Contemporary Dual-Core Processors Shootout

Any views, even if they are based on your life experience, should be revised from time to time. Especially since technological progress as well as certain companies’ engineering and marketing efforts may seriously affect these views with the time. Even if you are not checking out computer hardware price-lists and news on a regular basis, you still understand, how unstable the situation in the computer market actually is and how frequently it changes. That is why we believe it is essential to perform large comparative test sessions for different hardware components every now and then, because results of these tests may be very helpful in painting the complete picture of the current market situation at a given moment of time.

Today we would like to offer you a material like that. Our article will discuss the current situation in the processor market, which has changed dramatically over the first few weeks of 2008. It is really high time we questioned the ability of AMD processors to still offer attractive price-to-performance features despite constant pressure from the Intel solutions. This January Intel managed not only to launch new dual-core CPUs based on 45nm cores and featuring larger L2 cache, higher clock frequencies and SSE4 instructions support. Besides, they have also supplied faster CPU on 65nm cores – Pentium E2200 and Celeron E1200, which may also seriously affect the situation in the CPU market together with the Core 2 Duo E4600 processor launched last October. However, AMD didn’t keep its hands in pockets either. They dropped the price of their dual-core solutions again, changing the situation in the market a lot.

In other words, it definitely makes a lot of sense to compare the currently available processors against one another from multiple aspects. This time we are going to focus on dual-core CPUs that have already taken over the biggest part of the market these days. They are available in all price ranges with only exception of High-End. Their prices range from $60 to $270, which determines their use in majority of today’s computer systems. For example, CPU-Z statistics claims that more than 50% of today’s computer systems feature dual-core CPUs and this situation will hardly change in favor of processor with more cores any time soon.

In order to single out all dual-core processors worth checking out today, we looked through official company price-lists and removed all not very attractive offers that are currently being sold out and discontinued as soon as possible. As a result, the list of currently available AMD and Intel dual-core solutions was reduced to the following:

Note that Core 2 Duo E6000 CPUs are no longer among the contemporary offerings. They have been evolutionary replaced with Core 2 Duo E8000 selling at the same prices.

As for the overall picture, Intel processors cover a much broader price range than AMD processors, as you may see. However, I have to say in AMD’s defense that in Q2 2008 their product lineup will be significantly enlarged with dual-core and triple-core CPUs with Phenom micro-architecture. In the meanwhile, AMD doesn’t even aim at the top of the mainstream CPU market targeting all their solutions at less expensive systems. Intel, however, still sticks to very pleasing fixed price level even after the launch of new processor models, despite the fact that there is practically no competition at this time in $180+ part of the CPU market.

AMD Phenom Changes Stepping to B3

I don’t think that you will consider our recent reviews of quad-core AMD Phenom processors optimistic in any way. Unfortunately, the micro-architectural improvements didn’t help AMD achieve any parity with the competitor’s solutions. That is why the AMD Phenom processors that have been in the market until this day were defeated by Intel Core 2 Quad in terms of performance as well as heat dissipation. Moreover, AMD Phenom didn’t hit competitive working frequencies, too. However, the most frustrating drawback of the new quad-core AMD processors was the so-called “TLB-bug”, which software fix affected the systems performance quite noticeably. And even though this bug didn’t really show that often in desktop platforms, it still had a negative effect on the overall Phenom image. Especially, since it did flowing in the server market forcing AMD to even temporarily stop shipping their quad-core Opteron processors aka Barcelona.

That is why all the engineering effort was thrown to fix the notorious TBL-bus on the hardware level as soon as possible. And the resolution didn’t keep us waiting for too long. Today AMD officially launched Phenom processors based on new B3 stepping that is free from this TLB issue. The core doesn’t have any other improvements as of yet, but nevertheless, this announcement allows AMD to improve the consumer attractiveness of their solutions. Besides, the clock speeds get a little higher and the prices drop a little lower. As a result, refreshed Phenom processors now look much better and more attractive than before.

The new Phenom processor family on B3 stepping includes four models: 9550, 9650, 9750 and 9850 Black Edition. The youngest models replace Phenom 9500 and Phenom 9600, while the two top models push the clock frequency to 2.4 and 2.5GHz respectively. Note that the last two digits – “50” – in the CPU marking stand for the new processor stepping that doesn’t have the TLB-bug anymore. Nevertheless, new Phenom processors shouldn’t be any different from practical standpoint from the old ones working at the same clock frequency and with software TLB fix disabled. The advantage of the new processor stepping is mainly no need to use the patch that aggravates the performance. Especially since its enabling or disabling may require certain effort and qualifications. While most mainboard manufacturers made it possible to activate or deactivate the patch from their BIOS Setup, Windows Vista SP1 that also has a fix for this bug doesn’t offer this flexibility and enables bus fix automatically, no matter what the user actually wants. In this case the only way for the owners of processors on old B2 stepping to avoid performance drop even at the expense of some system stability is to use special utilities such as AMD Overdrive, for instance.

Besides, AMD also officially announced their triple-core processors known as Toliman. At this time they will only be distributed among AMD OEM partners and will not get into retail, so we will have to postpone our review of these CPUs for a little while. Especially since at first they will still be using B2 processor stepping. However, we had to mention triple-core Phenom processors here, because AMD has once again changed their CPU marking strategy a little bit. Quad-core Phenom CPUs will now be called Phenom X4, triple-core – Phenom X3 and dual-core processors will remain Athlon X2.

Core 2 Duo E7200

I don’t think anyone will argue that the transition to 45nm production process allowed Intel to significantly improve their processors on Core micro-architecture. It seems that the new CPUs from Penryn family didn’t get any revolutionary improvements compared with the older Conroe CPUs. However nevertheless, they boast a number of advantages that may seem insignificant at first glance, but combined altogether ensured a tremendous step forward, so that these new processors proved totally praiseworthy.

True, Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quad processors manufactured with 45nm process can boast higher performance, lower heat dissipation as well as better frequency and overclocking potential than their predecessors. It was possible to improve the consumer features of these processors thanks to new smaller and more economical transistors using metal gate and hafnium based dielectric. However, you should also take into account micro-architectural improvements including larger cache-memory, introduction of new SSE4.1 instructions and changes of some functional units’ operational algorithms. As a result, Penryn processors turned out pretty successful, so that there will hardly be anyone these days to deny it and insist on the superiority of older CPUs manufactured with 65nm process.

However, despite everything we have just said, previous generation processors continue to enjoy steady demand. The reason for this not very logical situation is quite common actually: far not all the users can afford 45nm Intel CPUs. There are currently two problems that prevent new processors from getting widely spread. Firstly, they are quite expensive: the youngest dual-core CPU model with a 45nm core, Core 2 Duo E8200, is currently priced at $163 in the official Intel’s price-list. Secondly, there is a real shortage of new processors in the market today. They are available far not in all large stores, and those retailers who sell them, push their prices way up.

Luckily, not only the end users but also Intel themselves are unhappy about this situation. Within this quarter Intel is going to significantly increase the supplies of 45nm desktop processors and ensure that they are in fact widely available to consumers. At the same time, the company is preparing new Core 2 Duo processor models that will be targeted for less expensive computer systems. In the next few days we should see the new dual-core Core 2 Duo E7200 processor with slightly more modest specifications than those of Core 2 Duo E8200. However, nevertheless, it will have the same core manufactured with 45nm process. Its official price is promised to be $133.

The new processor will become the first representative of the new E7000 line-up that will keep expanding with new inexpensive solutions ousting old 65nm models from the Core 2 Duo E4000 family. In fact, the new Core 2 Duo E7200 is none other but a more up-to-date alternative to the 65nm Core 2 Duo E4700, which doesn’t look convincing at all against the background of the youngest models in the Core 2 Duo E8000 family. The new 45nm core and democratic price point make Core 2 Duo E7200 a pretty intriguing new solution for mainstream computer systems.

Three Cores vs. Two: AMD Phenom X3 8750

AMD’s situation in the processor market these days can hardly be called enviable. AMD fans pinned a lot of hopes upon new K10 micro-architecture, however in reality it didn’t help the company create worthy rivals to Intel’s solutions, even though this micro-architecture is indeed innovative and efficient. Evident strengths of this micro-architecture, such as native quad-core design and L3 cache shared between all cores, remained in the shade because of technological issues that prevented AMD from getting to produce processors with frequencies beyond 2.5GHz. As a result, quad-ore Phenom X4 processors that are already available today turn out unable to compete not only against new 45nm Penryn CPUs, but also against the old 65nm Intel processors.

Moreover, the performance gap between Phenom X4 and Core 2 Quad is so dramatic that even the possibility of performance parity between the two is pretty vague. It is evident that 65nm production technology currently used by AMD will not allow them to increase significantly the working frequencies of their Phenom processors. As for the transition to a more advanced 45nm production process, it is scheduled to take place in Q4 2008. However, 45nm Deneb processors that should come to replace 65nm Phenom will be able to hit only 3.0-3.2GHz frequencies right from the start. And it seems to be not enough to successfully compete against the top quad-core Intel CPUs, so AMD will have to put up with the fate of an inexpensive processor supplier for another while.

AMD does understand the situation very well and tries to introduce the platform concept that will help promote not just bare CPUs but complete kits including a processor, a mainboard and a graphics card. This approach may allow the GPU to make up for insufficient processor performance, which AMD marketing people are trying to stress. However, these kits may be of interest primarily to OEMs and system integrators rather than end users, who are used to putting their systems together from individual components selected basing on their own specific preferences. That is why it is not surprising that neither AMD Spider platform with discrete ATI Radeon HD graphics, nor Cartwheel with the integrated AMD 780G chipset caused any significant stir among computer enthusiasts.

In this situation AMD has to look for other ways to win consumers’ hearts. Their main strategy in attaining this goal has become aggressive pricing policy. Together with the launch of Phenom X4 9X50 processors using the new core revision free from the “TLB bug”, they also lowered the prices of their quad-core processors proportionally to their performance in reference to that of the competitor solutions. As a result, AMD is currently offering the most affordable quad-core solutions in the market. That will certainly find their way into some users’ systems with strategic positioning like that. The same things are happening to the dual-core Athlon 64 X2 processor family that loses to contemporary Core 2 Duo processors in every test. Therefore, retail prices of Athlon 64 X2 dropped so greatly that now these CPUs are regarded only as budget solutions.

Price drop is a good way to maintain proper sales volumes. However, in this case the forefront of the computer community loses interest to AMD solutions and the company is no longer regarded as a technology leader. So, AMD had to find another unique way of warming the public up to their processors. And today’s announcement of the unique Phenom X3 processor family with triple-core configuration is exactly a measure like that. Of course, one of the reasons for these processors to appear is direct economical benefit for the manufacturer, as they got the opportunity to use up “defective” dies for quad-core Phenom processors by disabling one of the cores. But on the other hand, the launch of Phenom X3 may also be regarded as another attempt to compete with Core 2 Duo that are superior to dual-core Athlon 64 X2 from all standpoints. Triple-core Phenom processors are positioned as intermediate solutions between Athlon 64 X2 and Phenom X4, and their price will make them direct competitors to Intel’s mainstream dual-core processors.

5 Tools Needed When Building or Working on Your Pc

Hello fellow computer builders. I’d like to send a special welcome to all newcomers. I am under the impression that we are all here, because we are ready to start building our computers from scratch. If that’s correct, then let’s get started.

If you’ve read my other articles, you’ve come to realize that you first need a plan. This is essential for any venture you set out to do, if you plan on doing it as efficiently as possible. In building computers, you need a plan if you intend on getting compatible parts at a competitive price.

You’ve developed a plan and purchased the compatible parts that you want and need at a competitive price. Now, it’s time to put those parts together. Before we get started, let’s take an inventory of the tools needed, as a minimum to build our computers. If you are not a tool person, do not worry. The tools needed to build a computer are pretty inexpensive. Below is a list of the 5 tools needed when building a computer:

SCREWDRIVER: Ensure that you have a Phillips and a flat head screwdriver. You will be using these items to mount components inside the case.

FLASHLIGHT: Your room may be well-lit, but sometimes it’s difficult to see in small spaces inside the computer case, especially after you begin mounting components. I actually purchased a screwdriver with removable bits and a flashlight all together. It ran me around $10.

ANTISTATIC WRIST STRAP: These devices are used to safely discharge static build up. When getting one, look for the packaging to mention 1-megaohm resistor for added safety, to you.

MULTIMETER: You do not necessarily need this to ,built your computer but you may need it when troubleshooting a possible defective part. This is a good to have tool.

