Final thoughts
Our final evaluation includes a mixture of good and bad. We're happy that AMD's released its premier CPUs without the user having to use registered memory. Just this fact opens up top-end performance for the enthusiast with deep pockets. Stock performance is truly excellent, just as one would expect. While we're waxing lyrical about default performance, we're nagged by the thought that the S939 FX-53 is only 200MHz faster (or 9%) than the original S940 FX-51 released over 8 months ago, albeit it's faster than its S940 equivalent. Back in September 2003 we'd have thought a 2.8GHz Athlon 64 was on the cards in June '04. The lack of MHz increase is perhaps more down to Intel's ineffectual challenge in the same time period. That though, is about to change with the renamed Pentium 4s due to land soon.AMD's done enough to easily maintain the consumer-level crown with the release of S939 and S754 CPUs today. Maintain is the operative word here, as there's been no MHz increase to accompany S939 launch and 64-bit OS's are still in development from Microsoft and others. Out of the two our vote would have to go with the Model 3800+ CPU. Near-FX-53 performance at a lower price point (which is yet to be confirmed) gets the HEXUS thumbs up. . AMD's processors will be given another performance lift when Windows XP 64-bit RTM finally ships, so the onus is now on Intel's shoulders to up the ante. AMD will be ready to counter with a 2.6GHz Athlon 64 chip. What it will be called, though, is another matter.
The bottom line is very simple. AMD's delivered performance in spades with its new socket-939 processors; performance that makes Intel's Pentium 4s look impotent in comparison. We await Intel's response with baited breath.
- AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 S939
- AMD Athlon 64 Model 3800+ S939
