(10 votes, average: 4.20 out of 5)
Loading ...Look carefully at these 2 processors before buying anything else!
The mainstream CPU market is awfully crowded these days, a full line-up of model numbers from AMD and a further full line-up of confusing model numbers from Intel. Is the C2D E8600 better than a C2Q 8200, what about an i7920, is a 920 better or worse than a X4955? Is it about frequency, cores, memory channels or controllers, DDR2 or DDR3??? #$%^&*()_#$%^&* WHICH CPU SHOULD I BUY?
This blog hopes to help answer that question.
At AMD we have tried to make things very simple – we started with graphics and moved that model numbering system into CPUs. The bigger the number, the more performance you will get! Simple. Clean. Easy.
On June 2, 2009 we launched the newest addition to our mainstream CPU line-up, the AMD PhenomTM II X2 550 Black Edition and the AMD AthlonTM II X2 250 processors.
The press release reads as such:
“AMD AthlonTM II processor delivers new native dual-core architecture, efficient 45nm technology and 3 GHz performance at an affordable price –
AMD PhenomTM II X2 Black Edition processor combines value and unlocked potential for gamers and tuners on a budget”
Very well stated I must say! This sums up the benefit of each processor and now I will endeavor to take it one step further.
When a shiny new toy, like a quad core CPU, enters the market people tend to mentally move on and forget about past products, like the once dominant dual core. Historically, enthusiasts are the first to clamor for the latest and greatest, often regardless of cost. But let’s keep this ‘bleeding edge’ in perspective, currently only a small proportion of shipping CPU’s are quad core, the rest are made up of triple-, dual- and single-core processors. Usage and computing continue to evolve to take advantage of multicore processors but dual core processors still have a big piece of the pie.
Let’s bring this all back to the two little gems we launched on June 2. The AMD PhenomTM II X2 550 Black Edition is the single fastest dual-core client CPU we have ever engineered and brought to market. Incredibly, you can buy it at Newegg today for only $102.00 with free shipping.
That is just short of astounding! And this processor is built off the same die as the acclaimed AMD PhenomTM II quad-core processors.
The AMD AthlonTM II X2 250 is another product we launched on June 2, 2009 in Taipei; it’s simply an incredible little performance monster. Currently priced at $87.00 on Newegg with free shipping, this processor is born from its own die, meaning its half the size of its sibling mentioned above and does not share the same wafer.
How does that impact you, the consumer? Lower cost, lower power consumption.
This processor has a maximum design spec of 65W; average daily use can often fall well below even that..
Both processors feature the AM3 socket, which means they’re compatible with AM3 motherboards using DDR3 memory, OR they can be dropped into an AM2+ motherboard with DDR2 memory (which can further help reduce your overall system price).
Which one should you buy?
Well, here is my quick swag at generalizing which processor I think you should buy:
| Gaming | Gaming+Video | Video + TV | Photo+Music | Heavy Video Editing | Overclocking | ||
| Dual Core | Quad Core | Triple Core | Dual Core | Quad Core | Quad Core |
Like with any recommendation, take it with a grain of salt, it all comes down to your budget and expected longevity of your system.
It’s always tough for a corporate spinner like me to write about our own products. I try not to prop AMD products unless I have used them or I am extremely passionate and knowledgeable about them, in this case, I am all three: A user of an AMD Phenom II X4 550 processor in my system at home, absolutely passionate about the tremendous value these parts offer a consumer and a bit of an expert as I was part of the product management team who helped birth these products to see the light of day on our roadmaps.
It’s confusing to know what to purchase, I can honestly say, I don’t think you can go wrong with choosing either of these processors. But as always in my blogs, please, don’t take my word for it, check out what the reviewers have been saying:
“With the Athlon II X2 250 and the Phenom II X2 550 AMD has released two very competitive dual-core parts. They both perform and overclock well and are easily competitive with Intel’s Pentium E6300…I’ve really got no complaints here. AMD has done very well in both the pricing and execution of its first 45nm dual-core products.”
“Zipping along at 3.0GHz, the Athlon II X2 250 will take its place as the fastest Athlon processor in AMD’s lineup. Other vitals include a 45nm manufacturing processor, 65W TDP, and an AM3 package allowing it to support both DDR2 and DDR3 memory. Perhaps best of all, the new chip is being priced at a budget-friendly $87.”
