Athlon 64 X2 3800+ Processor Review - Page 10

Benchmark Analysis

As with most dual core processor reviews, there are really two sides of the performance coin we need to evaluate. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ offers a compelling multi-threaded performance option, especially when targeted against the mainstream-priced Pentium D line. In terms of overall performance, we give it the nod over the Pentium D 840, and many of the scores are very impressive for processor clocked at 2.0 GHz. Also keep in mind that the Pentium D 830 is the direct competitor to the Athlon 64 X2 3800+, and the AMD processor is the easy winner in this comparison.

The second part of the analysis relates to single-threaded performance, most notably games. In this area, the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ simply can't match up to the higher-clocked Athlon 64 models, but does lay out the entire Pentium D line and manages to win a few against the 3.6-3.8 GHz Pentium 4 processors. This means that the new Athlon 64 X2 3800+ is more than competitive with the highest clocked Pentium D with multi-threaded code, while easily surpassing it in games and other single-threaded applications. But when compared to the Athlon 64 competition, the 2.0 GHz clock speed of the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ translates into game performance levels similar to that of an Athlon 64 3200+.

Value

In our Athlon 64 X2 4800+ review, we were disappointed that none of the Athlon 64 X2 models were designated for the mainstream market, and the least expensive was over $600. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ answers this concern in spades, and with an AMD price of $354, expect retail prices to be around the $400 mark or lower. There are currently a few online listings, at around $400-$405, but we'll have to wait until supplies increase to get an accurate gauge on overall prices. And if that news wasn't good enough for you, AMD is also lowering their wholesale prices on the Athlon X2 4200+, 4400+, 4600+ and 4800+ to $482, $537, $704, and $902, respectively.

The Pentium D 840 retail price varies greatly, and currently ranges from approximately $550 to $585, while the Pentium D 830 ($330-$345) and Pentium D 820 ($240-$265) round out the Intel line. That means the Athlon 64 X2 3800+ has the Pentium D 830 as its closest rival, while the Pentium D 840 will be pitted against the Athlon 64 X2 4200+ and 4400+. In this comparison, AMD looks to be holding all the cards, and their Athlon 64 X2 models match up extremely well against the Intel Pentium D, especially the Athlon 64 X2 3800+. Intel still has the edge with the entry-level dual core market, as AMD has not yet released a sub-$300 X2 processor to compete against the Pentium D 820.

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

Conclusion

The initial release of the Athlon 64 X2 processor was a definite hit with high-end buyers, as AMD offered the fastest dual core performance, while not giving anything away on the gaming front. The only caveat was the high retail price, and the fact that mainstream buyers interested in dual core processors really had no other option than the Intel Pentium D. The Athlon 64 X2 3800+ changes that equation in the blink of an eye, and now AMD has a viable entry into the mainstream market, and a high-end performer that can compete price-wise against both the Pentium D 840 and 830.

Pros:

• High-end Multi-Threaded Speed
• Socket 939 Upgradeable
• Mainstream Price

Cons:

• Athlon 64 3200+ Gaming Performance

Ratings: