Source: Tom's Hardware UK – Keywords: Phenom_9700, Spider_Platform, 790FX
Categories: Hardware
Test Setup
Operating System: Windows Vista Enterprise
We have recently switched to a different version of Windows for our benchmarks. Now, all benchmarks at Tom’s Hardware are run on Windows Vista Enterprise. While this version is not available in stores, its performance results are identical to Windows Vista Business and Windows Vista Ultimate. However, we were forced to make this switch, since this is the only version that offers an Open License. This License allows us to activate Windows Vista over the Internet repeatedly, without having to make calls to Microsoft’s activation hotline each time.
Hardware Configuration
We have updated our testbed system with new components, such as the graphics card, sound card and hard drive, in order to offer our readers results based on a platform that is both current and practical.
Hardware Setup
| System Hardware | |
|---|---|
| AMD Platform AM2+ (AMD 790FX) | MSI K9A2 Platinum, Rev.1.0 AMD 790FX, BIOS: 1.0 (10/29/2007) |
| AMD Platform AM2 (Nvidia Nforce 5) | Asus M2N32-SLI Deluxe, Rev.1.03G NVIDIA nForce5, BIOS: 1001 (03/13/2007) |
| Intel Platform S775 (Intel P35) | Gigabyte P35C-DS3R, Rev. 1.0 Intel P35, BIOS: F2o (05/11/2007) |
| Intel Platform S775 (Intel 965P) | Asus P5B Deluxe/WiFi-AP, Rev. 1.03 Intel 965P, BIOS: 1101 (04/04/2007) |
| Memory | 2x 1GB A-Data DDR2-1066+ Vitesta Extreme Edition |
| DVD-ROM | Samsung SH-D163A , SATA150 |
| Graphics Card | Foxconn Nvidia GeForce 8800 GTX GPU: 575 MHz Shader: 1350 MHz Video Memory: 786 MB DDR4 (900 MHz, 384 Bit) |
| Sound Card | Creative Labs Sound Blaster X-Fi XtremeGamer |
| Power Supply | Zalman, ATX 2.01, 510 Watt |
- Previous page Phenom 13.5% slower than Intel’s Q6600
- Next page Software Configuration
- AMD Radeon HD 3800: The Empire Strikes Back
- BIOS Flash - Overclock Your Graphics Card in 5 Minutes
- Six Graphics Cards with Luxury Trimmings
- Workstation-Shootout: ATi FireGL V7600 vs. Nvidia Quadro FX 4600
- AMD HD 3800 To Support DX 10.1
- Nvidia's GeForce 8800 GT Reviewed
- DirectX 10 Shootout: Geforce 8x00 vs. Radeon 2x00
- DirectX 10 Cards on a Budget
- The Best Gaming Graphics Cards For Your Money: October 2007
- Can Integrated Graphics Cut It For Gaming Or HTPC?
I'd rather have a slower processor but not have to rebuy the 3 of the most expensive components (CPU, mobo, and RAM) every time I want to upgrade something. That's why I've stuck with AMD for the last few years. Can't wait to drop a couple of Phenom FXs in to my 4x4 platform and have 8 processing cores.
What is going to happen when AMD shortly moves to 45nm processors with DDR3 memory controllers?
unless AMD are going to put both DDR2 and DDR3 memory controllers on their 45nm processors or make them in both DDR2 and DDR3 versions then you will have to change you're ram, motherboard and processor to go 45nm.(that didn't happen with intel)
Unless motherboard makers put both DDR2 and DDR3 slots on current boards although the latter wouldn't be supported until 45nm come in.(can't see that happening though).
I think these chips have more to come, thats an engineering sample and the mainboards got a chipset with undeveloped drivers.
I say give it a month for the nvidia chipset....... and retest.
I can see why they need 4x Crossfire boards given the lack luster performance of the new ATI cards... ATI seem to be struggling since their Cope-de-grace with the X19xx series...
AMD clearly has a good design (architecture) but the process technology is their achilles heal. They need 4Mb+ L3 cache, high K transistor process, and 45nm like yesterday!!
As a bit of an AMD fanboy (I'm on a dual Opteron rig just now) I hate to see whats happening to them now!!
Bob
P.S. But it will be better
Overall, I like the way AMD has gone for compatibility and performance. The price is phenomenal and the ease of implementation will ensure downtime during upgrades is kept to a minimum. It's easy to under-estimate just how hard that is to pull off.