AMD rolls out 45nm desktop CPUs

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Huzzah for competition!

While I've already seen this, thanks for the heads up!

Regarding the i7s though, I think its a bit of an apples/oranges comparison. i7s are server processors - they are meant to hurt AMD in the only place AMD still had the upper hand over Intel - server racks. So the true comparison to be drawn between AMD and Intel would be the Opetrons vs the i7s. I know nothing however of server CPU benchmarking so I will leave the comparison there to others.

The point I'm trying to make is that for desktop users, outside of those folk who do a lot of video editing, the i7 offers zero benefits in terms of performance. Gaming (the most CPU intensive of desktop apps) are actually often hurt by the i7 as opposed to the Core 2 Duos (this is purported to be the result of the whimpy lvl 2 Cache) The fastest gaming CPU available now remains the Core 2 Extreme Editions. Why do you think that Intel didn't drop the prices on the old CPUs when the i7s came out?

The Phonom IIs on the other hand ARE geared for desktop users. So, the comparison that SHOULD be drawn is between these and the Core2s at similar price levels. Naturally we will need to wait and see benchmarks to draw any conclusions, but things are looking better then they have in a long time if anything I've been reading about Phenom IIs (deneb cores!!) for the last 6 months is to be believed. With that in mind, for those looking for the "halo" desktop CPU, the real test will come around mid 2009 when AMD releases their Phenom FX cpu. Unless of course Intel gives us a CPU with a respectable L2 chache which actually improves gaming performace over the Core 2s. Even then, AMD may do better if the Phenom FX is priced competitively to the super high end Intels.

Basically the question is, can AMD do Intels with the Phenom II FX what it did to nVidia's GTX 280 with the HD 4870. That is, can it come "close" to the top end intel performance at merely 60-70% of the cost? If it can, then the desktop CPU market will have gotten very interesting in 2009.

Concrete Example: the QX9770 retails STILL for $1400. If the Phenom FX can do 90% of Intels performance, but is priced at EVEN a ridiculus price of $800 (no CPU should cost more then $600!!!), Intel's glory days are going to hurt. And Intel knows this. They know that only enthusiasts will pay that kind of money for a CPU. AND they know that these same enthusiasts are well aware of the upcoming offerings from both AMD and Intel. So, the potential customer has probably alraedy made up his/her mind: bet on AMD and wait, bet on Intel and buy now. And so Intel is targeting those who will buy now and keeping their prices flying high because they know that this will be the last time they can get such eye-gouging prices for a piece of silicone. If their CPUs remain supreme, they can keep their prices high and continue to rake in cash. If not, well then, they milked them for what they were worth while the could and now actually have to start competing instead of monopolizing.

I may sound like an AMD fanboy, and you know what. I am. I loved Intel, but they have exploited their advantage by overpricing their product and I consider that, in effect, a slap in my face. Because of this I will not be going the Intel route. AMD, while may not be the best of the best, will do what I need it to and then some. And in another year, I will simply buy another CPU with the money I saved by not buying Intel and stay current longer, cheaper.

"The views expressed here are mine and do not reflect the official opinion of my employer or the organization through which the Internet was accessed."

Posted by: gnesterenko   Posted on: 12/08/08 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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