AMD Athlon XP 2100+ Review - Page 8

Value

The AMD pricing on the Athlon XP 2100+ is pegged at $420 in 1K quantities. As we know from past releases, the actual "street price" can be much lower. In fact, we're already seeing them available online, at prices in the $320-$350 range. This range is very consistent with past Athlon XP releases, and compares to an approximate $230 price for the Athlon XP 2000+. Once you move any lower on the speed dial, costs become much lower for the Athlon XP 1500+ to 1900+ models.

As far as comparative Intel pricing, expect to pay upwards of $500 for the Pentium 4-2.2 GHz, while the Pentium 4-2.0A GHz (Northwood) is right on par with the Athlon XP 2100+ at a price of approximately $325. These are the two processors the Athlon XP 2100+ will be compared to, and where AMD needs to provide a better value to the consumer.

The real kicker in any value comparison is noting that the Athlon XP 2100+ model number does not directly compare to any Pentium 4 processor. Intel drove right by the 2.1 GHz speed ramp, thus giving AMD a real opportunity to carve out a lucrative market niche. This is the first time in a long while that AMD and Intel haven't locked horns at a given "performance level", and the Athlon XP 2100+ is nicely positioned as a result.

Think of it this way, a potential buyer may not have the cash for a Pentium 4-2.2 GHz, but when seeing the Athlon XP 2100+ and Pentium 4-2.0A GHz priced very closely, it may give the perceived advantage to AMD. The Athlon XP 2100+ model number can occupy the consumer mindset between the Pentium 4-2.2 and 2.0A GHz, and may get a lot of the performance dollars as a result.

Conclusion

This is basically yet another story of the fast getting faster, with AMD ratcheting up their Athlon XP clock speed and taking back top spot in the desktop performance market. While not an attractive upgrade option for existing Athlon XP owners, those wanting the highest AMD performance will appreciate the option of including the Athlon XP 2100+ in new system buys. This story gets more interesting when you realize that AMD is doing this without the benefit of 0.13-micron technology or an increase in FSB speed, and these results get us even more hyped for the upcoming Athlon Thoroughbred core and the possibility of a 333 MHz bus.

Pros:

• Fastest Overall Desktop Processor
• Excellent Price-Performance
• Great Positioning at the 2100+ Performance Rating

• Still Waiting for Thoroughbred Core
• Pentium 4 Northwood Runs Cooler
• A Small 66 MHz Speed Jump

Ratings: