Debut of AMD AM2: the long-awaited DDR2 on AMD Athlon X2
Date: 23.05.2006
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Tests in real applications
Prior to running tests in real applications, there is another
key test - 3DMark 2005 Pro.
In this benchmark, the "reputation" of DDR2-667 looks much
more firm, although we must admit that even the higher-end DDR2-800
system is no bargain either. There is some expected boost, which is a
fact. But no more than that.
Now let's see what the test system is worth of in real
applications.
All the benefices are cut down at the roots because of the
high memory latency. Whatever you do, at this test the DDR1 performs
well enough, although losing the leadership.
Now, a few typical and hard-edged gaming 3D tests.
That is in fact all what was to be proved. Yes, in gaming
applications the situation is the same - if you can't buy DDR2-800,
you'd better wait a while. Even if it is used, the performance boost
does not exceed the limits of measurement error.
Final words and conclusions
Well, has the first DDR2 "pancake" by AMD
proved lumpy? Despite the numerous "buts", this debut
can't be called faulty. At least, because with the component base
already available on sale you can get quite acceptable results, albeit
not significant, but exceeding the capabilities of the previous
generation.
Another thing is whether it makes sense hurrying with
purchasing a Socket AM2 system right now. The new processors of equal
clock speed are normally a little bit more expensive than their Socket
939, and it is unlikely that their TDP reduced from 89 W to, say, 65W
(the 35W versions are even more expensive) can be a strong incentive
for that.
But what about the prices for memory? It is of course up to
you where and what to buy, but judging
by the current prices, purchase of DDR2-800 modules will cost
about one third more expensive than a similar DDR2-667 kit, and it will
be about 10% cheaper to buy DDR400 with CL2. DDR2-533 will cost almost
twice as cheap, but judging by the tests it will hardly be of use in
combination with Socket AM2.
Anyway, it does make sense to upgrade or, if possible, to
migrate to a new platform already now. I won't dare to approximate the
results of today's tests onto the higher-end models of the Socket AM2
line, but in any case it does make sense to plan a replacement of the
platform simply because Socket AM2, to all appearances, seems to be
with us for a relatively long time. At least, the next revision of the
core - Rev. G, whose announcement is promised for December 2006 will be
definitely manufactured for Socket AM2. Along with migration to the new
65-nm process technology, the new cores will have the computational
modules improved with the cache further optimized, which will certainly
improve the performance.
It is also quite evident that now the number of new
"overclocker-friendly" announcements and even regular DDR modules will
come to null in the nearest time. Now they will be suitable for nothing
more more than the VIA EDEN platform where high speeds have never been
a must. On the whole, migration of the industry to DDR2 can be called
as settled, albeit not complete. I think by the New Year eve this
migration will be practically complete, and DDR1 with its price going
up will unlikely be rescued by inexpensive Socket 939 Sempron
processors.
Finally, there is the answer to another interesting question.
Did it really make sense for AMD to wait for the mass emergence of
DDR2-800 in order to release a core with support for this memory type,
or maybe Socket AM2 chips should have appeared earlier to leave the
painful migration to a new processor socket behind by that time? Those
who have glanced over this material may simply smile ironically when
answering the question. Indeed, the delays did make sense for AMD. The
other and quite pleasant side of this delay is the high readiness of
the industry, especially motherboard manufacturers, for releasing
products into the retail. All has long been verified and checked
repeatedly, and all what was needed to wait for today's say-so
from AMD...
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