Dell's First XPS System With AMD Phenom II Tested 75
MojoKid writes "Dell's new XPS 625 is their latest AMD-based creation, and is the
first out of the Dell labs using the relatively new Phenom II processor. Initial reviews of AMD's new chip have been favorable, as this new quad-core processor is slated to deliver roughly the same performance as Intel's quad-core Core 2 processors at more tolerable price points. While it's pretty clear that the Phenom
II can't quite crack Core i7 levels of performance in most usage scenarios, the new Dell rig does show more than respectfully in a
myriad of benchmarks.
This was obviously a solid design win for AMD with their latest CPU."
Re:Plus and Minuses (Score:3, Interesting)
Re:Pricing between i7 and phenom II 3ghz (Score:3, Interesting)
it looks like AMD have taken back the price/performance crown they've always been known for.
For me and my friends, they were known for having the performance crown; the price crown was just thrown in for good measure. Retaking the performance crown would do wonders for their market share, but that doesn't look likely anywhere in the near future.
Phenom II X4 940 Defect? (Score:2, Interesting)
I've been fighting with mine for over a month. The motherboard will see 4 sticks of DDR2 1066, but I can't much past POST before the computer locks up. I can't even run memtest. I sent back the mobo and the proc. I've swapped out the memory as well. I try a different brand of mobo, and still I can't run 4 sticks of memory.
Finally someone mentions on the AMD forums that there is a known defect with the processor affecting some customers where you can't run more than 2 sticks of DDR2 1066. I find a statement on Asus's website recommending you only run 2 sticks. Foxconn tells me they know about the defect, and so does Biostar.
I call AMD and ask if they're working on it, and if eventually I can get a warranty replacement that works. The AMD rep immediately cuts me off and insists that a memory problem can't be related to their processor. I point out the memory controller is in the proc, and they keep insisting I bought the wrong mobo. So I told them I used both a Foxconn and Biostar mobo. They insist I must have cheap off-brand memory. I bought Kingston, but I also tested Gskill.
They keep insisting that Kingston isn't on the authorized vendor list, and that no one supports Kingston memory. I'm about to laugh. AMD kept insisting up and down they know for a fact that memory problems just can not be related to them in any way shape or form. They're not winning me over with the argument that their product is infallible.
The proc runs amazingly fast for the price, but with customer support like that, I'm damned temped to send the proc back and build a more expensive Intel rig and never buy AMD again.
Re:Pricing between i7 and phenom II 3ghz (Score:3, Interesting)
It's not so much that that is expensive, it's just that a Gigabyte AMD770 board is $100, 4GB of DDR2 is $50... so couple that with $70 savings on the CPU, and you're looking at $688 for Intel and $370 for AMD. As always, you have to pay a major premium for the top 15-20% of performance.
Now, I do have to agree that that both of those options are cheap as far as the history goes. *Especially* the Phenom II option... $400 for that motherboard/cpu/ram option is really cheap, and an awesome upgrade if you need the power.
Re:Compare Same CPU's-AMD half the cost of Intel (Score:2, Interesting)
Re:Newegg (Score:3, Interesting)
I recently ordered a complete Dragon system (case, mobo, 512MB 4870, PSU, x4 940 black 3.0GHz , 4GB RAM, 750GB HD, DVD-RDL optical) on newegg for $781.92 (bundle discounts applied) + tax and shipping.(not including OS of course)
Total shipped came in under $900.