Intel Core 2 Duo / Core 2 Extreme Test

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A Comparison to AMD

AMD has recently introduced their new socket, AM2, to couple their processors with the now more mainstream DDR2 memory. The new top model is the FX 62, a dual core processor running at 2.8GHz, and the quickest standard AMD processor is the X2 5000+. When comparing the AMD range to the new Intel range, it becomes apparent that Intel has got a slight technological advantage. All Intel processors are now manufactured on a 65nm process, as where AMD processors are still produced on a 90nm process. This is the main reason that the Intel processors are more energy efficient than the AMD processor, who all have a TDP of around 89 Watts. The EE (Energy Efficient) models of AMD are to be introduced soon, and these will also have a TDP of 65 Watts. Another Intel advantage is the L2 cache, where AMD processors come with 1MB of sometimes 2MB of L2 cache, the Intel counterparts have either 2MB of 4MB. All Intel processors support the EM64-T instructions, and have the Virtualization Technology Implemented. AMD still hold the advantage in memory management, as all AMD processors have a onboard memory controller, the Intel processor are dependant on the chipset for memory management.

Below is a table comparing the specifications of the FX-62, X2 5000 and Intel E6700 and X6800. As specifications do not always say everything, we have done a wide variety of tests and benchmarks with these processors

General
Brand	AMD	AMD	Intel	Intel
Product name	Athlon 64 FX-62	Athlon 64 X2 5000+	Core 2 Duo E6700	Core 2 Extreme X6800
Product code	ADAFX62IAA6CS	ADA5000IAA5CU
Tested by	Hayder Al Attabi	Hayder Al Attabi	Koen Crijns	Koen Crijns
Test Date	29/05/2006	29/05/2006	23/06/2006	23/06/2006
Details	Details	Details	Details	Details
Specifications
CPU core	Windsor	Windsor	Conroe	Conroe
CPU socket	Socket AM2	Socket AM2	Socket 775	Socket 775
Clock frequency	2.8 GHz	2.6 GHz	2.67 GHz	2.93 GHz
Frontside bus	1000 MHz	1000 MHz	1066 MHz	1066 MHz
L2 cache	2048 kB	1024 kB	4096 kB	4096 kB
L3 cache	0	0	0	0
Cores	2	2	2	2
HyperThreading
Integrated memory controller	DDR2-800 (Dual Channel)	DDR2-800 (Dual Channel)
MMX
SSE
SSE2
SSE3
x86-64
XD-bit
Fabrication process	90 nm	90 nm	65 nm	65 nm
TDP (Max. power)	125 W	89 W	65 W	95 W