AMD 64 Processor
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AMD 64 Processor
What're the advantages of getting an AMD 64 processor over a standard AMD proceessor (or even a Pentium) at the moment?
it's faster than the amd xp. it's 64 bit so when the 64bit version of windows comes out it will be ready for it and fast as hell (there is a 64bit version of linux out already i believe) but also is hella fast working at 32bit (beats most pentiums running in 32bit mode which is no mean feat. its the best chip for games on the market (arguably). intel is better for video decoding and media apps - amd is best for games (arguably).
disadvantge it is a pretty big upgarde for standard amd fans which would be costly on new mobo etc. regarding new mobo's, graphics cards etc there is a whole host of new tech coming out so be careful buying too early or your kit will be not future proof. ie get a amd 64 on a mobo without pci express and regret at leisure when the next gen of graphics cards, sound cards etc etc need pci express. im sure andy will provide a more technical insight.
disadvantge it is a pretty big upgarde for standard amd fans which would be costly on new mobo etc. regarding new mobo's, graphics cards etc there is a whole host of new tech coming out so be careful buying too early or your kit will be not future proof. ie get a amd 64 on a mobo without pci express and regret at leisure when the next gen of graphics cards, sound cards etc etc need pci express. im sure andy will provide a more technical insight.
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Andy
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The A64 architecture relocates the memory controller from the traditional location (North Bridge on the chipset) and integrates it within the chip. As the controller is onboard, latencies are significantly reduced as data doesn't have as many stages of travel as the FSB system.
As well as being more efficient at handling memory, the CPU's have SSE2 instruction sets integrated (these instruction sets aid in processing certain data if applications take advantage of them. Intel have had SSE 2 for some time now)
They run cooler than the average processor (average temp I have seen while overclocked is a cool 34 degrees) as they feature AMD's "Cool n Quiet" technology (basically the "Power Now" features seen on laptop processors (voltage adjustment depending on processor load state) and have an Integral Heat Spreader affixed to the core, unlike the exposed core featured on the XP chips. (The IHS aids heat dissipation by increasing the surface area in contact with the HS/F /waterblock/evaporator head.)
There are 3 sockets for A64 at the moment too, each with its own advantages.
Socket 940:
The same socket used by AMD's server processors (Opteron) and the initial launch of the Athlon 64 FX processors.
This socket will remain in use by the Opteron family of processors as it requires ECC registered DIMMs to be used.
ECC registered DIMMs are slightly slower than the regular unbuffered DDR, as the data sent is confirmed once it arrives in its destination as to avoid errors.
This is particularly useful in the environment that Opteron's are used (servers) as errors in a "mission critical" system can potentially mean damage entailing stupid amounts of money.
Desktop users haven't the need for ECC, and as the outlay for ECC registered DIMMs are higher than unbuffered "regular" DDR, the FX processors have typically been the playthings of the rich or stupid.
Socket 939:
The new generation of FX processors are going to be implemented using a socket with 1 pin less than previous incarnation.
As well as the FX series of processors, AMD are going to be releasing the majority of the upcoming high end processors into this socket, and the low end market currently occupied by the XP and the Duron will eventually be filled by socket 754 based chips.
The main advantage of 939 is the fact that non ECC registered memory can now be used (and in dual channel I may add) meaning existing RAM can be slapped in, no need to go massacring your bank balance buying expensive registered RAM.
Upgrade wise, this socket seems the logical choice as the motherboards will support the newest processors, and as it's the "high end" technology, you wont have to upgrade for a while to come.
Unfortunately, a lot of new technologies are emerging in the next few months, (nForce 4 chipsets, PCI Express graphics cards, nVidia's SLI system (utilising two identical graphics cards, linking them and assigning the top half of the screen to one, and the bottom to the other, effectively giving you double the power of a standard card)) and the existing motherboards are (it seems) not going to last the distance if you want to keep up to date.
