Hardware

Introduction

While AMD has chosen not to officially sample their latest processor, we wanted to give readers a heads up on what is coming down the pike. The newest addition to the AMD dual core family, the Athlon 64 X2 6400+, doesn't offer anything new in terms of architecture, and is probably the last model AMD will release from this storied processor line. Still, since AMD did slide us the specifications and a nifty image of the CPU box, we'll provide an overall view of their latest product launch.

The Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Processor

The Athlon 64 X2 6400+ doesn't change the overall design or architecture of the high-end AMD market, and is a 90nm Windsor core running at 3.2 GHz, or 200 MHz higher than the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. This translates into 2x128K of L1 and 2x1MB of L2 cache, a 128-bit DDR2 memory controller, and 32/64-bit software support. The integrated DDR2 memory controller can handle up to dual-channel DDR2-800, offering a theoretical max bandwidth of 12.8 GB/second. The processor features a core voltage of 1.35-1.40V, with a Cool'n'Quiet minimum of 1.1V at 1.0 GHz. No surprises there and even the 90.4A processor current and 36.4W min/125W max TDP are both on par with the Athlon 64 X2 6000+. The AMD 1KU pricing will be approximately $239, compared to the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ and 6000+ currently priced at $157 and $178, respectively.

Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Quick Specs:

As you can see from the image below, the Athlon 64 X2 6400+ will be released as a "Black Edition", which if similar product naming conventions are adhered to, suggests a limited release or special edition type of product. Motherboard manufacturers and other hardware vendors have tried similar "black" product branding, and it fits with what AMD has planned for the new CPU. The Athlon 64 X2 6400+ will be a PIB/WOF (processor-in-box, without fan) product that is designated for the AMD channel only. That doesn't mean available product will not filter down to the retail level, only that AMD is not specifically marketing it there. The new processor likely targeted at the enthusiast system builders, giving AMD a higher-speed competitor, and yielding bit more panache to the top AMD vendors.

In terms of performance, we don't expect a 200 MHz core speed increase to work wonders, and somehow topple the Core 2 dynasty, but it does close the gap slightly. The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ competes well against the Core 2 Duo E6600 and Quad Q6600, so we expect the Athlon 64 X2 6400+ to run up against the Core 2 Duo E6700 and E6750. This will not change the performance hierarchy, and the higher-speed Core 2-based processors will continue to dominate, especially with the release of the new 1333 MHz Intel processors. The AMD Phenom is the real challenger in this performance race, while the Athlon 64 X2 6400+ ensures AMD doesn't drop any further back from the Intel juggernaut.