Intel Core i7-870 vs AMD Phenom II 965BE

System architecture wise, both platforms are well developed - optimised dual-channel DDR3 memory, decent PCIe performance (although Intel P55 needs more PCIe lanes for everything, whether dual graphics at 16X each, or extra PCIe for USB3 and SATA3 controllers), and upgradeability.

Intel Core i7-870 vs AMD Phenom II 965BE
Review Price for performance (FINAL WORDS)



Intel

AMD


System architecture wise, both platforms are well developed - optimised dual-channel DDR3 memory, decent PCIe performance (although Intel P55 needs more PCIe lanes for everything, whether dual graphics at 16X each, or extra PCIe for USB3 and SATA3 controllers), and upgradeability.

However, as mentioned before, AMD really needs an improvement to its basic core performance. Even if I disabled the Turbo Boost completely, the Intel CPU would only be some 3 per cent to 7 per cent slower in the benchmarks shown here. That still wouldn't change the picture significantly, and the picture is that, clock for clock, core for core, with the surrounding systems as similar as possible, and - importantly - price levels as similar as possible, Intel's platform is still ahead.

Of course, with the right price coupled with some power usage reductions, the AMD Phenom II is still more than good enough for most desktop applications, but price alone should not be the only argument to use.

So, the AMD Phenom II is on its own a great CPU nevertheless and, even if AMD ends up late with the Bulldozer next generation, there is still room for AMD to optimise performance rather than just fight on the price front. One approach could be for AMD to move the six-core Istanbul die into the Phenom II socket and let you have six cores.

In my mind, that's not the right choice as the clock speed would invariably suffer and frankly, there is not that much desktop software that can use six cores. However, adding more L3 cache while lowering its latency and tuning up the cores to get another 10 per cent or more of per-clock performance could be a good interim solution. Remember, Intel's six core Westmere-based Gulftown high-end CPU for workstations and desktops is less then six months away, and is most likely held back simply because Intel has no competition in that space. A year from now, the first Intel Sandy Bridge cores with further speedups like twice the floating-point unit throughput are expected, so the least we can hope for is that AMD's Bulldozer comes out a little earlier...

More here: TheInquirer

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AMD 2011 Roadmap, Leaked

A couple of leaked AMD roadmaps have surfaced over in Japan, hinting at what the semiconductor giant will have to offer in the coming years.

Leaked AMD roadmaps plot route to 2011 Fusion



A couple of leaked AMD roadmaps have surfaced over in Japan, hinting at what the semiconductor giant will have to offer in the coming years.

In terms of desktop platforms, it looks as though AMD won't be able to deliver 32nm CPUs until 2011 - putting it roughly a year behind rival Intel, who plans to introduce 32nm parts in the first quarter of 2010.

Looking at the coming year, AMD's challenger in the performance stakes will be the upcoming hexa-core Thuban processor, apparently clocked at 2.8GHz and coupled with an RD890+SB8xx chipset. In the mainstream space, 45nm Athlon and Phenom processors with up to four cores will hope to be more competitive when paired with the 800-series chipset.

In terms of graphics, AMD's Evergreen series - already productised in part as the Radeon HD 5800 series - will remain prevalent throughout the year, and won't be superseded by a newer architecture until 2011.

Indeed, it isn't until 2011 that AMD's desktop roadmap begins to get interesting. That's the year in which we'll see Scorpius, a next-gen platform making use of the 32nm Zambezi processor - which, we can only hope, is based on the long-awaited Bulldozer core, successor to the K10 architecture...

More here: HEXUS

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AMD Phenom II X4 910/925/945/955/965 To Discontinue Starting Q4 2009

According to AMD plans revealed to its special somebodies, plans reaching all the way to Q3 2010, many Phenom II X4 quads will be discontinued in late 2009 to second half of 2010. As of Q4 2009 AMD will announce last order for some Phenom II X4 models and some of them will have its last shipment already in Q2 2010.

Many Phenom II X4 CPUs to be discontinued
Starting Q4 2009

According to AMD plans revealed to its special somebodies, plans reaching all the way to Q3 2010, many Phenom II X4 quads will be discontinued in late 2009 to second half of 2010. As of Q4 2009 AMD will announce last order for some Phenom II X4 models and some of them will have its last shipment already in Q2 2010.

This is due to the fact that AMD also plans to launch a revised Phenom II X4 (Deneb 45nm) quad-core that will have lower thermals and will allow higher clocks.

First to die is Phenom II X4 910 clocked at 2.6GHz and powered with 8MB cache that will get to last order status already in Q4 2009 with last shipment planned two quarters later, Q2 2010.

Phenom II X4 925 at 2.8GHz clock and 8MB of total cache and 95W TDP will get to last order status in by late Q1 2010 and final shipments are slated for Q3 2010.

Phenom II X4 945 with 125W TDP receives final order tag in Q4 2009 and final shipments should happen in Q2 2010. The Phenom II X4 925 with 95W will continue to live beyond Q3 2010.

Phenom II X4 955 3.2GHz 125W TDP receives the last order tag in Q2 2010 and final orders are scheduled to ship two quarters after. It will be replaced in Q2 2010 with 95W version that can support the same clock.

Last but not least the Phenom II X4 965 with 140W TDP and 3.4GHz clock gets last order status in Q1 2010 and stops shipping two quarters later. It should get replaced in Q2 2010 by a 125W version.

Source: Fudzilla

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AMD Regor 45nm Dual Core 25W Delayed

AMD plans to launch two Regor-based 45nm dual core 25W CPUs and originally it planned to launch two CPUs clocked at 1.8GHz and 1.6GHz together. This won't happen as the 1.8GHz one, branded as Athlon II X2 620u is pushed to late Q1 2010.

AMD 25W dual core delayed
One of them

AMD plans to launch two Regor-based 45nm dual core 25W CPUs and originally it planned to launch two CPUs clocked at 1.8GHz and 1.6GHz together. This won't happen as the 1.8GHz one, branded as Athlon II X2 620u is pushed to late Q1 2010.

The Athlon II X2 520u clocked at 1.6GHz and equipped with total of 2MB cache is still scheduled to launch in Q4 but as of today, we failed to find any single one available.

These TDPs definitely look attractive and can enable AMD to get back into the silent computing space. Performance wise it will definitely beat Atoms and if priced wisely, it might be a good sell.

Source: Fudzilla

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Intel Core i7 930 2.88GHz, To Release Q1 2010

For the past eleven and a half months, almost every ardent enthusiast running an X58-based Nehalem motherboard had undoubtedly heard of the wonderful advantages of running an Intel Core i7 920 for overclocking related purposes.

Core i7 930 2.88GHz to soon replace Core i7 920 2.66GHz
The LGA 1366 legacy continues in Q1 2010

For the past eleven and a half months, almost every ardent enthusiast running an X58-based Nehalem motherboard had undoubtedly heard of the wonderful advantages of running an Intel Core i7 920 for overclocking related purposes. While the legacy of this chip has only recently begun to rise in the hearts of the global consumer population, it is with great hope that we remain confident its performance will continue to endure into the 45nm generation of 2010.

Intel has recently confirmed plans to discontinue the Core i7 920 2.66GHz in order to make way for a even greater successor in the lineage, the Core i7 930 2.88GHz. It should be made clear that this is not recent news, considering the ubiquitous headlines back in June suggesting such an event to occur to the entire current Core i7 lineup. We have already witnessed the replacement of the Core i7 Extreme 965 3.20GHz with the 975 3.33GHz, the replacement of the Core i7 940 2.93GHz with the 950 3.06GHz, a few stepping revision updates along the way (C0/C1 to D0), and now this.

Just like its predecessor, the Core i7 930 2.88GHz will be a quad-core, eight-thread chip designed for socket LGA 1366. This last little detail is an interesting point considering the widespread notion of the LGA 1366 platform going “Extreme Edition only” throughout the entirety of 2010...

More here: Fudzilla

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Intel 11nm CPU Planned, Comming in Q4 2015

If it stays on target, Intel will be shifting from current 32nm process that just got introduced in Q4 2009 to a new 22nm process in Q4 2011. Intel tries to stick to its two year per node plan. This is what company's official manufacturing roadmap reveals.

Intel plans 11nm CPUs in five years
Q4 2015

If it stays on target, Intel will be shifting from current 32nm process that just got introduced in Q4 2009 to a new 22nm process in Q4 2011. Intel tries to stick to its two year per node plan. This is what company's official manufacturing roadmap reveals.

After 22nm, in Q4 2013 the company should introduce 15nm process and two years after that, so in Q4 2015 the company should introduce 11nm process.

This schedule also plans CPUs some 80 percent smaller than 11nm, probably 7nm after that. The plans look interesting and if Intel doesn’t face any transition problems in manufacturing, the timeline should stick.

Globalfoundries might probably be at least two quarters behind Intel transition schedules, at least with 32nm and 22nm transition, but with a lot of cache coming from the far east, they might even speed it up.

Source: Fudzilla

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Intel Core 2 Duo and Quad CPU, Still No Price Cuts

Intel doesn't plan to cut and Core 2 generation CPU prices even though it knows that many dual and quad cores-are overlapping. The current decision is to keep the COre 2 Duo and Quad CPU prices at the same levels at least until January 17th and if it chances its mind, Intel might do some price cuts at later date.

No sign of January Core 2 price cuts
Coexistence

Intel doesn't plan to cut and Core 2 generation CPU prices even though it knows that many dual and quad cores-are overlapping.

The current decision is to keep the COre 2 Duo and Quad CPU prices at the same levels at least until January 17th and if it chances its mind, Intel might do some price cuts at later date.

Currently fastest Core 2 Duo, the E8600 clocked at 3.33GHz will remain at $266 and this one will definitely go head to head with Core i5 670 clocked at3.46GHz. Core i5 will definitely be the faster of the two.

The same goes for many other Core 2 Duo CPUs as they will continue selling regardless of Core i5 Westmere 32nm Clarkdale launch.

Core 2 Quad CPUs are already overlapping with many Core i5 and Core i7 Lynnfield-based CPUs, but so far Intel didn't cut any prices of its "old" 45nm Yorkfiled based CPUs.

Source: Fudzilla

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Intel Core i5 650 DualCore 32nm Reaches 4.7Ghz On Air!

Intel Core i5 650 Dual Core (32nm Clarkdale) that is supposed to launch on January 3 has already been leaked with an overclocking result found at Lab501 forum.

Intel Core i5 650 Dual Core (32nm Clarkdale) that is supposed to launch on January 3 has already been leaked with an overclocking result found at Lab501 forum.

From stock speed at 3.2GHz to 4.6ghz using Gigabyte P55 mobo, at 1.424V core, 25x multiplier, 188MHz bus speed with only using Noctua's NH-U12P - air cooling system.

Prime95 for 30min+ stable... impressive!

Source: Lab501.ro Google Translate

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AMD Athlon II X2 260U 25W, Still No Sign

If AMD didn't change its mind, Athlon II X2 260U, the first 25W TDP dual-core was supposed to launch in Q4. Since we are currently in Q4 2009, this has yet to happen or the CPU might be waiting for some big OEM to announce systems based on it.

25W Athlon II still missing
Set to launch in Q4

If AMD didn't change its mind, Athlon II X2 260U, the first 25W TDP dual-core was supposed to launch in Q4. Since we are currently in Q4 2009, this has yet to happen or the CPU might be waiting for some big OEM to announce systems based on it.

Athlon II X2 will the AMD's first 25W dual core Regor 45nm based CPU and some new and faster might follow after the middle of 2010, based on a new Regor dual-core revision.

The Athlon II X2 260U will work at 1.8GHz and will have 2MB of total cache. Like other Regors, it fits Socket AM3 and supports DDR3 1066.

This CPU is set to replace the 1.8GHz clocked Athlon X2 6850e based on Brisbane 65nm dual-core that had an impressive 22W TDP but the new core, even if it runs at the same clock, should give you a good performance boost.

Source: Fudzilla

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Intel Core i7-960, Begins To Ship

INTEL VERY QUIETLY released a new addition to its Core i7 range with the launch of the 960, based on the 'Bloomfield' core.

Intel bolsters its Core i7 line up
Top of the range chip added

INTEL VERY QUIETLY released a new addition to its Core i7 range with the launch of the 960, based on the 'Bloomfield' core.

The 45nm 3.2GHz quad-core processor can be bumped up to 3.46GHz thanks to Turbo Boost and boasts an 8MB L3-cache and a 4.8GT/s Quick Path Interconnect link inside a 130W power envelope.

Apart from the increased speed it's a fairly run of the mill LGA 1366 socket chip, although because it's not an Extreme Edition part, the multipliers are locked, unlike the similarly rated Core i7 965 Extreme.

Those hoping to pick up the Core i7 960 best swing by their bank first, thanks to the hefty $562 price tag. µ

Source: TheInquirer

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AMD Athlon II X3 435 & Athlon II X2 240e Game Benchmarks

Real-world gaming tests using Athlon II X3 435 & Athlon II X2 240e Processors, collected from around the net.

Real-world gaming tests using Athlon II X3 435 & Athlon II X2 240e Processors, collected from around the net.

• amdzone.com
• anandtech.com
• firingsquad.com
• guru3d.com
• hitechlegion.com
• hothardware.com
• overclockersclub.com
• pcstats.com
• tomshardware.com
• xbitlabs.com

"Once you consider consistency for the dollar however, the stock Athlon X3 435 looks very attractive indeed compared to its Phenom II X3 720 cousin." -tomshardware.com

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More Intel Core i5 & New i3 Clarkdale To Launch On January 3!

Fudzilla believes Intel's first 32-nm CPU, Clarkdale, will debut on January 3rd, just ahead of CES. Intel's stated for some time now that they'll begin shipping Clarkdale processors to partners late in Q4, in anticipation of an early Q1 retail release, so Fudzilla's timeline looks pretty feasible.

Clarkdale launching Jan 3rd?

Fudzilla believes Intel's first 32-nm CPU, Clarkdale, will debut on January 3rd, just ahead of CES. Intel's stated for some time now that they'll begin shipping Clarkdale processors to partners late in Q4, in anticipation of an early Q1 retail release, so Fudzilla's timeline looks pretty feasible.

Clarkdale will be the first processor to fuse graphics with the CPU. More specifically, a derivative of Intel's G4x IGP graphics core will be placed on the same package as Intel's dual-core Clarkdale CPU. Fudzilla says the Clarkdale CPUs will be designated as Core i5 6xx series, with clock speeds ranging from 3.2GHz to 3.46GHz, with support for Hyper-Threading and Intel's awesome Turbo Mode feature.

With its Nehalem roots, Clarkdale could be as kickass for dual-core computing as Lynnfield is for quad-core. The CPU has already been OC'ed to 4.5GHz on air. I can't wait to see how it scales firsthand.

Source: FiringSquad


Cheapest Clarkdales to cost $87 to $133
January 3rd

We always make a lot of noise about $999 CPUs, but this time we decided to reverse the tactics.

Intel made quite a mess by branding Clarkdale 32nm CPU Core i3 and Core i5 in Desktops, while in Notebooks even Core i7 is ok for 32nm Arrandale CPUs.

The slowest of them all will end up branded as Pentium G6950 and this dual-core will have only two threads enabled. It runs on 2.8GHz and has 3MB memory, while LGA 1156 is the socket of choice for it. When it launches it will sell of $87.

The slowest Core i3 530 works at 2.93GHz has two cores and four threads in hyperthreding, 4MB cache and will sell for $113 when it launches on January 3rd.

The faster iteration is Core i3 540 that shares the same spec but 130MHz boost will cost you additional $20 or $133 total.

Source: Fudzilla

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Best Gaming CPU For $100 Budget?

re we recommending a specific $100 CPU? The results are too close to call between the AMD offerings, and we can say with confidence that any of these CPUs will provide excellent performance for the dollar spent. Multitaskers will want to look hard at the Athlon II X4 620, while those looking for consistency will be attracted to the Phenom II X3 710. Of course, overclockers will be drawn to the Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition.

AMD Or Intel: Which $100 Gaming CPU Should You Buy?
Conclusion



...

Are we recommending a specific $100 CPU? The results are too close to call between the AMD offerings, and we can say with confidence that any of these CPUs will provide excellent performance for the dollar spent. Multitaskers will want to look hard at the Athlon II X4 620, while those looking for consistency will be attracted to the Phenom II X3 710. Of course, overclockers will be drawn to the Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition. There's no right or wrong answer, and variety is the spice of life, so feel free to follow your desire. One thing that is for sure here: AMD is looking at too much inter-family competition, making it more difficult for value-oriented enthusiasts to pick the right part. We're sure AMD already knows this, and we expect the company to take measures to cut costs in the Phenom II class (likely starting with the low-margin X3). If an inexpensive Phenom II is what you're after, it's a safe bet that you'll want to buy it sooner than later.

One final factor we didn't have time to test this time around is overclocking. When overclocked, would the Phenom II 550 Black Edition become a monster? Would the dual-core Pentium E6500 pull a rabbit from its hat? Or would the Athlon II X4 620 and Phenom II X3 710 be able to hold on to their strengths? If this is something you'd like us to explore, please let us know in the comments section.

More here: TomsHardware

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New AMD Athlon II X2 & X3 To Launch Soon!

AMD will soon launch several Rana-based tri-cores and power efficient Regor-based dual-cores, all Athlon II branded.So far we know of three Rana CPUs, Athlon II X3 425 at 2.7GHz, 435 at 2.9GHz and 445 at 3.1GHz. They all feature 3x512kB of L2 cache, but like Propus quads, they have no L3 cache at all.

AMD readies new duals and Rana triple cores
Ranas at 3.1GHz, 45W Regors

AMD will soon launch several Rana-based tri-cores and power efficient Regor-based dual-cores, all Athlon II branded.

So far we know of three Rana CPUs, Athlon II X3 425 at 2.7GHz, 435 at 2.9GHz and 445 at 3.1GHz. They all feature 3x512kB of L2 cache, but like Propus quads, they have no L3 cache at all. This should have a very positive effect on the price, and it seems prices will start at just over €50 for the cheapest 2.7GHz version. This sounds like pretty good value for money, and the only thing to complain about is the rather high, 95W TDP. If power consumption is a big issue for you, at some point AMD will launch 400e and 405e versions, clocked at 2.2GHz and 2.3GHz.

The Regor dual-core family will also get a couple of power efficient parts, the 235e and 240e, clocked at 2.7GHz and 2.8GHz, both with a lukewarm 45W TDP. We're not sure about the pricing though, but if regular Regor pricing is anything to go by, they will end up quite cheap.

More here: Fudzilla

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Intel Sues AMD, The Rematch Begins

INTEL'S LEGAL EAGLES are suing AMD in America as part of its defence in an antitrust case it has already lost in Europe. The AMD versus Intel antitrust fight is going for a rematch in the US courts and it appears that Chipzilla is getting mean right from the start.

Intel sues AMD
No one likes a sore loser

INTEL'S LEGAL EAGLES are suing AMD in America as part of its defence in an antitrust case it has already lost in Europe.

The AMD versus Intel antitrust fight is going for a rematch in the US courts and it appears that Chipzilla is getting mean right from the start.

It has asked a judge to throw the book at AMD for failing to retain documents in the case it filed against Intel in June of 2005.

Intel also asserts that AMD misrepresented its efforts and tried to hide its failures from the court and Intel.

In March of 2007 Intel moaned to the court that AMD had not kept documents in regards to the case. A court order to fix the problem was issued.

Chipzilla claims this effort has cost it tens of millions of dollars. It says that it delivered nearly two hundred million pages of documents to AMD in discovery...

More here: TheInquirer

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