AMD Athlon 64 4000+ and AMD Athlon 64FX
Discussion
4000+ has 2.4ghz, 1mb cache, 90nm, "Winchester" ,(lower power consumption and cooler) and is 939pin packaging
FX55 has 2.6ghz, 1mb cache, 130nm "Clawhammer" (so slightly more power hungry and hotter) and is on 939pin packaging as well and as said before more overclocking capability.
The performance comparison between the two is marginal based on synthetic benchmarks. Purchasing a 90nm processor is better in terms of lower heat and power consumption and assumes that it's competent enough for your other needs
So it's a budgetary call.
Don't forget to buy memory modules in pairs to make the most of the integrated memory controllers and get the best bandwidth.
FX55 has 2.6ghz, 1mb cache, 130nm "Clawhammer" (so slightly more power hungry and hotter) and is on 939pin packaging as well and as said before more overclocking capability.
The performance comparison between the two is marginal based on synthetic benchmarks. Purchasing a 90nm processor is better in terms of lower heat and power consumption and assumes that it's competent enough for your other needs
So it's a budgetary call.
Don't forget to buy memory modules in pairs to make the most of the integrated memory controllers and get the best bandwidth.
That's it. The A64 will use same-spec memory modules in dual channel mode for read and write access and that gives a boost in overall bandwidth. All thanks to its onboard memory controller.
I've got an A64 system with the cheapest pair of DDR 3200 same spec memory I could get and it still registered an increase in bandwidth.
So, when you're playing Doom3 you'll get killed quicker.

I've got an A64 system with the cheapest pair of DDR 3200 same spec memory I could get and it still registered an increase in bandwidth.
So, when you're playing Doom3 you'll get killed quicker.

Game has just changed, yet again, as Intel has just released the Intel Pentium Processor Extreme Edition 840 which features a dual core processor plus hyperthreading technology (uses the, also new, 955X chipset).
Basically, the processor has two complete cores, each with hyperthreading - so your standard XP/2003 load will see (and use) four logical processors. Processor is about $1000 US. I have no idea on the motherboards as I have only been able to find the intel one for the 955X chipset (although, IIRC, nForce4 for intel supports this chip as well).
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It's no longer a Ghz only game...
ErnestM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Monday 18th April 18:01
Basically, the processor has two complete cores, each with hyperthreading - so your standard XP/2003 load will see (and use) four logical processors. Processor is about $1000 US. I have no idea on the motherboards as I have only been able to find the intel one for the 955X chipset (although, IIRC, nForce4 for intel supports this chip as well).
---
It's no longer a Ghz only game...
ErnestM
>> Edited by ErnestM on Monday 18th April 18:01
Yep - dual core Opteron for servers no less. Their dual core desktop chip is slated for June/July release.
Intel's dual core server class chips are not due out until closer to year end.
With Longhorn due last quarter 2006, it's no wonder these things are coming out now. I forcast a "windows 95" style resurgence of interest in computing (beyond the enthusiasts that is) when 64 bit computing and multi core processing takes off.
Hold on to your hat (and your IT credentials)...
ErnestM
Intel's dual core server class chips are not due out until closer to year end.
With Longhorn due last quarter 2006, it's no wonder these things are coming out now. I forcast a "windows 95" style resurgence of interest in computing (beyond the enthusiasts that is) when 64 bit computing and multi core processing takes off.
Hold on to your hat (and your IT credentials)...
ErnestM
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. It supports overclocking if you so desire too.