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AMD FX-8350 review roundup: enthusiasts still won't be totally enthused
Now that AMD's fresh new FX processors based on the Piledriver architecture are out in the wild, the specialist hardware sites have seen fit to benchmark the top-lining FX-8350. Overall, the group feels that AMD has at least closed the gap a bit on Intel's Core juggernaut with a much better FX offering this time around, but overall the desktop CPU landscape remains unchanged -- with Intel still firmly at the top of the heap. Compared to its last-gen Bulldozer chips, "in every way, today's FX-8350 is better," according to Tom's Hardware: cheaper, up to 15 percent faster and more energy efficient. Still, while the new CPUs represent AMD's desktop high-end, they only stack up against Intel's mid-range Core i5 family, and even against that line-up they only edge ahead in heavily threaded testing. But if you "look beyond those specific (multithreaded) applications, Intel can pull away with a significant lead" due to its superior design, says Anantech. As for power consumption, unfortunately "the FX-8350 isn't even the same class of product as the Ivy Bridge Core i5 processors on this front," claims The Tech Report. Despite all that, Hot Hardware still sees several niches that AMD could fill with the new chips, as they'll provide "an easy upgrade path for existing AMD owners and more flexibility for overclocking, due to its unlocked multipliers." That means if you already have a Socket-AM3+ motherboard, you'll be able to do a cheap upgrade by swapping in the new CPU, and punching up the clock cycles might close the performance gap enjoyed by the Core i5. Finally, AMD also saw fit to bring the new chip in at a "very attractive" $195 by Hexus' reckoning, a much lower price than an earlier leak suggested. Despite that, however, the site says that AMD's flagship FX processor still "cannot tick as many desirable checkboxes as the competing Intel Core i5 chips." Feel free to scope all the sources below to make your own conclusions. Read - Tom's Hardware Read - Hot Hardware Read - AnandTech Read - Hexus Read - The Tech Report
AMD updates its FX processors: 8-core chip has 4GHz base clock, '15 percent' more oomph, $195 price tag
If you get the impression that AMD is diverting its energy away from traditional CPUs and towards APUs and fresher PC form factors such as all-in-ones, then you're certainly right -- but you're also slightly ahead of the game. The company promises there's a still a good few years of life left in its CPU-only chips and the AM3+ socket, and it's putting today's announcement forward as evidence. As of now, last year's eight-core FX-8150 has been superseded on retailers' shelves by the FX-8350, which notches the stock clock speed up to 4GHz, or 4.2GHz on turbo (alas with no obvious sign of that resonant mesh we once heard about). The full stack (codenamed 'Vishera') includes eight-, six- and four-core options, all based on the new Piledriver architecture which -- when combined with these higher clock speeds -- promises an overall performance uplift of around 15 percent versus the old Bulldozer cores. To be fair though, those Bulldozers weren't so snappy to begin with, and besides, the most significant performance claims with this upgrade relate to multi-threaded applications and a few gaming titles like Skyrim and Civ 5. Judging from the slide deck below, gains in other areas of performance may be lower -- perhaps in the region of seven percent -- so as usual we're going to roundup a bunch of reviews later today before we jump to any conclusions. If it turns out that stock performance alone isn't enough to sell these chips, then potential buyers still ought to check out FX's pricing relative to Intel -- not least because, as is typical, AMD sells overclockable chips at no extra charge. The top-end FX-8350 will hit the market at $195, which is not only cheaper than some earlier leaks suggested, but also $40 cheaper than an unlocked Core i5-3570K that has a lower clock speed and a smaller L3 cache -- although the relative performance of these two chips remains to be independently tested. Meanwhile, the entry-level quad-core FX-4300 will virtually match the price of a locked i3-2120 at $122, but can be readily overclocked to 5GHz with water-cooling. AMD is also making a few claims based on the cost of multiple components in a rig: for example, that you can spend $372 on an FX-8350 and Radeon HD 7850 combo that delivers a 25 to 70 percent gaming advantage over a similarly priced Core i5 3570K with a GeForce GTX 650 Ti. Again, stay tuned for our roundup and we'll figure out just how compelling this really is.
ASUS CrossHair IV Extreme mainboard supports mix-and-match GPU setups
Scouting a new mainboard for that fancy new Phenom II X6 CPU you just picked up? You might want to hold off a minute, particularly if you're also planning on shopping for a few new GPUs as well. Hot Hardware has managed to get their paws around an upcoming motherboard from ASUS, the CrossHair IV Extreme. Much like the Maximus III Extreme that we spotted last November, this one also ships with the RoG Connect feature, enabling a secondary Bluetooth device (like a netbook or smartphone) to tweak overclocking settings from the sidelines. What really makes this one stand out, however, isn't the compatibility with all Socket AM3 Phenom and Athlon CPUs, nor the fancy new 890FX chipset. No -- it's the inclusion of Lucidlogix's nearly-forgotten Hydra solution, which allows users to mix-and-match GPUs (makes and models are no matter here) in order to create the most from whatever graphics cards you have sitting around. There's no mention of when this fellow will ship, but we'll be keeping an eye out at Computex just in case.
