AMD Athlon 64 FX-51 Processor Review - Page 12

Benchmark Analysis

The benchmark results are in, and the Athlon 64 FX-51 is the new standard for performance desktops. The application test results were off the chart, and 3D game performance was well in excess of what the Pentium 4-3.2 GHz can provide. The increase in game speed was palpable, and this was the first time that a benchmark like Comanche 4 could be termed "fast". Keep in mind that the Athlon 64 FX-51 processor is available now at street level, and soundly beats any desktop processor that Intel can currently offer.

Real-World Performance

The benchmark phase is one part of the overall evaluation, and after all the requisite scores have been tallied, we like to take new hardware on a test run. This usually consists of hooking the new desktop up to network, transferring over some files, installing a couple of games and using it as an interim home/business PC. This was a real joy with the AMD Athlon 64 FX-51 reference system, and response times were the best we've seen, while overall stability was rock solid. This high level of system stability was incredibly surprising for such a brand new technology, and we even tooled around in a pre-release 64-bit version of Windows XP with no real problems.

In real-world use, we've noticed that a HyperTransport-enabled PC adds a certain fluidity to multi-tasking, and it was never more evident than with the Athlon 64 FX-51. This platform literally translates into a server-on-the-desktop, and the high-end memory performance, superb CPU speed, and overall system design proved to be quite compelling, even to jaded veterans like ourselves. This system did it all, and with alarming speed, and brought back memories of the first time we tested the Pentium 4-3.0C HT/i875P alongside a mid-range P4 on the i845PE.

The Pentium 4 Extreme Edition

Speaking of Intel processors, the chip giant rained on the AMD parade by announcing their Pentium 4 Extreme Edition, and even letting a few reviewers take it for a test drive. This processor uses a modified Northwood core, has a clock speed of 3.2 GHz, and in most ways, is a basic Pentium 4-3.2 GHz HT. Where the design gets interesting is with the Extreme Edition adding an extra 2-MB of L3 cache to the mix, in addition to the 8K L1 and 512K L2 of a base model. This will definitely improve performance, especially 3D games, and the kicker is that these new CPUs should be a seamless upgrade to existing 800 MHz platforms. Of course, Intel isn't expected to actually release the Extreme Edition processors for a month or two, so at this point in time, it's mighty impressive-looking vaporware.

Value

When viewing the value component of a new processor like the Athlon 64 FX-51, the entire platform cost must be evaluated, along with the cost of the individual CPU. The AMD quantity price on the Athlon 64 FX-51 is pegged at $733, with street prices currently in the $760-$770 range. This is certainly at the high-end of the pricing spectrum, with the standard Athlon 64 3200+ checking in at $417 in quantity and $450-$460 street. Of course, Intel's upcoming Pentium 4 3.2 GHz Extreme Edition promises to be even more expensive and should hit the $750 or higher range upon release.

These are the unit costs, but the platform costs add up quick for the Athlon 64 FX-51. You'll need a new motherboard for any of the Athlon 64 processors, but the requirement of registered DIMMs is the big one for Athlon 64 FX-51 buyers. We didn't have any available for testing, and it's unlikely that many buyers will have existing registered DDR to port over in the event of a system upgrade. On that same note, the Pentium 4 Extreme Edition may be an obvious poke at AMD, but this Intel chip will work in existing Pentium 4 800 MHz motherboards and with standard, unbuffered DDR.

It's tough to ignore the performance benefits of the Athlon 64 FX-51, but at the same time there are some potential costs to consider. We see the Athlon 64 FX-51 being a good value for those looking to purchase a brand new system and ride it, but the expense of a new motherboard coupled with the need for registered DIMMs makes it a tough nut to crack for the upgrade crowd.

* Please note that these prices were taken at the time of review and are not meant to reflect long-term trends.

Conclusion

The Athlon 64 FX-51 represents the new high-end for performance gaming, and taken on its own, the processor is a super release from AMD. Sure, Intel used Extreme measures in trying to deflate the Athlon 64 release, but we believe in giving credit where it's due. The Athlon 64 FX-51 is a real product that is available upon release, while Intel won't have their new CPU out for at least a month. The only factor holding the Athlon 64 FX-51 back is its registered DDR requirement, and if buffered DDR was on the table, AMD would have truly defined high-end performance for the entire enthusiast market.

Pros:

• Fastest Desktop CPU
• Dual-Channel DDR400
• High-end, Server-based Platforms

Cons:

• Requires Registered DDR
• High Price

Ratings: