Testbed and Methods

Thanks to the unlocked clock frequency multiplier, the Phenom processor sample we had at our disposal was tested at frequencies from 2.2GHz to 2.6GHz that correspond to the default speeds of 9900, 9700, 9600 and 9500 models. These are the CPUs that already are or will be available in the near future.

The new AMD Phenom will compete against Core 2 Quad Q6600 and Q6700 processors – Intel’s quad-core solutions priced the closest. Here you should note though, that Core 2 Quad Q6700 processor is currently still much more expensive than any of the AMD Phenoms.

However, the situation should change in Q1 2008 when Intel is going to launch a few new quad-core processor models manufactured with 45nm process. That is why we have also included the results for a promising Core 2 Quad Q9450 that will cost a little over $300. So far this processor also known as Yorkfield and running at 2.6GHz frequency is not available yet, bit should be by the time Phenom 9900 and 9700 come out.

Moreover, we completed the picture by adding the results of the top dual-core AMD and Intel processors.

As a result, we had the following platforms participating in our test session:

AMD Platform:

• CPUs:
  • Phenom 9900 (Socket AM2+, 2.6GHz, 2MB L2, 2MB L3, Agena);
  • Phenom 9700 (Socket AM2+, 2.4GHz, 2MB L2, 2MB L3, Agena);
  • Phenom 9600 (Socket AM2+, 2.3GHz, 2MB L2, 2MB L3, Agena);
  • Phenom 9500 (Socket AM2+, 2.2GHz, 2MB L2, 2MB L3, Agena);
  • Athlon 64 X2 6400+ (Socket AM2, 3.2GHz, 2MB L2, Windsor).
• Mainboard: ASUS M3A32-MVP Deluxe (Socket AM2+, AMD 790FX).
• Memory: 2GB DDR2-1066 with 4-5-5-15 timings (Corsair Dominator TWIN2X2048-8888C4DF).
• Graphics card: OCZ GeForce 8800GTX (PCI-E x16).
• HDD: Western Digital WD1500AHFD (SATA150).
• OS: Microsoft Windows Vista x86.

Intel Platform:

• CPUs:
  • Core 2 Quad Q9450 (LGA775, 2.66GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 12MB L2, Yorkfield);
  • Core 2 Quad Q6700 (LGA775, 2.66GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 8MB L2, Kentsfield);
  • Core 2 Quad Q6600 (LGA775, 2.4GHz, 1066MHz FSB, 8MB L2, Kentsfield);
  • Core 2 Duo E6850 (LGA775, 3.0GHz, 1333MHz FSB, 4MB L2, Conroe).
• Mainboard: ASUS P5E3 Deluxe (LGA775, Intel X38, DDR3 SDRAM).
• Memory: 2GB DDR3-1333 with 7-7-7-20 timings (Cell Shock CS3222580).
• Graphics card: OCZ GeForce 8800GTX (PCI-E x16).
• HDD: Western Digital WD1500AHFD (SATA150).
• OS: Microsoft Windows Vista x86.