This is the main reason I am hesitating on splashing the cash at the moment.
Socket 754:
Socket 754 also supports dual channel DDR, but the highest speed processor currently (and for the forseable future) available for it is the 3400+ (which is eyebleedingly fast in comparison to an older Pentium)
If you're thinking about upgrading an archaic monolithic tomb of a computer *Voice of God* KEV! (or possibly...) HEATHEN! *Voice of God*
754 is the best way to go about it if you have an average budget.
As well as being more efficient at handling memory, the CPU's have SSE2 instruction sets integrated (these instruction sets aid in processing certain data if applications take advantage of them. Intel have had SSE 2 for some time now)
They run cooler than the average processor (average temp I have seen while overclocked is a cool 34 degrees) as they feature AMD's "Cool n Quiet" technology (basically the "Power Now" features seen on laptop processors (voltage adjustment depending on processor load state) and have an Integral Heat Spreader affixed to the core, unlike the exposed core featured on the XP chips. (The IHS aids heat dissipation by increasing the surface area in contact with the HS/F /waterblock/evaporator head.)
There are 3 sockets for A64 at the moment too, each with its own advantages.
Socket 940:
The same socket used by AMD's server processors (Opteron) and the initial launch of the Athlon 64 FX processors.
This socket will remain in use by the Opteron family of processors as it requires ECC registered DIMMs to be used.
ECC registered DIMMs are slightly slower than the regular unbuffered DDR, as the data sent is confirmed once it arrives in its destination as to avoid errors.
This is particularly useful in the environment that Opteron's are used (servers) as errors in a "mission critical" system can potentially mean damage entailing stupid amounts of money.
Desktop users haven't the need for ECC, and as the outlay for ECC registered DIMMs are higher than unbuffered "regular" DDR, the FX processors have typically been the playthings of the rich or stupid.
Socket 939:
The new generation of FX processors are going to be implemented using a socket with 1 pin less than previous incarnation.
As well as the FX series of processors, AMD are going to be releasing the majority of the upcoming high end processors into this socket, and the low end market currently occupied by the XP and the Duron will eventually be filled by socket 754 based chips.
The main advantage of 939 is the fact that non ECC registered memory can now be used (and in dual channel I may add) meaning existing RAM can be slapped in, no need to go massacring your bank balance buying expensive registered RAM.
Upgrade wise, this socket seems the logical choice as the motherboards will support the newest processors, and as it's the "high end" technology, you wont have to upgrade for a while to come.
Unfortunately, a lot of new technologies are emerging in the next few months, (nForce 4 chipsets, PCI Express graphics cards, nVidia's SLI system (utilising two identical graphics cards, linking them and assigning the top half of the screen to one, and the bottom to the other, effectively giving you double the power of a standard card)) and the existing motherboards are (it seems) not going to last the distance if you want to keep up to date.
This is the main reason I am hesitating on splashing the cash at the moment.
Socket 754:
Socket 754 also supports dual channel DDR, but the highest speed processor currently (and for the forseable future) available for it is the 3400+ (which is eyebleedingly fast in comparison to an older Pentium)
If you're thinking about upgrading an archaic monolithic tomb of a computer *Voice of God* KEV! (or possibly...) HEATHEN! *Voice of God*
754 is the best way to go about it if you have an average budget.
<br/><br/><i>Im on mobil!</i>xp2600+ atm. pc specs thread around here somewhere..... let me look..... oh yeah here it is
http://www.guru4u.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9
need updating methinks though
http://www.guru4u.co.uk/forums/viewtopic.php?t=9
need updating methinks though
erm 2.something. ghz mean very little with amd, it's there rating that counts. ie 2400 is equivalent to 2.4 ghz on the original Athlon or 2.4ghz Pentium. The very latest 64bit Athlons run at not much over 2ghz but are as fast as hell J Intel have now realised this and have dropped the GHZ ratings and come up with a really confusing naming convention instead 