INPAI have reviewed AMD's upcoming entry-level quad core CPU, the AthlonII X4 620, clocked at 2.6 GHz. As we know, Athlon II X4 based on thePropus die, are simply Phenom II X4 without the large 6MB L3 cache. As aresult, the Propus die ends up far smaller, and cheaper for AMD tomanufacture. This also represents the first time a quad core CPU isreaching the entry-level, around the $120 mark.
The review features comparisons to Intel's cheapest quad core CPU, the Core 2 QuadQ8200, clocked at 2.33 GHz with 4MB L2 cache. The Q8200 is priced atleast $25 more than the Athlon II X4, and with the Athlon's completelack of L3 cache, serious performance hits were expected, especially inthe gaming arena.
Surprisingly, the Athlon II X4 pulls through beating the Q8200comfortably in most tests. Gaming was a bit of a relative weak point for theAthlon II X4, but it matched the Q8200 very closely. Great value for a CPU costing significantly less. In addition, the Athlon II X4 overclocks remarkably well - a full 1+ GHz over stock clocks in the review - contrasted with the Q8200's limited overclocking potential.
The Athlon II X4 620 has been listed for nearly 2 weeks now in European e-tailers, aswe reported, and is now available at Neweggfor $125.99, with prices expected to drop further.
After a long wait, this finally brings a quad core CPU to the entry level - ending up cheaper than all Intel's dual cores, except the Pentium Dual-Cores and the Core 2 Duo E7500. Faster Athlon II X4s, as well as 45W versions will be arriving soon, along with the triple core Athlon II X3, which have one core disabled. While AMD will no doubt be overshadowed by the superb Lynnfield Core i5/i7 in the performance segment, their hopes in the more popular entry-level segments are well and truly alive.
Reference: INPAI
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