March 6, 2003

 AMD BARTON VS. INTEL HYPERTHREADING

AMD and Intel are battling it out again.  Both have released new processors claming theirs is the best and fastest.  AMD released the Barton Core processors in 2500+, 2800+, and 3000+.  The 2800+ are also manufactured with the Palomino Core so you need to be careful you understand which one you are getting.  The biggest difference between Palomino and Barton is the L2 cache.  Palomino has 384K and the Barton 640K.  This cache increase has been needed for a long time.  Intel has been running the P4 with 512K for a while.

 AMD’s selection of Barton has one advantage over Intel’s new Hyperthreading Technology.  Currently there are 3 processors to choose from with the Barton Core.  Intel only has one processor running Hyperthreading, although the 3.06Ghz won’t be the only “Hyperthreader” on the block for long.  With AMD adding cache and boosting the front side bus to 333MHz, there isn’t a whole lot more to say about it.  The performance is still impressive.

 Hyperthreading is new, interesting, and revolutionary.  The basic idea is tricking your software into thinking there are two processors on board and sending twice the normal data to one processor.  Although the old strategy for a dual Intel board was to offload excess data to the second processor, Hyperthreading is more like the AMD MP platform where processors run parallel.  This breakthrough allows for simulated parallel processors while keeping the cost, size, and heat to a minimum.  The increased throughput allows faster multitasking for workstations and faster response time for servers.

Most of you who read these letters regularly know that I am a big fan of AMD.  However, I am more impressed with Intel’s latest maneuver.  My only complaint is the same I have had for years.  Intel is pricey.   

 Intel P4 3.06 with Hyperthreading $627.00

AMD Athlon XP 3000+ Barton  $413.00

 Both processors are available from S&K in a Retail Box with Fan and 3 year warranty.

03/10/03 -CORRECTION:  THE PRICE FOR THE XP3000+ WAS INCORRECT WHEN THIS NEWSLETTER WAS WRITTEN.  THE CORRECT PRICE IS $630.00.  THIS CORRECTION PUTS AN EVEN BIGGER CLOUD OVER AMD WHEN COMPARED TO INTEL.  WE APOLOGIZE FOR ANY INCONVENIENCE THIS MAY HAVE CAUSED.

 S&K