Single-threaded performance
Single-threaded tests
Our first single-threaded test, HEXUS Crypto, evaluates the relative FPU strength of the CPUs. In this case, the 2.93GHz-clocked Core 2 Extreme X6800 is just beaten out by an AMD Athlon 64 FX-62. It's worth noting that the midrange E6600 part, running at 2.4GHz, beats out the 3.73GHz Pentium Extreme Edition 965 CPU in this test.
Pifast, which calculates the constant to 10M places, relies on the CPUs' number-crunching and memory bandwidth ability. The reported numbers are correct, that is, a 2.13GHz Core 2 Duo (E6400), priced at around $220, leaves the Athlon 64 FX-62 trailing in its wake. It completely annihilates the time posted by the '965, too. Extreme performance is, well, extreme, posting the fastest time, by far, from a stock-clocked CPU.
The raytracing test shows us that the 'X6800 doubles, yes doubles, the performance laid down by Intel's other not-so-extreme processor. The range-topping FX-62 is the only other CPU not to succumb to Core 2 Duo defeat. So far, we've seen the Core 2 Duo E6400, a $220 processor, generally outperform the finest (and most expensive) CPU AMD has to offer.
