AMD Goes to 3GHz: The Athlon 64 X2 6000+

AMDs latest Athlon 64 X2 6000+ runs at 3.0GHz, while Intels fastest Core 2 Extreme Edition tops out at 2.93GHz. Talk about a turnabout.

To be fair, Intel is still shipping higher-clocked Pentium 4 and Pentium D processors, but few people pay attention to those, nor do most users want one.

The new Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is also interesting because it uses a fixed clock multiplier. So, in the universe of single-socket AMD CPUs, the FX-62 is the top unlocked single-socket CPU at 2.8GHz.

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These odd machinations in clock speeds and part numbers come about because of AMDs positioning of its Quad FX as the top FX series CPU, although those require highly specialized motherboards costing upwards of $400.

You can buy single FX-70 series processors now and theoretically run a single Socket F CPU in a Quad FX motherboard, but thats not the optimum configuration.

If what you want is a single-socket, 3GHz Athlon 64 X2 CPU, then the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ turns out to be a pretty good deal. Its priced right, at $459 (for quantity 1,000.) Weve already seen preorders on the Web for $489. That makes it about $30 to $60 cheaper than Intels Core 2 Duo E6700 CPU.

But the picture isnt entirely rosy. Lets take a closer look at the CPU specs and then discuss performance.

Given all the hype about AMDs recent 65nm processor shipments, its a little disconcerting to discover that the 6000+ is built on a 90nm process and consumes up to 125W. The current FX-62 will be replaced by the Athlon 64 X2 5600+, which clocks at 2.8GHz and also is a 90nm part rated at a thermal design power of 89W, considerably lower than the original FX-62.

Read the full story on ExtremeTech: AMD Goes to 3GHz: The Athlon 64 X2 6000+

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