) in January 2007. AMD made its Phenom range of quad-core processors available in November 2007.
Note that all of the dual-core processors made by AMD and Intel are 64-bit processors that can run 32-bit and 64-bit software, which includes a 64-bit operating system, such as Windows XP Professional x64 Edition • Windows Vista Home Premium 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Home Basic 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Ultimate 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Business 64-bit edition • Windows Vista Enterprise 64-bit edition and Linux.
Note that a 64-bit operating system can also run 32-bit software with ease. However, note that some 32-bit software might not run on a 64-bit operating system, and all 16-bit software will not run on one.
WOWing Your 32-Bit Applications with 64-Bit Windows Part 1 -
http://www.devx.com/amd/Article/20342
AMD has now made triple-core (X3) and quad-core (X4) processors available. This article compares them and the alternatives from Intel. Note that Intel does not have triple-core processors.
New AMD Phenom X3 Vs. Phenom X4 -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/amd-phenom-athlon,review-30731.html
See the Using Windows Vista section on this site for more information on it.
When two or more applications are running on a dual-core or a quad-core system, the work can be shared by the two or four processor cores. However, a single application won't run faster on a dual-core/quad-core system unless it has been programmed to do so by splitting it into threads that can be shared between the two/four cores. A multithreaded application is one that has been programmed to run on two or more processor cores. Such applications are currently (April, 2007) still rare.
AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core Processor for Desktop -
http://www.amd.com/usen/Processors/.../0,,30_118_9485_13041,00.html
Intel Core Duo Processors - http://www.intel.com/products/processor/coreduo/
If you are using software that hasn't been written to take advantage of two processor cores, you can make use of SMP Seesaw by Mike Lin.
"SMP Seesaw is a small utility for dual CPU workstations that allows the user to finely tune how Windows balances the processing load between the two CPUs."
THE LATEST PROCESSOR NEWS
Intel's new Socket LGA1366 Core i7 quad-core desktop PC processors are now availableThe new processors, which are built using the latest 45nm fabrication process, differ in several significant ways from Intel's Core 2 Duo dual-core and Core 2 Quad quad-core processors. The traditional frontside bus that links the processor to the RAM memory on the motherboard has been replaced by the new QuickPath interface - a memory controller built into the processor, which operates in a similar way to the HyperTransport memory controller that has been built into AMD processors for several years. Unfortunately, QuickPath only supports the latest DDR3 RAM memory, so you won't be able to reuse any DDR2 memory that you may have. Moreover, the DDR3 memory can be run in triple-channel mode instead of the dual-channel mode that AMD's processors support. This means that instead of using two memory modules in conjunction, as is the case with dual-channel mode, three modules of the same capacity and type can be run from the controller at the same time in order to increase performance. For this reason, Socket 1366 motherboards have six memory slots so that two sets of three modules can be run in triple-channel mode.
As with the Core 2 Quad range of processors, all of the Core i7 processors have four processor cores (in effect four processors housed in a single unit), which makes running multiple applications easy, because each application can have its own core processing it. Moreover, all of the Core i7 processors also use Hyper-Threading Technology that was introduced by Intel's Pentium 4 processors. Using it, each core can process two threads of information at the same time, in effect adding four virtual cores, which boosts performance significantly, but doesn't double it.
All of the Core i7 processors have 256K of Level 2 (L2) cache for each core, which share 8MB of Level 3 (L3) cache.
Despite using the same 45nm fabrication process as the latest Core 2 Quad processors, the new Core i7 quad-core processors have a higher power requirement (130W) compared to that of the Core 2 Quad processors (95W), which means that a bigger heatsink and fan unit is required to keep the processor cool, which, in turn, means a noisier PC.
Computer Shopper reviewed the Core i7 920, which runs at 2.66GHz, in issue 251. It was only give a a two-star rating due to the high cost of DDR3 memory and the motherboards that run them, plus the fact that the prototype system Computer Shopper used had a lower benchmark performance than an equivalent Core 2 Quad Q9550 processor. The advice was not to rush out and buy Core i7 until finalised motherboards and updated drivers can be used to put them to the test.
Here is the review:
http://www.computershopper.co.uk/reviews/238866/intel-core-i7-920.html
Intel's new Socket LGA1366 Core i7 quad-core processors due out later this month
November 5, 2008. - The latest quad-core processor chip from Intel, code-named Nehalem and officially named Core i7, is aimed at high-end desktop PCs for power users and PC gamers. Unlike the Core2 Quad quad-core processors, which are really two dual-core processors connected together, the new processors, like all of AMD's quad-core processors, have four individual cores connected together.
The new processors feature a turbo mode that is not like the turbo mode button found on computers during the 1980s. The turbo mode of Core i7 processors works automatically and results in increased single-core performance when all of the cores are not in use, achieving higher single-core performance.
Instead of the Front Side Bus (FSB) that PCs have been using for decades, the new processors use the new QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) technology to communicate with the motherboard's Northbridge chip.
For the first time, Intel has integrated the memory controller into the processor, which AMD processors have had for several years. Because the new processors have a new socket (Socket LGA1366), use DDR3 RAM memory, and use an integrated memory controller and other new technology, the motherboards that run Core 2 processors are not compatible with the motherboards that run Core i7 processors and vice versa. A processor cooler is included with the retail boxed product.
When Intel launches the range of Core i7 processors officially later this month, several PC manufacturers will begin shipping desktop PCs that run them. The company has been making the new processors available to hardware vendors and websites since September. Test reports are very favourable, describing the performance as blazingly, blindingly and blisteringly fast. However, there is next to no information available on the new processors on Intel's website. That should change after the official release.
Eight-core Core i7 processors and two-core and four-core models for laptop/notebook PCs are expected to be made available in the second half of 2009. Three Core i7 models are to be released initially - the Core i7 920 (2.66 GHz), the Core i7 940 (2.93GHz), and the Core i7 965 Extreme (3.20 GHz).
As Intel prepares the launch its new Socket LGA1366 desktop PC processors in November, Asus has already made a motherboard available for them
October 9, 2008. - Intel is preparing for the launch of its new Core i7 processors in November 2008. This is how Intel describes the processors on its website: "These processors will feature Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, also known as simultaneous multi-threading, and are capable of handling eight software "threads" on four processor cores."
The processors have not been made available to reviewers yet, but the motherboard manufacturer, Asus, has already made its P6T Deluxe motherboard with the X58 chipset, which has the new LGA1366 processor socket, available to reviewers world-wide and ready for the market when Intel makes the Core i7 processors available.
The new motherboard provides new power-saving and overclocking technology. As an optional extra a device known as the OC Palm is available that provides overclocking on-the-fly during gaming or benchmarking. You can see an image of the device attached to a USB port on this page:
New ASUS P6T DELUXE with Super Hybrid Engine Delivers Maximum Overclocking and Energy Efficiency -
"The P6T DELUXE adopts the usage of TurboV—an advanced overclocking tool that utilizes a micro-controller to provide precise overclocking adjustments, and allow users to conveniently adjust the CPU ratio (multiplier)* for instant CPU upgrades for real-time performance enhancements. TurboV can also provide adjustments to the NB voltage, NB-PCIe voltage, CPU PLL voltage and DRAM voltage in 0.02V micro-intervals." -
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=12949
Apart from that page, there is no other information on the board on the Asus site yet. To locate reviews of this motherboard enter asus p6T deluxe in the Google search box at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled).
Intel Core i7 (Nehalem): Architecture By AMD? -
Intel's new Socket LGA1366 quad-core processors. -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Intel-i7-nehalem,review-31375.html
As with the Core 2 Quad range of processors, all of the Core i7 processors have four processor cores (in effect four processors housed in a single unit), which makes running multiple applications easy, because each application can have its own core processing it. Moreover, all of the Core i7 processors also use Hyper-Threading Technology that was introduced by Intel's Pentium 4 processors. Using it, each core can process two threads of information at the same time, in effect adding four virtual cores, which boosts performance significantly, but doesn't double it.
All of the Core i7 processors have 256K of Level 2 (L2) cache for each core, which share 8MB of Level 3 (L3) cache.
Despite using the same 45nm fabrication process as the latest Core 2 Quad processors, the new Core i7 quad-core processors have a higher power requirement (130W) compared to that of the Core 2 Quad processors (95W), which means that a bigger heatsink and fan unit is required to keep the processor cool, which, in turn, means a noisier PC.
Computer Shopper reviewed the Core i7 920, which runs at 2.66GHz, in issue 251. It was only give a a two-star rating due to the high cost of DDR3 memory and the motherboards that run them, plus the fact that the prototype system Computer Shopper used had a lower benchmark performance than an equivalent Core 2 Quad Q9550 processor. The advice was not to rush out and buy Core i7 until finalised motherboards and updated drivers can be used to put them to the test.
Here is the review:
http://www.computershopper.co.uk/reviews/238866/intel-core-i7-920.html
Intel's new Socket LGA1366 Core i7 quad-core processors due out later this month
November 5, 2008. - The latest quad-core processor chip from Intel, code-named Nehalem and officially named Core i7, is aimed at high-end desktop PCs for power users and PC gamers. Unlike the Core2 Quad quad-core processors, which are really two dual-core processors connected together, the new processors, like all of AMD's quad-core processors, have four individual cores connected together.
The new processors feature a turbo mode that is not like the turbo mode button found on computers during the 1980s. The turbo mode of Core i7 processors works automatically and results in increased single-core performance when all of the cores are not in use, achieving higher single-core performance.
Instead of the Front Side Bus (FSB) that PCs have been using for decades, the new processors use the new QuickPath Interconnect (QPI) technology to communicate with the motherboard's Northbridge chip.
For the first time, Intel has integrated the memory controller into the processor, which AMD processors have had for several years. Because the new processors have a new socket (Socket LGA1366), use DDR3 RAM memory, and use an integrated memory controller and other new technology, the motherboards that run Core 2 processors are not compatible with the motherboards that run Core i7 processors and vice versa. A processor cooler is included with the retail boxed product.
When Intel launches the range of Core i7 processors officially later this month, several PC manufacturers will begin shipping desktop PCs that run them. The company has been making the new processors available to hardware vendors and websites since September. Test reports are very favourable, describing the performance as blazingly, blindingly and blisteringly fast. However, there is next to no information available on the new processors on Intel's website. That should change after the official release.
Eight-core Core i7 processors and two-core and four-core models for laptop/notebook PCs are expected to be made available in the second half of 2009. Three Core i7 models are to be released initially - the Core i7 920 (2.66 GHz), the Core i7 940 (2.93GHz), and the Core i7 965 Extreme (3.20 GHz).
As Intel prepares the launch its new Socket LGA1366 desktop PC processors in November, Asus has already made a motherboard available for them
October 9, 2008. - Intel is preparing for the launch of its new Core i7 processors in November 2008. This is how Intel describes the processors on its website: "These processors will feature Intel® Hyper-Threading Technology, also known as simultaneous multi-threading, and are capable of handling eight software "threads" on four processor cores."
The processors have not been made available to reviewers yet, but the motherboard manufacturer, Asus, has already made its P6T Deluxe motherboard with the X58 chipset, which has the new LGA1366 processor socket, available to reviewers world-wide and ready for the market when Intel makes the Core i7 processors available.
The new motherboard provides new power-saving and overclocking technology. As an optional extra a device known as the OC Palm is available that provides overclocking on-the-fly during gaming or benchmarking. You can see an image of the device attached to a USB port on this page:
New ASUS P6T DELUXE with Super Hybrid Engine Delivers Maximum Overclocking and Energy Efficiency -
"The P6T DELUXE adopts the usage of TurboV—an advanced overclocking tool that utilizes a micro-controller to provide precise overclocking adjustments, and allow users to conveniently adjust the CPU ratio (multiplier)* for instant CPU upgrades for real-time performance enhancements. TurboV can also provide adjustments to the NB voltage, NB-PCIe voltage, CPU PLL voltage and DRAM voltage in 0.02V micro-intervals." -
http://www.asus.com/news_show.aspx?id=12949
Apart from that page, there is no other information on the board on the Asus site yet. To locate reviews of this motherboard enter asus p6T deluxe in the Google search box at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled).
Intel Core i7 (Nehalem): Architecture By AMD? -
Intel's new Socket LGA1366 quad-core processors. -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/Intel-i7-nehalem,review-31375.html
An introduction to the processors made by AMD and Intel
Another name for a computer's processor is central processing unit (CPU). Installed in a printed circuit board (PCB) called a motherboard (also known as a mainboard), the processor processes the programmed software instructions of applications and utilities, such as MS Word, and Norton AntiVirus, according to the programmed instructions provided by the computer's operating system, which is usually a version of Windows or Linux or Apple's Mac OS X.
There are only two major manufacturers of desktop PC and laptop PC processors - AMD and Intel. However, there are many major manufacturers of the motherboards that these processors run on. You cannot run an Intel processor on an AMD-based motherboard and vice versa. Visit the Motherboards, PC Cases and Power Supplies pages on this site for more information on them. Use your browser's Back button to return to this page.
With the arrival of its Core 2 processor technology, Intel named both its desktop PC and laptop PC processors Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad (four cores). The laptop processor start with a T, such as T7100. Desktop processors start with an E, such as E8500, and X for the extreme (extremely fast and expensive) version, a Q for quad-core, such as Q6700, and QX for the extreme version, such as QX9770.
November 18, 2008. - Intel has released three of its new Socket LGA1366 quad-core Core i7 processors. Here is a good review:
Intel Core i7 - http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/233892/intel-core-i7.html
And here is the information on the new processors on Intel's website:
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor -
http://www.intel.com/products/processor/corei7/...
The major motherboard manufacturers have brought out motherboards that support the new Intel desktop PC processors.
Asus - http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=179
MSI - http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php...
Gigabyte - http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/...
User manuals are available from all three of those manufacturers, so you can download copies and have a look at what is on offer.
If you are thinking of buying a desktop PC which has a particular make and model of processor, you can visit the following two pages to view tables containing all of the technical specifications (clock speed, supported instruction sets, cache, etc.) and other information, such as the dates of release, of all of the processors made by AMD and Intel up to the present. The further down the list a processor appears, the more recent it is.
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - AMD processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=0
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - Intel processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=4
This page provides a comparison of laptop/notebook PC processors:
Comparison of Mobile Processors -
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html
If any of the above links don't work, try entering a suitable search using the relevant keywords in the Google search box at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled).
The Tom's Hardware Guide processor charts can give you a good idea how different processors compare with each other.
Updated CPU Charts 2008: AMD Versus Intel -
"The new CPU charts for 2008 from Tom’s Hardware have, at long last, arrived. There are 18 entries from AMD and 36 processors from Intel, which were put to the test using a fresh gauntlet of benchmarks. For more meaningful comparisons and the most consistent benchmark results, our testing platforms were fully re-equipped. The graphics card used was a powerful MSI N280GTX-T2D1G-OC based on the Nvidia GeForce GTX 280." -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/amd-intel-pc-processor,review-31355.html
Mobile [laptop/notebook] CPU Charts -
"Tom's Interactive Mobile CPU Charts focus on popular mobile processors, which are used in laptops and notebooks because of their increased energy efficiency." -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/processors/3d-studio-max-9,463.html
If your desktop PC has an Intel-based motherboard, you can use:
Intel Processors and Boards Compatibility Tool -
Find the Intel processors that will work with your PC's Intel-based motherboard. Find motherboards boards that will work with your PC's processor. Check the compatibility of a motherboard and processor.
http://processormatch.intel.com/COMPDB/Default.aspx
The images at the top of this page show an AMD Athlon 64 processor (right) and the packaging that the retail product comes in (left). A heatsink and fan cooling unit is included in the package. If you want to use thermal paste to improve the transfer of heat from the processor to the heatsink, you'll have to buy some, because none is included in the package. The array of pins that fit into the motherboard's processor socket are on the reverse side of the processor. The processor in the image is for advertising purposes only, it is not what it looks like in reality. Images of the top and bottom of the real thing are shown further down this page.
AMD Athlon 64 processors are fitted into and run from Socket 939 and Socket AM2/AM2+ motherboards. Visit the Annotated images of ATX Socket LGA775, Socket A and Socket 939 motherboards page on this site to see annotated images of those three socket-type motherboards.
The following online video shows a desktop PC being built with an Asus P5E64 WS Professional motherboard and an Intel Core 2 Quad QX9770 quad-core processor. It shows you where the motherboard is installed in the case and where the processor is installed in the motherboard in a desktop PC.
Video: How To Build An Intel QX9770 QuadCore PC -
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/02/...
There are only two major manufacturers of desktop PC and laptop PC processors - AMD and Intel. However, there are many major manufacturers of the motherboards that these processors run on. You cannot run an Intel processor on an AMD-based motherboard and vice versa. Visit the Motherboards, PC Cases and Power Supplies pages on this site for more information on them. Use your browser's Back button to return to this page.
With the arrival of its Core 2 processor technology, Intel named both its desktop PC and laptop PC processors Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad (four cores). The laptop processor start with a T, such as T7100. Desktop processors start with an E, such as E8500, and X for the extreme (extremely fast and expensive) version, a Q for quad-core, such as Q6700, and QX for the extreme version, such as QX9770.
November 18, 2008. - Intel has released three of its new Socket LGA1366 quad-core Core i7 processors. Here is a good review:
Intel Core i7 - http://www.pcpro.co.uk/reviews/233892/intel-core-i7.html
And here is the information on the new processors on Intel's website:
Intel® Core™ i7 Processor -
http://www.intel.com/products/processor/corei7/...
The major motherboard manufacturers have brought out motherboards that support the new Intel desktop PC processors.
Asus - http://www.asus.com/products.aspx?l1=3&l2=179
MSI - http://global.msi.com.tw/index.php...
Gigabyte - http://www.gigabyte.com.tw/Products/Motherboard/...
User manuals are available from all three of those manufacturers, so you can download copies and have a look at what is on offer.
If you are thinking of buying a desktop PC which has a particular make and model of processor, you can visit the following two pages to view tables containing all of the technical specifications (clock speed, supported instruction sets, cache, etc.) and other information, such as the dates of release, of all of the processors made by AMD and Intel up to the present. The further down the list a processor appears, the more recent it is.
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - AMD processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=0
Desktop CPU Comparison Guide - Intel processors -
http://www.techarp.com/showarticle.aspx?artno=337&pgno=4
This page provides a comparison of laptop/notebook PC processors:
Comparison of Mobile Processors -
http://www.notebookcheck.net/Mobile-Processors-Benchmarklist.2436.0.html
If any of the above links don't work, try entering a suitable search using the relevant keywords in the Google search box at the top of this page (with its Web radio button enabled).
The Tom's Hardware Guide processor charts can give you a good idea how different processors compare with each other.
Updated CPU Charts 2008: AMD Versus Intel -
"The new CPU charts for 2008 from Tom’s Hardware have, at long last, arrived. There are 18 entries from AMD and 36 processors from Intel, which were put to the test using a fresh gauntlet of benchmarks. For more meaningful comparisons and the most consistent benchmark results, our testing platforms were fully re-equipped. The graphics card used was a powerful MSI N280GTX-T2D1G-OC based on the Nvidia GeForce GTX 280." -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/amd-intel-pc-processor,review-31355.html
Mobile [laptop/notebook] CPU Charts -
"Tom's Interactive Mobile CPU Charts focus on popular mobile processors, which are used in laptops and notebooks because of their increased energy efficiency." -
http://www.tomshardware.co.uk/charts/processors/3d-studio-max-9,463.html
If your desktop PC has an Intel-based motherboard, you can use:
Intel Processors and Boards Compatibility Tool -
Find the Intel processors that will work with your PC's Intel-based motherboard. Find motherboards boards that will work with your PC's processor. Check the compatibility of a motherboard and processor.
http://processormatch.intel.com/COMPDB/Default.aspx
The images at the top of this page show an AMD Athlon 64 processor (right) and the packaging that the retail product comes in (left). A heatsink and fan cooling unit is included in the package. If you want to use thermal paste to improve the transfer of heat from the processor to the heatsink, you'll have to buy some, because none is included in the package. The array of pins that fit into the motherboard's processor socket are on the reverse side of the processor. The processor in the image is for advertising purposes only, it is not what it looks like in reality. Images of the top and bottom of the real thing are shown further down this page.
AMD Athlon 64 processors are fitted into and run from Socket 939 and Socket AM2/AM2+ motherboards. Visit the Annotated images of ATX Socket LGA775, Socket A and Socket 939 motherboards page on this site to see annotated images of those three socket-type motherboards.
The following online video shows a desktop PC being built with an Asus P5E64 WS Professional motherboard and an Intel Core 2 Quad QX9770 quad-core processor. It shows you where the motherboard is installed in the case and where the processor is installed in the motherboard in a desktop PC.
Video: How To Build An Intel QX9770 QuadCore PC -
http://www.informationweek.com/blog/main/archives/2008/02/...
Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors leave Barcelona
AMD has released its long-awaited native quad-core processor, previously codenamed "Barcelona".
Describing the new Quad-Core AMD Opteron as the "world's most advanced x86 processor", AMD claims it as the first native x86 quad-core microprocessor, meaning the four processing cores share a single die of silicon.
The company also highlights other aspects of the 55- and 75-watt server chips. It claims gains for energy efficiency, a 50 percent increase in integer and floating-point performance, and improved virtualisation support. Note that the server chips also share the same power and thermal envelopes as their dual-core predecessors.
"Today marks one of the great milestones in microprocessor achievement as AMD again raises expectations for industry-standard computing," said AMD chairman and chief executive officer, Hector Ruiz. "We've worked closely with our customers and partners to design a new generation of processing solutions embodied by today's Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor - a four-way winner in performance, energy efficiency, virtualisation and investment protection. Early customer response has been extremely positive."
leshing out the details on the energy efficiency claims, AMD highlights the use of proprietary "CoolCore Technology" (turning off unused parts of the processor) an independent core-specific enhancement to its PowerNow! Technology (allowing cores to vary their clock frequency depending on application requirements) and Dual Dynamic Power Management (DDPM), which allows the cores and memory controllers to operate on different voltages, again determined by usage.
Sun, HP, IBM and Dell will be among those shipping systems based on the new server chip will be shipping. Details of AMD's pricing for the Quad-Core Opteron will be found at www.amd.com/pricing (based on 1,000 unit orders).
More information on AMD's quad-core processing can be found on the company's website.
For its part, Intel released updated quad-core server microprocessors last week - the Quad-Core Xeon 7300 series, its first multi-processor (MP) chips based on its now standard Core micro-architecture.
See also: Electronics Weekly's focus on microprocessors, a roundup of content related to microprocessor technologies and developments.
Describing the new Quad-Core AMD Opteron as the "world's most advanced x86 processor", AMD claims it as the first native x86 quad-core microprocessor, meaning the four processing cores share a single die of silicon.
The company also highlights other aspects of the 55- and 75-watt server chips. It claims gains for energy efficiency, a 50 percent increase in integer and floating-point performance, and improved virtualisation support. Note that the server chips also share the same power and thermal envelopes as their dual-core predecessors.
"Today marks one of the great milestones in microprocessor achievement as AMD again raises expectations for industry-standard computing," said AMD chairman and chief executive officer, Hector Ruiz. "We've worked closely with our customers and partners to design a new generation of processing solutions embodied by today's Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor - a four-way winner in performance, energy efficiency, virtualisation and investment protection. Early customer response has been extremely positive."
leshing out the details on the energy efficiency claims, AMD highlights the use of proprietary "CoolCore Technology" (turning off unused parts of the processor) an independent core-specific enhancement to its PowerNow! Technology (allowing cores to vary their clock frequency depending on application requirements) and Dual Dynamic Power Management (DDPM), which allows the cores and memory controllers to operate on different voltages, again determined by usage.
Sun, HP, IBM and Dell will be among those shipping systems based on the new server chip will be shipping. Details of AMD's pricing for the Quad-Core Opteron will be found at www.amd.com/pricing (based on 1,000 unit orders).
More information on AMD's quad-core processing can be found on the company's website.
For its part, Intel released updated quad-core server microprocessors last week - the Quad-Core Xeon 7300 series, its first multi-processor (MP) chips based on its now standard Core micro-architecture.
See also: Electronics Weekly's focus on microprocessors, a roundup of content related to microprocessor technologies and developments.
Analysis - Will AMD separate manufacturing and design?
Questions regarding AMD's "asset-smart" strategy are once again being asked, as rumours concerning the possible spin off of AMD's manufacturing entities into a separate company reemerged after an Austin, Texas-based newspaper in mid-July wrongly reported that the company's newly appointed CEO Dirk Meyer had confirmed fabless plans.
"He was misquoted," Drew Prairie, an AMD representative, told our sister site Electronic News earlier this week, confirming that the company hasn't communicated any plans. "We've weighed out a high-level overview of what we are trying to do and that it is going to involve a mix of internal and external manufacturing capabilities, but we haven't gone into any details about how that might look specifically.
"I'm not putting a value statement on will we or won't we do that. It's just that we haven't gotten that far in saying what we are going to do and it falls under speculation," Prairie continued.
AMD for several quarters now has said it plans to share information on its "asset-smart" manufacturing strategy soon.
Most recently, Hector Ruiz, the company's former CEO, who yielded the position to Dirk Meyer on July 17 as AMD reported a $1.2 billion charge in its Q2 financials, said he would be the "most disappointed man on Earth" if AMD did not share its manufacturing plans by the end of the year.
At that time, Ruiz transitioned to the position of executive chairman of AMD's board. Meanwhile, Meyer's appointment as CEO left few industry watchers surprised:
Not only did Q2 mark AMD's seventh consecutive quarter of loss under Ruiz, but Meyer was groomed for the position, being appointed president and COO in 2006 and elected to AMD's board last year.
"Part of the reason we did this CEO transition when we did at the earnings time was because we can see the end [of this non-communication] in sight and it requires 100% of Hector's time and focus to see it through. No specific timing, but we see the end coming. We see being able to communicate and driving the strategy to conclusion hopefully by the end of the year," Prairie said.
What that communication will give way to, however, is unclear. Industry speculation as to whether AMD will spin off its fabs to form a separate company is as visible as speculation that AMD will split itself into two company divisions that will work in partnership under one corporate umbrella.
"AMD has had an excellent, excellent manufacturing approach to their shop-floor administration and all that, which has been a strength," said Len Jelinek, iSuppli's director and principal analyst, semiconductor manufacturing.
"Splitting this into an R&D company and a manufacturing entity would clearly help them with respect to their P&L [profit and loss]. When you add focus and clarity, you really execute much better."
Mentioning AMD's two key manufacturing partnerships-its ATI partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and its partnership with foundry Chartered-Jelinek said that if the company was to create an entity that strictly focuses on manufacturing, "it will make management of both their internal and external manufacturing facilities much cleaner, much more crisp. Similarly when you look at the design, that also allows them to coordinate better between the free entities as to how they want to approach their next generations."
However, at this time, the analyst does not believe AMD will split into two separate companies. "It will just be easier to keep more control on generations and coordination of the whole process by keeping it under one CEO," he said.
"But if you are saying a CEO and two divisions, that's a good structure because it pushes clarity out there. To have just strictly a design company would present a series of challenges that might not be in the best interest of getting product to market."
Such a spin-off would create a cash infusion for AMD as it would sell its fabs, but Jelinek (pictured, left) cautioned that despite the immediate advantage of doing, the move would not bode well for AMD's long-term survival.
"If you spin the fabs out and get a cash infusion, you now have a company that is saddled with some degree of debt and they have to sustain themselves by improving technology, as well as filling their factories," he said. "You would kind of have a captive foundry there that would be competing with other companies in the long run," he said, pointing to the Common Platform Alliance, as well as TSMC.
"That would be a challenge three to five years down the road, and that is a burden," he continued. "If you look at some of the recent spin-offs that have done something like that-Magnachip, ON Semiconductor-it took them a couple of years to recover P&L-wise from that position. They've all done a good job at it, it's just that in the short term that company if it were to spin off picks up some other challenges, financially."
The iSuppli analyst did not dispute Ruiz's statements concerning sharing information on AMD's manufacturing plans by end of year.
"Let's give the new CEO 100 days," Jelinek said, estimating an announcement at the end of Q3 or the beginning of Q4.
"AMD is a good company. They have these challenges of execution in front of them. Once they get that execution worked out, I think they'll come back with a good challenge to their competitor," Jelinek concluded.
"He was misquoted," Drew Prairie, an AMD representative, told our sister site Electronic News earlier this week, confirming that the company hasn't communicated any plans. "We've weighed out a high-level overview of what we are trying to do and that it is going to involve a mix of internal and external manufacturing capabilities, but we haven't gone into any details about how that might look specifically.
"I'm not putting a value statement on will we or won't we do that. It's just that we haven't gotten that far in saying what we are going to do and it falls under speculation," Prairie continued.
AMD for several quarters now has said it plans to share information on its "asset-smart" manufacturing strategy soon.
Most recently, Hector Ruiz, the company's former CEO, who yielded the position to Dirk Meyer on July 17 as AMD reported a $1.2 billion charge in its Q2 financials, said he would be the "most disappointed man on Earth" if AMD did not share its manufacturing plans by the end of the year.
