Final thoughts, HEXUS.awards and HEXUS.right2reply
Thoughts, HEXUS Awards and HEXUS Right2Reply
Intel has learned from its overly optimistic view of Pentium 4 scaling and designed a new core architecture that simultaneously focuses on performance and energy efficiency, which, we suppose, is the Holy Grail of consumer-level computing.It's difficult not to be wholly impressed with Intel's Core 2 Duo processors. The micro-architecture leverages a bunch of smart technologies that come together to form the most potent range of CPUs available. Putting it in some kind of context, the next-to-bottom model, E6400, costing $220, is, over the course of our benchmarks, as fast as an AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 or Intel Extreme Edition 965. That, readers, is how good Core 2 Duo is.
What's equally as impressive as sheer performance is the fact that Intel has managed to architect such power into an energy-efficient package that puts out half the TDP of the two aforementioned high-end CPUs. Even the Extreme Edition, clocked in at 2.93GHz and multiplier-unlocked, ships with a 75W TDP. We suppose it's like buying a faster, more powerful car that also gives better fuel economy than your current model. A win-win situation.
We also like the fact that Intel, unusually, hasn't jumped on to a different form-factor with the release of a new architecture. You can simply slot a Core 2 Duo in a number of LGA i975X boards or opt for a 965-Express version. Intel also assures us that it will have high-volume Core 2 Duos immediately after launch, so you won't have to wait long to get your mitts on one.
Intel, then, has moved the goalposts as far as consumer-level CPUs are concerned. Its low-end Core 2 Duo parts are more than a match for anything that has come before and its high-end models, headlined by the Core 2 Extreme X6800, are absolutely peerless.
AMD's Athlon 64 AM2 range hasn't changed an iota from yesterday to today. It's still a very sound range with solid architectural underpinnings. However, with Core 2 Duo soundly beating it in performance it's looking a lot less attractive to the consumer and system integrator alike. AMD needs to take a sledgehammer (pun intended) to current pricing if it is to remain competitive. Right now, if you're thinking of upgrading your PC and want the best solution possible for your money, you need to turn to Intel and not AMD. The empire has struck back with a vengeance.
Gentlemen, start your salivating!
It would be tempting to give the Core 2 Extreme X6800 the overall award. However, taking into account price vs. performance that award belongs to the Core 2 Duo E6400. It's a £150 CPU (once we factor rip-off Britain in the equation) that gives an Intel E.E 965 and AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 AM2 bloody noses - we love it!
Intel Core 2 Extreme X6800
Intel Core 2 Duo E6400Thoughts on this review? Share them with us over in the HEXUS.community.
HEXUS.links
HEXUS.content
HEXUS.community - discussion thread about this review
HEXUS.reviews - World exclusive! Intel Conroe-powered MESH Elite Extreme SLI system
HEXUS.winners - win4FREE an ARMARI PC with an Intel Conroe Extreme Edition CPU and ATi CrossFire graphics, worth £3,000
HEXUS.reviews - Intel's Conroe spanks AMD FX-62's botty - for real!!
IDF Spring 2006 - HEXUS report on Conroe benchmarks
IDF Spring 2006 - HEXUS report on next generation Core architecture
IDF Spring 2005 - All HEXUS coverage
HEXUS.headline - NVIDIA debut EPP memory standard
HEXUS reviews - Evesham FX-62 AM2 system
HEXUS reviews - SCAN 3XS Athlon 64 FX-62 AM2 system
HEXUS.reviews - AMD Socket AM2: Athlon 64 FX-62 and nForce5 590 SLI
HEXUS.headline - Foxconn AM2 mainboard at CeBIT 2006 (part of the massive HEXUS.CEBIT 2006 show coverage)
Manufacturer links
Intel - Core 2 information
Corsair EPP - Corsair EPP modules
External definitions
DDR2 SDRAM - Wikipedia
