Test Setup
The Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition and X4 9350e processors represent the top and bottom of the AMD quad-core performance spectrum, checking in at 2.6 and 2.0 GHz, respectively. We're going to put these to the test against a selection of dual, triple and quad core models from both AMD and Intel, while keeping in mind the overall price and target market. The Intel side includes the Core 2 Quad Q6700 (2.66 GHz), and Core 2 Quad Q6600 (2.4 GHz) quad cores, along with the Core 2 Duo E8500 (3.16 GHz) and Extreme X6800 (2.93 GHz) dual core models. The AMD selection includes Phenom X4 9850 (2.5 GHz), 9750 (2.4 GHz), 9650 (2.3 GHz) and 9550 (2.2 GHz) quad core processors, as well as the Phenom X3 8750 (2.4 GHz) triple core and Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (3.0 GHz) dual core models.
These multi-core processors are matched with corresponding platforms and peripherals, while ensuring consistency with the overall reference system mix. The AMD Phenom processors utilize a high-end AMD 790FX platform, while the Athlon 64 X2 models run on an nForce 590 SLI motherboard, The dual and quad core Intel processors have been paired with a powerful Intel X38 Express motherboard. The base memory capacity is set at 2-GB, with the AMD Phenom/Athlon 64 X2 and Intel 1066 MHz processors receiving DDR2-800 (4-4-4-12), while the Intel 1333 MHz CPUs can make use of DDR2-1066 (5-5-5-15).
The default hard disk configuration is comprised of dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB NCQ-enabled SATA drives set for RAID 0, which provides top-end disk performance and ensures consistent benchmarking. The video component is high-end mainstream, and consists of a PNY GeForce 8800 GTS PCI Express card. The operating system remains Windows XP SP2, as we feel this is still the best method of achieving solid results with the most popular CPU and subsystem benchmarks.
The benchmark list includes a wide range of system, CPU, memory, and gaming tests. These include PCMark05, SiSoft SANDRA XII, WinRAR, and CINEBENCH 9.5/10, along with TMPGEnc Xpress 4.0 for MPEG-2, DivX, WMV and HDV encoding. We also utilize popular 3D game tests like Supreme Commander, 3DMark06, F.E.A.R., Company of Heroes, DOOM 3, Quake 4, FarCry, Prey, and Splinter Cell: Chaos Theory. Our default game benchmark setting is 1024x768x32, which is demanding enough for CPU comparisons but still realistic as an actual game play resolution.
* Please note that unless otherwise stated, such as the media encoding times, all performance graph results equate to the standard "higher is better" routine.
Test Systems:
AMD Socket AM2+ Reference System:
Processors: Phenom X4 9950 BE, 9850, 9750, 9650, 9550 and 9350e, and Phenom X3 8750
Memory: 2 x 1GB Ultra DDDR2-800 (CAS4)
Motherboard: ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe
Motherboard chip set: AMD 790FX
Video Card: PNY GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
LCD: Dell 2407WFP 24"
NVIDIA reference drivers: ForceWare 163.71
Hard-Drive: Dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB in RAID 0 Mode
CD/DVD: AOpen DUW1608 16X DVD+/-R DL
Power Supply: Cooler Master Real Power Pro 850W
Operating System: Windows XP Pro SP2
Intel Reference System:
Core 2 Processors: Core 2 Extreme X6800, Core 2 Duo E8500, and Core 2 Quad Q6600 & Q6700
Memory (1333 MHz): 2 x 1GB OCZ DDDR2-1066 (CAS5)
Memory (1066 MHz): 2 x 1GB Ultra DDDR2-800 (CAS4)
Motherboard: Gigabyte GA-X38-DQ6
Motherboard chip set: Intel X38 Express
Video Card: PNY GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
LCD: Dell 2407WFP 24"
NVIDIA reference drivers: ForceWare 163.71
Hard-Drive: Dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB in RAID 0 Mode
CD/DVD: AOpen DUW1608 16X DVD+/-R DL
Power Supply: Cooler Master Real Power Pro 850W
Operating System: Windows XP Pro SP2
AMD Socket AM2 Reference System:
Processors: Athlon 64 X2 6000+
Memory: 2 x 1GB Ultra DDDR2-800 (CAS4)
Motherboard: Asus M2N32-SLI
Motherboard chip set: nForce 590 SLI
Video Card: PNY GeForce 8800 GTS 320MB
LCD: Dell 2407WFP 24"
NVIDIA reference drivers: ForceWare 163.71
Hard-Drive: Dual Maxtor MaxLine III 250GB in RAID 0 Mode
CD/DVD: AOpen DUW1608 16X DVD+/-R DL
Power Supply: Enermax EG651P-VE-24P 550W EPS12V
Operating System: Windows XP Pro SP2
General Settings:
Desktop Resolution: 1920x1200
Color Depth: 32-bit
V-Sync: Disabled
