BUSY YEAR FOR THE PROCESSOR MARKET

Intel Vs AMD

2011 HAS BEEN A BUSY YEAR FOR THE PROCESSOR MARKET, as we’ve seen new CPU architectures from both Intel and AMD that have added new features and built-in processor capabilities. In our CPU Buyer’s Guide, we’ll provide an overview of 18 of today’s newest processors to help you pick the one that’s right for you. But before you jump into the buying guide, check out what’s happened with processors over the course of the last year. 

 

AMD

At the beginning of January, AMD unveiled its long-awaited Fusion APU (Accelerated Processing Unit), which is a single chip that delivers both CPU and GPU capabilities. AMD released two Fusion series: the C-Series (code-named Ontario) and the E-Series (code-named Zacate). These energy-efficient chips were designed especially for use in HTPC and portable systems, and were typically paired with Micro-ITX boards and capable of supporting HD playback. In June, AMD released its A-Series APUs (code-named Llano), which are faster than the Fusion APUs. The A-Series chips also offer accelerated HTML5 and Direct2D video playback, as well as DirectX11 support for the latest games.

At the end of June, AMD released its A8-3850 and A6-3650 APUs, which are designed for desktop PC users. The A8-3850 is the top-of-the-line APU with four CPU cores that run at 2.9GHz and a 600MHz GPU with 400 Radeon Cores. In October, AMD announced its FX series of desktop CPUs, which are based on AMD’s Bulldozer architecture. The initial lineup consists of seven high-end desktop models, including three octo-core chips (set to run at 3.6GHz, 3.1GHz, and 2.8GHz), a hexa-core unit that runs at 3.3GHz, and three quad-core (4.2GHz, 3.8GHz, and 3.6GHz) models. All the processors also feature AMD’s Turbo Core Technology that automatically boosts clock speeds in response to intense workloads and other scenarios.

Model	AMD FX-8150 CPU	AMD A8-3850 APU
Price/Web	$245/ www.amd.com	$135 www.amd.com
Why You’ll Dig It	AMD’s new  FX-8150 is an unlocked 8-core desktop processor that offers high overclocking potential that you can tap into for greater performance and speed. This processor also features AMD’s Turbo Core Technology, which automatically adjusts to the needs of your PC for responsive gameplay and quick multitasking.	This AMD APU fuses the power of a four-core 2.9GHz processor with AMD Radeon HD 6550D graphics (the 6550D has 400 Radeon cores and operates at 600MHz). The A8-3850 APU is an efficient, affordable processor that provides fast Internet browsing and accelerated media applications.
Who Should Apply	Gamers who enjoy ultra-high-resolution multi-display gaming, power users who routinely perform heavy multitasking, and HD content creators.	It provides a highperformance experience for desktop users through its HD graphics, four-core CPU, and discrete-class Direct X11-capable GPU.
Socket Type	AM3+	FM1
Cores	8	4
Operating Frequency	3.6GHz (4.2GHz Max Turbo)	2.9GHz
Integrated Graphics	N/A	Radeon HD 6550D

Intel

Sandy Bridge launched at the beginning of 2011 with 29 new CPUs (15 for laptops, 14 for desktops), which was highlighted by the Core i7-2600K. The “K” in the product name indicates that it has an unlocked multiplier, so you can adjust the speed simply by raising the clock frequency multiplier. At stock, the Core i7-2600K runs at 3.4GHz with a maximum turbo frequency of 3.8GHz. Key highlights of the new Sandy Bridge processors include built-in graphics that support HD and 3D Blu-ray video playback and Intel Quick Sync Video (improves

video conversion).

Intel’s upcoming replacement for its enthusiast-level Gulftown processors will be called the Sandy Bridge-E (Sandy Bridge Extreme) series. At launch, Intel is expected to offer the Core i7-3960X (a 12-thread processor that runs at 3.3GHz), the Core i7-3930K (a 12-thread processor that runs at 3.2GHz), and the Core i7-3820 (an 8-thread processor that runs at 3.65GHz), which all feature Intel’s Turbo Boost. The processors are also likely to feature a new socket, Intel LGA 2011. Because Sandy Bridge-E wasn’t available at press time, you won’t find them in our Buyer’s Guide, but keep an eye out for reviews as they become available.

Model	Intel Core i7-2600K	Intel Core i5-2500K	Intel Core i3-2120
Price/Web	$317 www.intel.com	$216 www.intel.com	$138 www.intel.com
Why You’ll Dig It	The Core i7-2600K is one of the most popular CPUs for enthusiasts and gamers because it’s the fastest Sandy Bridge model, offers an unlocked multiplier, delivers eight threads, and is comparatively affordable to LGA 1366 processors. With the Core i7-2600K, you’ll also enjoy Intel HD Graphics 3000 that support HD resolutions, as well as video and audio encoding acceleration. In our Dream PC roundup, we found that many boutique builders were capable of hitting between 4.8GHz and 5.2GHz with the Core i7-2600K.	The Core i5-2500K offers some of the best value, in terms of price and performance, of any CPU on the market. You’ll enjoy four cores that operate at 3.3GHz and a Turbo speed of 3.7GHz, and the i5-2500K’s unlocked multiplier means you’ll be able to overclock without affecting the Direct Memory Interface that governs memory speeds. Custom PC builders in our Dream PCs roundup hit 4.6GHz with the Core i5-2500K.	The Core i3-2120 comes in at close to a minimal price for Sandy Bridge, and it’s a dual-core processor with Hyper-Threading that runs at  3.3GHz. It also features Intel HD Graphics 2000 to support playback of 1080p-quality video and hardware encoding for H.264 and MPEG-2 video. At 65 watts, the TDP of the Core i3-2120 is also lower than Core i7 and Core i5 processors, which are typically at 95 or 130 watts.
Who Should Apply	Builders using a P67-, H67-, or Z68-based motherboard who want the fastest processor available for the LGA 1155 socket. Overclockers will also enjoy the chip’s extensive headroom.	Its overclocking capabilities and Sandy Bridge feature set make this one ideal for gamers and power users who want the most bang for their buck.	HTPC builders and people who want to build a system for basic Web browsing and entertainment purposes.
Socket Type	Intel LGA 1155	Intel LGA 1155	Intel LGA 1155
Cores	8	4	2
Operating Frequency	3.4GHz (3.8GHz Turbo)	3.3GHz (3.7GHz Turbo)	3.3GHz
Integrated Graphics	Intel HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics 3000	Intel HD Graphics