Intel Core 2 Duo - Test (page 16: Conclusion)

Conclusion

With Core, Intel released an architecture that is the opposite of Netburst when it was released. If Netburst put several principles into doubt and was really innovative (sometimes rightfully so and other times not,) Core is a sort of melting pot that uses the best existing technologies and improves upon them. So if Netburst didn´t really bring improvements while it was released, Core is from its release fully operational.

Because of the results obtained in practice, we would be inclined to say that Intel is right for the short and middle term. Indeed, the Core 2 Duo is an exceptional processor! For example, a simple E6400 at $224 has a level of performances comparable to an Athlon 64 FX-62 at $1031, with a lower power consumption than an Athlon 64 X2 3800+ and with a comfortable Overclocking margin. From the E6600, AMD can no longer compete in terms of performances except in Maya where the FX-62 provides better results.

What can AMD do to stop this Core 2 Duo advance? As the next architecture for the father of the Athlon won´t be released before the beginning of next year, there is only one solution, prices! There will be a first wave of price cuts next July 24. It won´t be enough because it is the 4200+ that will have to compete with the E6400 ($240 vs $224) and the 4600+ will have to compete with the E6600 ($301 vs $316). However, we can´t imagine AMD reducing its prices by much, all the more so that they are restricted to 90nm.

Intel Kentsfield

Now we still have to find out what is the margin of evolution for Core. For frequency, the Core 2 Duo stepping 5 makes it easily possible to reach over 3.4 GHz or even 3.6 GHz with air cooling. But because of the short pipeline it will quickly reach a limit. The other solution, because there is a reduced dissipation for these CPUs, is the increase of the number of cores. The Kentfield, which is based on two Conroe dies integrated to the same packaging, will be released in early 2007. Test samples are already available and fully functional. But what can we think of a Quad Core when we are still waiting for some type of software that really benefits from dual core? It is certainly one of the reasons why Intel is waiting for 2007, but it isn´t sure that the situation will be more favourable at this date.

Anyhow, Intel doesn´t count on the Core in the long term because it has already announced a new architecture for 2008, Nehalem, and another for 2010, Gesher. While waiting, it is Core that will be available everywhere at the end of July and by looking at performances it would foolish not to take advantage of it!