Although dual-core computer processor technology is just hitting the mainstream market, the prices of dual-core processors keep going down and speed keeps going up.Is it time to make the switch to a dual-core?Geeks.com, popular online retailer, sent us one of their dual-core offerings, an AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ processor.Will it offer a good combination of speed and value, especially when compared to its single-core cousins?Let�s find out.
About Geeks:
Check out their website!
General Features:
Link to product page
If the product is out of stock, you can use the Restock Alert system to let you know when they get more!
The AMD Athlon 64 X2 3800+ CPU I received from Geeks came in a fairly plain clear box with an ESD warning label all around it.As you can see, the processor comes by itself, without any fan.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Opening the package, we find the CPU simply sandwiched between a piece of dense, pink foam.Seems a little light on the packaging, but most processors I�ve seen are similarly packaged.The CPU is the AM2 version of the chip, which isn�t compatible with the old style S939 motherboards.Thus, if you�re new to the AM2 arena, youll have to update your motherboard as well.
Please click on thumbnails to get bigger pictures
Installing or swapping out the CPU is very easy; since this was my first AM2 processor, I had to start a whole new computer build instead of upgrading an existing one.Installation of CPUs is very straightforward even with the AM2; simply place the CPU onto the socket, making sure the triangle symbol on the CPU matches with the socket.Then, lower the zero-insertion force lever, which secures the CPU onto the motherboard.Finally, install a CPU cooler of your choice.
Let�s move on to see how the testing and overclocking of this CPU goes.
Testing:
Test System:
AMD 64+ X2 3800+ AM2
ECS GeForce 6100SM-M
Rosewill Z2 cooler
Super Talent 1GB DDR2-1000 RAM
GeForce 7600GS video card
Maxtor 200GB 7200 rpm harddrive
Spire Rocketeer 600W power supply
Sony DVD writer