At that time, Ruiz transitioned to the position of executive chairman of AMD's board. Meanwhile, Meyer's appointment as CEO left few industry watchers surprised:
Not only did Q2 mark AMD's seventh consecutive quarter of loss under Ruiz, but Meyer was groomed for the position, being appointed president and COO in 2006 and elected to AMD's board last year.
"Part of the reason we did this CEO transition when we did at the earnings time was because we can see the end [of this non-communication] in sight and it requires 100% of Hector's time and focus to see it through. No specific timing, but we see the end coming. We see being able to communicate and driving the strategy to conclusion hopefully by the end of the year," Prairie said.
What that communication will give way to, however, is unclear. Industry speculation as to whether AMD will spin off its fabs to form a separate company is as visible as speculation that AMD will split itself into two company divisions that will work in partnership under one corporate umbrella.
"AMD has had an excellent, excellent manufacturing approach to their shop-floor administration and all that, which has been a strength," said Len Jelinek, iSuppli's director and principal analyst, semiconductor manufacturing.
"Splitting this into an R&D company and a manufacturing entity would clearly help them with respect to their P&L [profit and loss]. When you add focus and clarity, you really execute much better."
Mentioning AMD's two key manufacturing partnerships-its ATI partnership with Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Co. and its partnership with foundry Chartered-Jelinek said that if the company was to create an entity that strictly focuses on manufacturing, "it will make management of both their internal and external manufacturing facilities much cleaner, much more crisp. Similarly when you look at the design, that also allows them to coordinate better between the free entities as to how they want to approach their next generations."
However, at this time, the analyst does not believe AMD will split into two separate companies. "It will just be easier to keep more control on generations and coordination of the whole process by keeping it under one CEO," he said.
"But if you are saying a CEO and two divisions, that's a good structure because it pushes clarity out there. To have just strictly a design company would present a series of challenges that might not be in the best interest of getting product to market."
Such a spin-off would create a cash infusion for AMD as it would sell its fabs, but Jelinek (pictured, left) cautioned that despite the immediate advantage of doing, the move would not bode well for AMD's long-term survival.
"If you spin the fabs out and get a cash infusion, you now have a company that is saddled with some degree of debt and they have to sustain themselves by improving technology, as well as filling their factories," he said. "You would kind of have a captive foundry there that would be competing with other companies in the long run," he said, pointing to the Common Platform Alliance, as well as TSMC.
"That would be a challenge three to five years down the road, and that is a burden," he continued. "If you look at some of the recent spin-offs that have done something like that-Magnachip, ON Semiconductor-it took them a couple of years to recover P&L-wise from that position. They've all done a good job at it, it's just that in the short term that company if it were to spin off picks up some other challenges, financially."
The iSuppli analyst did not dispute Ruiz's statements concerning sharing information on AMD's manufacturing plans by end of year.
"Let's give the new CEO 100 days," Jelinek said, estimating an announcement at the end of Q3 or the beginning of Q4.
"AMD is a good company. They have these challenges of execution in front of them. Once they get that execution worked out, I think they'll come back with a good challenge to their competitor," Jelinek concluded.
AMD CPU Roadmap Update
Fall is now upon us, and as usual marketing efforts are in full swing to get us ready for the season of spending - or giving, if you prefer. Computer hardware manufacturers are also hard at work to get their latest products out in time for the holiday rush. 2004 has been a relatively exciting year in the technology sector, with the launch of socket 939 and 775, PCI Express, and even DDR2, as well as a plethora of CPU and graphics chip rollouts, but it's not over yet. You may have already heard about some recent CPU launches by AMD, and there are a few remaining products that will launch before the year is up. Roadmaps are really about the future, though, so we will also take a look at AMD's tentative product lineup for the next year or so, starting with the Athlon 64 line.
AMD Athlon 64 Roadmap
Processor Clock Speed L2 Cache Socket Launch Date
Athlon FX-57 ??? ??? Socket 939 Q3'05
Athlon FX-55 2.6 GHz 1024KB Socket 939 Soon
Athlon FX-53 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon FX-53 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 940 Now
Athlon FX-51 2.2 GHz 1024KB Socket 940 Now
Athlon 64 >=4200+ ??? ??? Socket 939 Q3'05
Athlon 64 >=4000+ ??? ??? Socket 939 Q2'05
Athlon 64 4000+ 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 939 Soon
Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4 GHz 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3700+ 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2 GHz 90nm 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3500 +
2.2 GHz 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3400+ 2.4 GHz 512KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3400+ 2.2 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3200+ 2.2 GHz 512KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0 GHz 90nm 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3000+ 2.0 GHz 512KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 90nm 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 2800+ 1.8 Ghz 512KB Socket 754 Now
In case you missed it, a couple weeks ago AMD (quietly) launched their first 90 nm Athlon 64 parts. Surprisingly, these parts launched at clock speeds at or below the current Athlon 64 offerings. The new models are the 3000+, 3200+ and 3500+ with clock speeds of 1.8 GHz, 2.0 GHz, and 2.2 GHz. Whether that was simply AMD being conservative or AMD trying to lower the cost of entry for socket 939 is difficult to say, but our early tests indicate that the 90 nm parts have plenty of headroom when paired with a quality OEM heatsink. The price on the 3500+ is actually slightly higher than the 130 nm version, once you factor in the cost of an after market HSF, but since enthusiasts are likely as not to purchase a quality HSF for their CPU it isn't a major concern. The 3000+ and 3200+, on the other hand, are priced to move at under $200, removing price as a barrier for entry into the socket 939 world. With the large amount of overlap in AMD's product names, it can be somewhat confusing, so remember to double check that you are getting the right CPU for your motherboard. We will have some articles that provide more information on these new CPU parts in the near future.
In addition to the recent 90 nm parts, AMD has the 4000+ and FX-55 scheduled for launch in the very near future. These are still 130 nm parts, although 90 nm parts are likely to become available at some point. We also have the 90 nm parts codenamed "San Diego" and "Venice" coming out in the first half of 2005. These are not the same as the currently shipping 90 nm parts, as they will include SSE3 support - 11 of the 13 PNI instructions will be supported; absent are the two instructions that relate to HyperThreading, which obviously does not affect performance on non-HyperThreading processors. These chips may include other tweaks to the Athlon 64 design as well, but we do not have any information on that yet - it does appear that the current 90 nm parts are nothing more than a die shrink of the Clawhammer, Sledgehammer and Newcastle cores.
In the second half of 2005, we will see the launch of the dual core "Toledo" processor, also with SSE3 support. While we do not list it here, dual core Opteron chips will be introduced for socket 940 before the socket 939 versions. There isn't a whole lot of detail on AMD's Athlon 64 plans for Q2 '05 and Q3 '05, other than that they will have >=4000+ and >=4200+ parts. The FX-57 is scheduled to launch around the same time as the Toledo core; so without speculating too much it would make sense if the FX-57 were to come with a dual core variant. If it is, clock speed is basically a complete unknown at this time, even for speculation. We'll be sure to update you with any information that becomes available.
If you're looking at that table and wondering where the future socket 754 Athlon 64 chips are, we have some bad news for you. As of now, we have no information on any future Athlon 64 CPUs for the platform. They may exist and we simply haven't heard about them, but more likely the 2.4 GHz 1 MB L2 3700+ will be the top end Athlon 64 processor for the platform. AMD has already begun to shift socket 754 into the value segment with the Sempron 3100+, and as you will see below, the future updates for the platform all bear the Sempron name.
AMD Sempron Roadmap
Processor Clock Speed Socket Launch Date
Sempron 3400+ ??? Socket 754 Q3'05
Sempron 3300+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 3100+ 1.8 GHz Socket 754 Now
Sempron 3000+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 2800+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 2600+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 3000+ 2.00 GHz 512K Socket A Soon
Sempron 2800+ 2.0 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2600+ 1.83 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2500+ 1.75 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2400+ 1.67 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2300+ 1.58 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2200+ 1.5 GHz Socket A Now
Current plans for socket 754 include processors scaling up to 3400+ speeds - which we guess will be 2.2 GHz - with the most of the new models scheduled for introduction in March '05. We are getting conflicting reports on the clock number, but 2.2GHz seems in line with most of our sources.
The Sempron 3100+ chips that we have tested are usually able to reach 2.4 GHz without difficulty, so they should be able to produce plenty of cores. Previous socket 754 processors have always come in 200 MHz increments, but we might see the return of 100MHz increments with the Sempron line. With the price of the socket 754 chips trending to well under $100, overclocking enthusiasts will likely find a lot of bang for the buck out of the Sempron line. Unfortunately, in addition to the reduced amount of cache, all of the Semprons lack 64-bit support. That isn't a major concern yet, but it could be in another six months when we see the launch of Windows XP-64 and 64-bit applications. For those that are interested in 64-bit computing, you will want to spend the extra money for the Athlon 64.
Besides the currently shipping as well as planned "Sempron-754" chips listed above, we also have 90 nm versions on the way, codenamed Palermo. Palermo will continue to include 256K of L2 cache, but like the future 90 nm Athlon 64 chips, it will include support for SSE3. We could also hope that Palermo might reactivate the 64-bit support in these chips, but we would be somewhat surprised to see that happen. It just does not seem to match AMD's current market segmentation philosophy. Also worth pointing out is that Sempron chips for socket 939 have disappeared from the roadmaps; they may have been cancelled, or else they might just be missing. We'll keep you posted on any developments in that area.
Finally, we have additional bad news for those who still love their socket A motherboards. As you can see in the chart, the Sempron 3000+ is the only future processor for the platform. Oddly enough, AMD will also go back to the Barton core for this model, so it will perform similarly to the XP 2800+ - it's only 83 MHz slower. The Athlon XP line is scheduled to end production in early in 2005, according to the roadmaps we've seen, and if you look at current prices on the parts it already appears to be well underway. As for the Sempron processor on socket A, even that is scheduled to reach the end of the line by the second half of 2005.
The platform still offers reasonable performance, of course, but if you want to purchase a motherboard that will last through a couple more inexpensive CPU upgrades, socket A is not recommended. The introduction of the lower model Sempron-754 chips looks to be planned to take over as the socket A models are phased out. This is actually a good thing, as the integrated memory controller on socket 754 and later AMD chips helps out a lot with performance, and we will now see that feature pushed down into the value computing segment.
About the only weak point in AMD's plans right now is their continued use of 200 mm wafers. Their 65 nm parts are scheduled to finally make the switch to 300 mm wafers, which should boost their output capacity by roughly 125% at each fabrication facility that uses the larger wafers. In the mean time, they continue to provide high performance processors that compare very favorably with their Intel counterparts. Competition breeds lower prices, making this a great time for the computing enthusiast.
AMD Athlon 64 Roadmap
Processor Clock Speed L2 Cache Socket Launch Date
Athlon FX-57 ??? ??? Socket 939 Q3'05
Athlon FX-55 2.6 GHz 1024KB Socket 939 Soon
Athlon FX-53 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon FX-53 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 940 Now
Athlon FX-51 2.2 GHz 1024KB Socket 940 Now
Athlon 64 >=4200+ ??? ??? Socket 939 Q3'05
Athlon 64 >=4000+ ??? ??? Socket 939 Q2'05
Athlon 64 4000+ 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 939 Soon
Athlon 64 3800+ 2.4 GHz 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3700+ 2.4 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3500+ 2.2 GHz 90nm 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3500 +
2.2 GHz 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3400+ 2.4 GHz 512KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3400+ 2.2 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3200+ 2.2 GHz 512KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0 GHz 90nm 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 3200+ 2.0 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3000+ 2.0 GHz 512KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 1024KB Socket 754 Now
Athlon 64 3000+ 1.8 GHz 90nm 512KB Socket 939 Now
Athlon 64 2800+ 1.8 Ghz 512KB Socket 754 Now
In case you missed it, a couple weeks ago AMD (quietly) launched their first 90 nm Athlon 64 parts. Surprisingly, these parts launched at clock speeds at or below the current Athlon 64 offerings. The new models are the 3000+, 3200+ and 3500+ with clock speeds of 1.8 GHz, 2.0 GHz, and 2.2 GHz. Whether that was simply AMD being conservative or AMD trying to lower the cost of entry for socket 939 is difficult to say, but our early tests indicate that the 90 nm parts have plenty of headroom when paired with a quality OEM heatsink. The price on the 3500+ is actually slightly higher than the 130 nm version, once you factor in the cost of an after market HSF, but since enthusiasts are likely as not to purchase a quality HSF for their CPU it isn't a major concern. The 3000+ and 3200+, on the other hand, are priced to move at under $200, removing price as a barrier for entry into the socket 939 world. With the large amount of overlap in AMD's product names, it can be somewhat confusing, so remember to double check that you are getting the right CPU for your motherboard. We will have some articles that provide more information on these new CPU parts in the near future.
