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Dual core shoot-out: Intel versus AMD

Kai Schmerer ZDNet Germany

Published: 03 Nov 2005

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Go to section: Introduction Test setup Memory & cache performance Application performance Video & audio performance Rendering performance Conclusion

Conclusion

The value of dual core chips is not in doubt. Today's PCs run a large number of background processes, and a single CPU can easily become overloaded. Intel has had processors with two logical cores for several years; more efficient chips with two physical cores are a natural progression from this Hyperthreading technology.

Both Intel and AMD now have a good range of dual core processors. Intel offers the biggest range of pricing, from the entry-level $241 Pentium D 820 running at 2.8GHz, through the $316 830 at 3GHz, to the $530 840 at 3.2GHz. The Pentium Extreme Edition 840, meanwhile, costs a princely $999.

AMD's Athlon 64 X2 4200+, 4400+, 4600+ and 4800+ processors range from $408 to $803, while the $328 entry-level 3800+model is well suited to both enterprise and home PCs.

AMD currently offers the most attractive dual core option. The entry level Athlon 64 X2 3800+ may cost $87 more than its Intel counterpart, the Pentium D 820, but the AMD chip is a much better performer. It also uses considerably less power. A typical Athlon 64 X2 3800+ system uses less than 100W, while an equivalent Intel-based system uses about 50 per cent more, so it will be easier to build a quiet office PC around an AMD dual core chip. The lower electricity cost could also be a significant factor in enterprises with several thousand PCs.

Dual core CPU pricing (as of October 31)
CPU	Price (in 1ku)
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+	$803
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4600+	$643
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4400+	$507
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+	$408
AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+	$328
Intel Pentium Extreme Edition 840	$999
Intel Pentium D 840	$530
Intel Pentium D 830	$316
Intel Pentium D 820	$241

 

Go to section: Introduction Test setup Memory & cache performance Application performance Video & audio performance Rendering performance Conclusion

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