New XP thunderbirds flying high. (AMD Athlon (Thunderbird))

Member Name: beetleuk

Product:	AMD Athlon (Thunderbird)
Date:	14/11/01 (358 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: 266 FSB, DDR RAM, Great pricing.

Disadvantages: Smaller die means new cooler reqd., Not supported by all mobos.

AMDs new XP range of processors sets a new standard in CPU naming conventions.

Bravely breaking away from the crowd to introduce performance related naming rather than the sup-till-now standard of clock speed processors, AMD have made it easier to compare apples with apples. And I don't mean translucent blue ones!

AMD uses a different manufacturing technique, and different internal structure than Intel, and this makes their processors more efficient per clock cycle than Intels.

For example, the new AMD 1500XP actually runs at a clock speed of 1333 Mhz, but performs at least as well as an intel 1500Mhz processor. In fact many reviewers are saying that in some benchtests, the new processors are actually too conservatively named, stating that the XP1800 for instance, can out-perform an Intel 2Ghz processor.

If you are deciding to upgrade to a new XP processor - tready warily! The new chips come from a new die, and new materials are used. The result is a chip which is 1mm thinner than existing T'Birds. So your existing cooler won't cut the mustard. Make sure if you're upgrading existing kit that you upgrade your cooler too. Otherwise it will be bye bye CPU in under a minute.

I should know.... :)

If you're upgrading you're motherboard too, then why not choose one that fully supports the new processors? One with a full 266 FSB and DDR memory support, then kiss the seat of your pants good-bye!

So it's good-bye from me and a good-buy from AMD.

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