In addition to the recent 90 nm parts, AMD has the 4000+ and FX-55 scheduled for launch in the very near future. These are still 130 nm parts, although 90 nm parts are likely to become available at some point. We also have the 90 nm parts codenamed "San Diego" and "Venice" coming out in the first half of 2005. These are not the same as the currently shipping 90 nm parts, as they will include SSE3 support - 11 of the 13 PNI instructions will be supported; absent are the two instructions that relate to HyperThreading, which obviously does not affect performance on non-HyperThreading processors. These chips may include other tweaks to the Athlon 64 design as well, but we do not have any information on that yet - it does appear that the current 90 nm parts are nothing more than a die shrink of the Clawhammer, Sledgehammer and Newcastle cores.
In the second half of 2005, we will see the launch of the dual core "Toledo" processor, also with SSE3 support. While we do not list it here, dual core Opteron chips will be introduced for socket 940 before the socket 939 versions. There isn't a whole lot of detail on AMD's Athlon 64 plans for Q2 '05 and Q3 '05, other than that they will have >=4000+ and >=4200+ parts. The FX-57 is scheduled to launch around the same time as the Toledo core; so without speculating too much it would make sense if the FX-57 were to come with a dual core variant. If it is, clock speed is basically a complete unknown at this time, even for speculation. We'll be sure to update you with any information that becomes available.
If you're looking at that table and wondering where the future socket 754 Athlon 64 chips are, we have some bad news for you. As of now, we have no information on any future Athlon 64 CPUs for the platform. They may exist and we simply haven't heard about them, but more likely the 2.4 GHz 1 MB L2 3700+ will be the top end Athlon 64 processor for the platform. AMD has already begun to shift socket 754 into the value segment with the Sempron 3100+, and as you will see below, the future updates for the platform all bear the Sempron name.
AMD Sempron Roadmap
Processor Clock Speed Socket Launch Date
Sempron 3400+ ??? Socket 754 Q3'05
Sempron 3300+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 3100+ 1.8 GHz Socket 754 Now
Sempron 3000+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 2800+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 2600+ ??? Socket 754 Q1'05
Sempron 3000+ 2.00 GHz 512K Socket A Soon
Sempron 2800+ 2.0 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2600+ 1.83 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2500+ 1.75 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2400+ 1.67 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2300+ 1.58 GHz Socket A Now
Sempron 2200+ 1.5 GHz Socket A Now
Current plans for socket 754 include processors scaling up to 3400+ speeds - which we guess will be 2.2 GHz - with the most of the new models scheduled for introduction in March '05. We are getting conflicting reports on the clock number, but 2.2GHz seems in line with most of our sources.
The Sempron 3100+ chips that we have tested are usually able to reach 2.4 GHz without difficulty, so they should be able to produce plenty of cores. Previous socket 754 processors have always come in 200 MHz increments, but we might see the return of 100MHz increments with the Sempron line. With the price of the socket 754 chips trending to well under $100, overclocking enthusiasts will likely find a lot of bang for the buck out of the Sempron line. Unfortunately, in addition to the reduced amount of cache, all of the Semprons lack 64-bit support. That isn't a major concern yet, but it could be in another six months when we see the launch of Windows XP-64 and 64-bit applications. For those that are interested in 64-bit computing, you will want to spend the extra money for the Athlon 64.
Besides the currently shipping as well as planned "Sempron-754" chips listed above, we also have 90 nm versions on the way, codenamed Palermo. Palermo will continue to include 256K of L2 cache, but like the future 90 nm Athlon 64 chips, it will include support for SSE3. We could also hope that Palermo might reactivate the 64-bit support in these chips, but we would be somewhat surprised to see that happen. It just does not seem to match AMD's current market segmentation philosophy. Also worth pointing out is that Sempron chips for socket 939 have disappeared from the roadmaps; they may have been cancelled, or else they might just be missing. We'll keep you posted on any developments in that area.
Finally, we have additional bad news for those who still love their socket A motherboards. As you can see in the chart, the Sempron 3000+ is the only future processor for the platform. Oddly enough, AMD will also go back to the Barton core for this model, so it will perform similarly to the XP 2800+ - it's only 83 MHz slower. The Athlon XP line is scheduled to end production in early in 2005, according to the roadmaps we've seen, and if you look at current prices on the parts it already appears to be well underway. As for the Sempron processor on socket A, even that is scheduled to reach the end of the line by the second half of 2005.
The platform still offers reasonable performance, of course, but if you want to purchase a motherboard that will last through a couple more inexpensive CPU upgrades, socket A is not recommended. The introduction of the lower model Sempron-754 chips looks to be planned to take over as the socket A models are phased out. This is actually a good thing, as the integrated memory controller on socket 754 and later AMD chips helps out a lot with performance, and we will now see that feature pushed down into the value computing segment.
About the only weak point in AMD's plans right now is their continued use of 200 mm wafers. Their 65 nm parts are scheduled to finally make the switch to 300 mm wafers, which should boost their output capacity by roughly 125% at each fabrication facility that uses the larger wafers. In the mean time, they continue to provide high performance processors that compare very favorably with their Intel counterparts. Competition breeds lower prices, making this a great time for the computing enthusiast.
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