Lost Circuit’s Michael Schuette on the AMD Athlon II X2 250, “Overall, well done, AMD, this little gem might be poised to capture even more market share.”
“If you are looking for great performing processors at an even greater price, you would be a fool not to consider the Phenom II X2 550 BE or the Athlon II X2 250. Their price to performance ratio is unmatched, and will not leave you hanging.”
Cheers!
Ian “Cabrtosr” McNaughton
Ian McNaughton is senior manager of advanced marketing at AMD. His postings are his own opinions and may not represent AMD’s positions, strategies or opinions. Links to third party sites are provided for convenience and unless explicitly stated, AMD is not responsible for the contents of such linked sites and no endorsement is implied.
(4.65 out of 5)
#1 by Dennis - June 24th, 2009 at 16:52
now that was a nice little blog…I think thats just the kind of breakdown I needed..now if you could just do the same for motherboards I can iron out the new system s[ecs
#2 by Don - August 9th, 2009 at 11:20
I build at least one computer a year,And have always used amds graphics cards I honestly belive they are the best around,I must say the intel I7-920 processors are I must say very fast and good overclockers I do my homework and have always used intel processors and AMD graphics cards
#3 by xfloggingkylex - June 24th, 2009 at 17:30
I think AMD shot itself in the foot with the Phenom II X3 720BE, you just can’t make a processor that awesome for so cheap and expect large sales for dual cores.
My friend was looking at the 550, but for 20 bucks more you get an extra core (and since he plans on overclocking, the speed difference per core will be minor).
But anyone making a fast PC on a budget should look at all of the AM3 chips with less than 4 cores… excellent market.
Also, you may want to put a space between the X4 and 955 to avoid confusion.
#4 by Tataywagi - July 5th, 2009 at 04:22
I have at present Athlon X II 7750 with 4 GB of memory, EMAXX motheboard, 320 GB hard drive and NVIDIA GeForce 7950 GXT which is very much at a fast pace. I have a number of games in my desktop which includes NFS: Undercover which lagged sometimes especially at high pace. The price of the processor is very cheap as compared to the other brand (you know), I have a very competitive edge because I compared my processor speed with the one at the other brand who has a quad core extreme…. Yuck!! The speed of the quad core is very slow as compared to my only dual core. I’m impressed with AMD. More Power!!! Hope to have more in your notebook series particularly the quad core. I can’t wait but please lay off the steam. It gets hot soon after.
#5 by Socketman - July 15th, 2009 at 20:49
“A user of an AMD Phenom II X4 550 processor in my system at home”
It’s x2
I’ve had the A2 X2 250 for a few days now and it’s by
far the best Athlon yet, but some newer games (Arma 2) need more then 2 cores and run better on X3/X4.The cpu utilization (on my x3 710@3.5) is ~90% on all 3 cores,2 cores (even at much higher Mhz) are not enough.
Waiting for the Opterons 138x to hit the retail…..
#6 by Darren Stewart - July 20th, 2009 at 08:13
Hi,
I just wanted to say well done to AMD. While others talk about specific processors, I won’t. You see, the varied and very fine choice available has come about because AMD have reconnected with its users. You’ve delivered ‘the platform’ back to the team. The AM2/AM2+/AM3 platform has presented us with choice. Its kept compatability, and is friendly to the ‘team’. The boards are good, and although you had a dip during the core duo period, and although the I7 leads upper high end, what you offer is complete coverage at the low/medium/high end.
But its not just that, the fact you price competitively, the fact you are lenient towards ‘team’ fun like over clocking, and the fact you seem to have ‘got it’ again. You’ve rediscovered the socket A magic.
I went through the 754, 939, sockets, and you guys broke me. With the AM2/3 basis, you’ve rediscovered the base reasons why people can fall in love with AMD. People can lego block their way upwards while having a lot of fun, not breaking the bank,and you guys have got it. You nailed it. Both CPU and GPU teams seem to really gained the understanding. So long as the products can stay within their competitive envelope (and they must do this, its an absolute requirement) – You’re going to have continued and deserved success.