TWEEZERS: You will drop a screw into your computer. Sometimes they drop on the surface of your motherboard, behind the video card. This makes it difficult for you to reach your fingers in there to retrieve it. That’s when the tweezers come in to play.

Of course, there are other tools that you may need. A power supply tester is always nice to have. Compressed Air in a can is another tool you may want to invest in. One other thing that you will need is a clean work space. You need some room when building a computer, so don’t try and put it together on your kitchen counter, while your spouse is cooking. I use a 3’ x 6’ fold out table. This is my work station and on it I keep a monitor, keyboard and mouse, a tool-kit and a cup for screws.

Hp Tablet Pc Tx2000

HP’s tx2000 series with latest mobile computing technologies and new entertainment features with the ease of handwriting detection and ultra portability. The next-generation touch screen is more advance and responsive to your touch. In a small portable design featuring the new Imprint Finish and a newly designed keyboard gives great looks.

HP tablet PC features

· Weight 4.3 lbs easy to carry any where

· Easily swing screen up to 180

· Mini Remote control to navigate and play audio video files.

· Improve productivity with the power Intel Processors.

· Run multiple applications simultaneously with a speedy, powerful, dual-core processor and advanced graphic card

· High capacity hard disk to store all large files, music, videos and photos.

· High-resolution screen.

· Faster internet browsing with Gigabit Ethernet.

· Touch the screen with your finger to control your computer

· Protection with fingerprint reader.

HP Tablet PC Specs:

• AMD Turion 64 X2 Dual Core processor TL-66 2.3GHz




• Up to 4GB DDR2 RAM (review unit had 2GB)




• Nvidia GeForce Go 6150 graphics




• Hard drive options of 120GB, 160GB or 250GB




• 12.1" WXGA touch screen display with built in digitizer (1280x800 resolution)




• Light Scribe Super Multi or Super Multi 8X DVD+/-R/RW




• Windows Vista Home, Business or Ultimate OS




• Integrated 10/100/1000 Ethernet




• 802.11a/b/g/n with Bluetooth




• Express Card Slot




• 3 x USB ports




• 2 x headphone out and one microphone-in




• VGA-15 pin




• TV-Out S-video




• RJ-11 and RJ-45




• Notebook Expansion port 3




• 2 x Consumer IR




• Battery: 4-cell or 6-cell Lithium-Ion




• Weight: 4.3 pounds with weight saver and 4-cell battery




• Dimensions: 8.82"(L) x 12.05"(W) x 1.23"(H)

Dell Latitude D820 – Good Laptop for Professionals

Dell latitude D820 offers good performance, study build quality with plethora of options makes it ideal companion for any business professionals.

It offer 1680x1050 widescreen display with lot of working space on desktop you can work on multiple documents at the same time.

Dell Latitude Quick Overview

Pros

• Sturdy build quality




• Work well computer intensive tasks




• Good heat solution




• Dual mouse options




• WiFi catcher and battery life LEDs




• Price (relative to other corporate notebooks)

Cons

• monotonous screen




• little noisy optical drive




• graphics performance can be better plus no option for a better card

In corporate or companies this laptop can easily be used as training computers.

Features Overview

Dell Latitude D820 configuration with the following major options:

Processor: Intel Core Duo T2500 2GHz 667MHz FSB & 2MB Smart L2 cache

Memory (standard & maximum): Standard - 2GB DDR2 667MHz (2GB x 1 Module); Maximum - 4GB

Hard Disk: 100GB 7200RPM SATA Drive

Graphics: 512MB NVidia Quadro NVS 120M Turbocache

Display: 1680 x 1050 WSXGA+ Resolution; 15.4 inch Wide Screen Display 16:10 Wide Aspect ratio

CD/DVD ROM: 8x DVD+/-RW with Roxio Creator DVD

Ethernet: Gigabit NIC

Wireless: A/G & Bluetooth

PC Slots: type 1 or II & 54mm Express Card Slot

Modem: 56K v.92 Integrated

Battery: 6 Cell 56 w/Hr battery

Audio: High Definition Audio Codec with Stereo Speakers

Operating System: Win XP Pro

Weight: 6 Lbs

Dimensions: (W x H x D) Inches 14.2W x 1.39H x 10.34D inches

Rentfusion a nationwide computer rental company offers Dell latitude D820 for trade shows, convention centers rentals on weekly and monthly basis.