Sempron 3400+ Processor Review - Page 11

Benchmark Analysis

The Sempron 3400+ more than met our performance expectations, and now that we finally have a 2.0 GHz Sempron with a full 256K of L2 cache, the Sempron is starting to move around the fringes of the mainstream market. It easily outpaced the Celeron D 340, and made short work of a 3.0 GHz Pentium 4 Prescott. In terms of AMD comparisons, the new Sempron value model did manage to slide into Athlon 64 territory on the application side, while falling back a bit with the game tests. Truthfully, it's tough to ask more from a value processor, and AMD has really delivered the goods not only in terms of performance, but 64-bit compatibility as well.

Value

The main part of the Sempron market appeal is related to its low price and high value, and even though the Sempron 3400+ is the top performer in the AMD entry-level line, relative pricing actually took a slight dip. The current Sempron 3300+ models were priced at $140 in quantity, but now that has dipped to only $126, while the Sempron 3400+ debuts at only $134. More processor for less money is an equation we can all get behind, and AMD is certainly working hard to keep Sempron prices low.

The Athlon 64 3000+ is priced at approximately $130 (939-pin) and $145 (754-pin), while the Athlon 64 3200+ retail price is a bit higher at $180 (939-pin) and $195 (754-pin). This makes the Socket 939 Athlon 64 3000+ an attractive alternative, but the 939-pin platform costs will be higher than with Socket 754. The Athlon 64 2800+ 754-pin CPU is priced at around $120 retail, and on the Intel side, the Celeron D 340 is value-priced at under $90, while the Celeron D 345 is pushing $120 retail. The higher-end Pentium 4-2.8E and 3.0E GHz processors are both available in the $180-$190 range, but the Sempron 3400+ will find its heaviest competition from the lower-clocked Athlon 64 processors.

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

Conclusion

The value processor market may not get the same attention as the higher-end models, but it is still a very important part of the overall mix. The AMD Sempron offers competitive performance at an attractive price, and now with AMD64 in the mix, the Sempron 3400+ is an entry-level force to be reckoned with. AMD has given the 2.0 GHz Sempron 3400+ enough power to go against the Athlon 64 2800+ and 3000+, but with price levels also very similar, this also risks a potential clash between the two lines.

Pros:

• Best in Class Performance
• 64-bit Compatibility
• 2.0 GHz + 256K L2 Cache

Cons:

• Athlon 64 3000+ Competition
• Socket 754

Ratings: