The only AMD processor I would consider buying for a new system build IN THE NEAR TERM (until December) is the 3800+ X2 after the price drops. Next year, my guess is that things will be a bit more interesting as AMD finally transitions to 65nm. IF you are only interested in a dual-core processor as I am and want the best combination of price/performance/power (in order of importance), I do not see how anything but the Core 2 Duo makes sense. Here are some of the reasons:
1. Performance is very-high across the board (P4s never performed equally across the benchmarks). Yes, the Core 2 Duo can be called a Pentium on steriods, but this is similiar to saying that the new MB S Class is a Ford Model T on steriods.
2. Core 2 Duo's are not room-heaters like P4s and PDs, but similar to A64X2s.
3. Lower overall system cost with relatively-cheap C2D pricing. C2D MBs are more expensive. But I believe better memory is necessary for AM2 setups and thus need to spend more $ on better DDR2. This problem will only get worse as supplies will tighten as the Vista launch nears (pretty-looking, memory-eating monster). AM2 is the only long-term upgradable platform for AMD (S939 and S754 are out the door).
On the contrary I see some problems with C2D (some long-term):
1. AMD energy efficient CPUs are great for SFF, esp 3800+ X2.
2. MBs - more selection, better overall quality for AMD platform
2. Socket775 future uncertain
3. Looking at the Core Architecture it is clear why the C2D performs well:
a. Large Shared Cache (higher hit rate and reduce dependency on FSB as well as latency of memory)
b. Wider execution (first mainstream 4-issue core) - including more execution units to handle higher input
c. Macro-op Fusion - ~10% performance increase
d. Improved SSEx processing
e. Memory Disambiguation
AMD will likely implement a majority of features similar to these in the next revision of the K8 Core (K8-L). However, Given AMD's vs. Intel's track record over the past 5-10 years, at this point it is pure speculation without much basis as to which company will have a better processor a year from now.
4. Will I notice the difference when transitioning from AMD X2s to C2Ds? I'm not talking about benchmarks or framerates. I mean - will your computing experience significantly change? Will you be able to do more work on the computer and play games with a clear competitive edge against others? I guess is generally no. I believe the difference between PDs and C2Ds is much clearer than X2s and C2Ds.
With all this being said, I should have my E6600 within a month, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt.
1. Performance is very-high across the board (P4s never performed equally across the benchmarks). Yes, the Core 2 Duo can be called a Pentium on steriods, but this is similiar to saying that the new MB S Class is a Ford Model T on steriods.
2. Core 2 Duo's are not room-heaters like P4s and PDs, but similar to A64X2s.
3. Lower overall system cost with relatively-cheap C2D pricing. C2D MBs are more expensive. But I believe better memory is necessary for AM2 setups and thus need to spend more $ on better DDR2. This problem will only get worse as supplies will tighten as the Vista launch nears (pretty-looking, memory-eating monster). AM2 is the only long-term upgradable platform for AMD (S939 and S754 are out the door).
On the contrary I see some problems with C2D (some long-term):
1. AMD energy efficient CPUs are great for SFF, esp 3800+ X2.
2. MBs - more selection, better overall quality for AMD platform
2. Socket775 future uncertain
3. Looking at the Core Architecture it is clear why the C2D performs well:
a. Large Shared Cache (higher hit rate and reduce dependency on FSB as well as latency of memory)
b. Wider execution (first mainstream 4-issue core) - including more execution units to handle higher input
c. Macro-op Fusion - ~10% performance increase
d. Improved SSEx processing
e. Memory Disambiguation
AMD will likely implement a majority of features similar to these in the next revision of the K8 Core (K8-L). However, Given AMD's vs. Intel's track record over the past 5-10 years, at this point it is pure speculation without much basis as to which company will have a better processor a year from now.
4. Will I notice the difference when transitioning from AMD X2s to C2Ds? I'm not talking about benchmarks or framerates. I mean - will your computing experience significantly change? Will you be able to do more work on the computer and play games with a clear competitive edge against others? I guess is generally no. I believe the difference between PDs and C2Ds is much clearer than X2s and C2Ds.
With all this being said, I should have my E6600 within a month, so take whatever I say with a grain of salt.