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Microsoft Vista:
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Processor running @ 2.6GHz |
Score of 5.7 while running Processor @ 2.6GHz |
The Microsoft Vista scores are as expected for this high-end setup of hardware. The lowest score being the hard drive access times from our Hitachi Deskstar drive which is not a drive on the low-end of performance. Vista was able to use the processor in our rig flawlessly.
Power Consumption and Heat Generation:
We used our Kill A Watt EZ to monitor our test rig with the X4 810 processor during the benchmarks and standard usage for a week. While running the rig for all the benchmarks with the processor at it's stock 2.6GHz the heat generated by the processor was so little that water cooling this processor at this stock setting would be over-kill. The processor held a temp of 87F at 2.6GHz under load and staying at or under 100F at 3.19GHz while under load. Also with the less heat being generated by the processor comes less power consumption from the power supply which in turn produced less heat. We do like the direction AMD is going with their processor architecture which provides increased performance while still being energy efficient.
Halflife 2 Episode 2
Half Life 2 Episode 2 is the sequel to valves original Half Life 2. With the ending of episode one of Gordon Freedman leaving City 17, we find the ourselves in the country side with a vast surrounding environment. Once escaped from City 17, Gordon finds himself carrying important information that contains the location of the combine home world and information on how to stop the combine from opening the super portal and receiving a greater combine invasion.
Using a time demo we created and maximizing all the settings for the game, and were able to hold an average of 60 frames per second (FPS) with the processor running at its native 2.6GHz. We then over clocked the processor up to 3.19GHz and just got 64 FPS which isn't too bad, but we were hoping for more. There was plenty more we could tweak with our system to gain possibly more FPS so, don't assume that this is all this processor can do. 3D games are much more dependant upon the video adapter than CPU and in this case the increase of only 4 FPS tells us that the CPU is no longer the bottleneck in the equation. New Bios releases, the use of AMD's Fusion tool, overclocking the video card, and other over clocking speeds will probably result in higher FPS.
Conclusion:
AMD's Phenom II AM3 X4 810 2.6GHz is an excellent processor to consider for your next rig if you looking for the best value for your dollar in the performance computing segment. AMD has also posted a few videos on YouTube.com advertising the performance of their Quad core processors rigs coming in about $900 less than an Intel at approximately the same performance ( Video1). It is worth noting that these video's are obviously a bit biased as they promote AMD products but overall the content is about right. Since the X4 810 is a AM2+ processor which can run in most AM2+ motherboards with a simple bios upgrade, making the move to it for most of us is as simple as purchasing the processor and installing it. AMD has a good list of motherboards that can be found on store shelves that already sport support for the new Phenom II processors without the need for a bios flash or anything. For some users there is no need to purchase another motherboard, though we would highly recommend the ASUS M4A79 Deluxe if you do need to purchase a new board. AMD informs us at the time of the release this consumers should expect the cost of the processor will retail for around $175. At this price point the Phenom II 810 is squarely in competition with Intel's Q8200 processor. From the benchmarks we can see that the X4 810 will be ideal for those gamers who want a quad core system with the benefits of the AMD Dragon platform and also the lower power consumption and heat signature of a 45nm architecture. Also, with over clocking the processor through the BIOS of the system AMD also provides AMD Fusion which helps you customize your operating system with the simplicity of a single click of a button.
Overall we highly recommend the Phenom II as a serious choice for gamers, prosumers, and businesses seeking high performance processing. Considering the state of economies around the world and the constant need to provide the best computing while expending the least amount of cash the Phenom II 810 becomes quite appealing. Consumers receive a quad core processor, multiple platform benefits, and a clear and easy upgrade path all for under $200 with the Phenom II 810.
REALTIME PRICING ON THE AMD PHENOM II 940