|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
|
AMD Socket AM3: X2 550 Black Edition Review Memory Bandwidth To test memory bandwidth, we are going to look at the Read, Write, and Copy values as tested by Everest. Higher numbers are better:
The Everest Memory Bandwidth benchmark is an interesting test, as we get to look at the direct benefits of the DDR3 memory controller. If you look closely at the chart data, you will see that in terms of Copy speeds, AMD rules the roost. The X2 550 is no different, in fact it ranks behind only the X4 955 in Copy and Read speeds. Write speeds on the other hand, belong to the Intel chips, while the X2 again ranks second amongst the AMD CPUs. While the idea of a dual core these days may be considered to be somewhat passé, the new AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition brings a lot of surprises that may yet turn the heads of consumers. First of all, at $115, it's relatively cheap, and a good comparitive value to boot, especially considering how well it hung with our E8400 in testing, which is nearly 50% more expensive. Second of all, it overclocks remarkably well, especially on air. Third, and probably the most important point, is that the X2 550 BE is potentially a high clocking quad core as well, if you are lucky. While AMD has some cheaper AM2 Phenom I quad cores, the cheapest Intel quad is the Q8200 at $160, so to potentially have an equivalent to the $245 X4 955 for less than half the price is truly a big deal. Pros:
Cons:
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
