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Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 8:40 am Post subject: AMD 64 2x Question

So whats the difference between Manchester, Windsor, and Toledo core AMD processors? And is the higher price of Virtualization Technology Support worth it?

Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 3:03 pm Post subject:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_AMD_Athlon_64_microprocessors

Posted: Tue Aug 01, 2006 4:01 pm Post subject:

Manchester is a dual-core 64-bit processor with 512KB of level 2 cache per core that fits into Socket-939 and uses dual channel DDR memory (e.g.: PC3200 DDR-400).

Toledo is the same as Manchester, except that it has 1024KB of level 2 cache per core.

Windsor is similar to Manchester, except that it fits into Socket-AM2 and uses dual channel DDR2 memory (e.g.: PC2-6400 DDR2-800).

If you already have a single-core Athlon64 on a Soccket-939 motherboard with PCI-Express and have at least 1GB of DDR memory, a new Manchester Athlon64 X2 is a decent upgrade. That's what I did last week.

If you don't already have those starting pieces, then a new system based on an Intel C2D processor on a motherboard using the P965 chipset with DDR2 memory is probably a better choice.

Posted: Wed Aug 02, 2006 12:56 am Post subject:

This is the first I have heard of the Core2 Duo, and I must say I am impressed by what I have read on it so far. I have always been an AMD fan, But this looks good!

I can't say the same for the Motherboards which support it however. Every single board on NewEgg has dome major con in the reviews. one dosen't support 800mHz of RAM bandwidth. Most do not support Cressfire. Crappy sound. No overclocking options. No RAID. Not Conroe ready out of the box (BIOS update needed). And they all seem to be pricy, most over $200.

It is going to be a while before I can start building a new system (probably tax return time), So I hope some better MoBos come out before then.