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It can run 8 "real" threads. It isn't like hyperthreading.
The answer to your second question depends on which benchmark is used to measure.
wprime and superpi are very FPU dependent, of which Bulldozer only has 4 FPUs which is why, I think, you see it trading blows more or less in these benches with Thuban which had 6 FPUs. So basically, it could be said that the architecture of Bulldozer is strong enough to overcome the lack of FPUs to perform comparably to the old architecture with 2/3rds the FPU count. There are a few different ways you could frame that, so don't pick that comment apart too much - but hopefully it makes sense.
It may also be worth noting the power draw differences at load between BD and SB.
They covered it in the [h] review (re-hosted the image, so it doesn't give them ad rev)
huge power draw difference, definitely not winning on the performance/watt area.
For being effectively the same chip, I think the 8150 would get disapproval and the 8120 would get approval for costing $50 less.
I wonder if BD can pass SB in 3d benching while it is cold for globals?
We covered power draw also, though in less detail. In case you missed it, from the article:
View attachment 100309
As AMD pointed out to hokie and as its in the review. Its performance today != future performance. The capacity for 256bit instructions is kinda important. AMD if nothing else is good a driving tech forward even if they fail to utilize it all properly. Considering the aim of the APU designs they are going to be pushing next year and the idea of homogenous computing the lower FPU count should be quite adequately supplemented by the GPU moving forward.
Id rank my satisfaction with the new design as a ~7.5, I expected to see more solid right now improvements. What were getting is marginal right now improvements with a potential for big later improvements. IMO adopters of BD should experience a pretty solid longevity for there systems.
One thing Ive yet to see are CF/SLI comparisons. Considering the number of PCI-E lanes that BD has it should be capable of some gains in multi GPU setups.
Thats like a Dos Equis commercial...
Stay overclocked my friends!
You cant give a disapproval on such a large ticket item and expect to be part of the next NDA
Not trying to argue with you Dolk, but can you say its a generation behind? I understand that PII was the generation of Core2 and was meant to slug it out there, but it was AMD who delayed and put off this chip for how long? Yeah, technically its a gen behind but will AMD ever catch up?
You can say its a generation behind and its a success because its better than the previous but as long as it was in production it should be. Its already being knocked around by SB which is 10 months old already and about to be killed by SB-E and IB. I know you mentioned PD but come on, I have no faith in AMD getting it out anytime soon.
Atleast AMD is good about their graphics cards and hopefully will get the 7xxx out by December or January at the latest. Seems thats more their department these days anyways.
We covered power draw also, though in less detail. In case you missed it, from the article:
View attachment 100309
So basically, keep in mind, the Overclockers Approved rating is best compared to the USDA stamp for beef. Overclockers Approved isn't saying you are getting a premium slice of Kobe Beef - its saying the product delivers on the performance one should expect given the price and position in the market.
What about Bulldozer vs i5/i7 performance in crossfire?
One thing Ive yet to see are CF/SLI comparisons. Considering the number of PCI-E lanes that BD has it should be capable of some gains in multi GPU setups.
doz said:Couple that with the fact that SB system does NOT cost more outside of the chip itself, a MUCH HIGHER power consumption, reports of higher temperatures (requiring better cooling, remember with SB you can pretty much hit 4 to 4.2ghz with stock cooling and be OK), and a price point that really isnt that great.
TigerDirect has them!
Link
http://www.tigerdirect.com/applicat...=22&cm_sp=Masthead-_-Computer Parts-_-Spot 05
Thats the problem though. Its really not delivering on price and position in the market. SB chips are priced so well now that they are almost as cheap as BD. Couple that with the fact that SB system does NOT cost more outside of the chip itself, a MUCH HIGHER power consumption, reports of higher temperatures (requiring better cooling, remember with SB you can pretty much hit 4 to 4.2ghz with stock cooling and be OK), and a price point that really isnt that great.
If it came in at $180 to $200 for the 8150 I might say OK, decent chip at a good price but its not even there. When theres a much better product at the same price I just dont see why anyone would want to get this for a daily rig (I can understand benchers wanting to play, or other people wanting to have fun) when theres another option thats better at close to the same price (I mean really, whats $30 to spring for the 2600k when you are going to be spending $400+ on a mobo/cpu?). Also, you can spring for the 2500k which is almost always $180 now and itll run ALMOST as well in most things (and better in some) than BD's new chip?
Sorry, Im just really disappointed.