AMD to bring six-core 'Thuban' processor to the consumer realm
Look out, Intel -- six cores are mightier than four, don'tcha know? Shortly after introducing a six-core processor in the server sector, AMD is reportedly angling to issue a hexa-core chip over on the consumer side. The chip maker has confirmed to Maximum PC that a six-core slab of silicon (codenamed Thuban) will be released in 2010, with the real kicker being that it'll be fully backwards compatible with existing AM3 and AM2+ mainboards. It'll be based on 45nm process technology and will boast an integrated DDR3 controller, 3MB of L2 cache and 6MB of L3 cache, and while the outfit wouldn't confirm, word on the street has it that the final product will sport a Phenom II X6 moniker. So, Core i9 -- what have you to say now?
AMD's 3.4GHz Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition review roundup: fast, but not Intel fast
Say what you will about AMD, but don't you dare call it lazy. Within a matter of weeks, the outfit has launched a 2GB FirePro for um, pros, a 785G integrated chip for laypeople and now a new Phenom II X4 for the gamers in attendance. The all new Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition is the "highest clocked quad-core processor for desktop PCs," checking in with a stock frequency of 3.4GHz and support for DDR3 and AMD OverDrive 3.0. Based on the Dragon platform, the chip is actually identical to the 955 it replaces at the top save for the clock speed, and during the collective web's testing, it easily outpaced every other AMD option out there. Unfortunately, it still couldn't put the hurt on a smattering of Intel chips, with the Core 2 Extreme QX9770 and Core i7 920 besting it in all but a few tests. All told, the chip was found to be an incremental (albeit fun) update, but given that it's currently priced between Intel's Core 2 Quad Q9550 ($219) and the aforesaid Core i7 920 ($279), it's not a clear-cut bargain at $245. Still, give it a lil' shelf time, let the MSRP sink and it just might be worth another look in due time.Read - HotHardware reviewRead - Tom's Hardware reviewRead - Anandtech's reviewRead - PC Perspective's reviewRead - Elite Bastards reviewRead - Neoseeker reviewRead - Overclocker's Club review
IBuyPower trots out GeForce 3D Vision-equipped desktops
IBuyPower's been on a pretty good roll of late with these new gaming desktops, and it's keeping things interesting with its latest two. Rather than just shoving the latest processors from AMD and Intel into the Gamer Fire 640 and Gamer Paladin F830 and calling it a day, it has thrown in a 22-inch Samsung SyncMaster LCD and NVIDIA's GeForce 3D Vision system with each rig. As for the Gamer Fire 640 specifically, it comes loaded with an AMD Phenom II X3 720 CPU, 4GB of DDR3 RAM, a 500GB hard drive, a GeForce 9800GTX+ (512MB), dual-layer DVD writer and Vista Home Premium 64-bit. The Paladin gets loaded with a Core i7 920, 6GB of memory, a Blu-ray drive and a GeForce GTX 260 GPU. Detailed specs (along with the full release) are just past the break, but if you're scouting base prices, they sit at $1,349 and $1,999 in order of mention.
AMD's triple-core Phenom II X3 goes quad-core via BIOS hack
Here's a little known secret for you to chew on: that triple-core AMD Phenom II X3 you purchased actually has four cores. The last one's just locked down for pricing purposes. A Korean site has disclosed information that enables owners of select motherboards to unlock that fourth core, and apparently, all you need is a Biostar mobo and / or a BIOS that has an option labeled Advanced Clock Calibration. When said selection is flipped to "Auto," the fourth core is loosed from its shackles and able to ever-so-slightly up your frame rates and overall level of excitement. Of course, you're taking a big risk by running a chip in a fashion it was never intended, but what fun is life without a little edge-side living?[Via Slashgear]
AMD ushers in five new Phenom II CPUs, benchmarking ensues
Just a month after AMD launched its Phenom II CPUs and Dragon desktop platform, the chip maker is hitting back with five new processors in the quickly expanding line. The newcomers include the planet's first 45nm triple-core CPU and three more quad-core siblings, all of which can operate in either AM2+ or AM3 sockets. As for performance? We hope your expectations haven't been set too high, as the chips were generally found to be just "a logical extension of [the company's] piecemeal upgrade plan and a fill in [the] gap to its lineup." Reviewers across the web were generally pleased but underwhelmed by test results, with HotHardware noting that "overall, Intel still has the performance edge clock-for-clock and core-for-core." In fairness, these chips were found to be good for overclocking, and for the right price, we could certainly see a few gamers giving them a go. For the full spill, dive on into the deep, intricate reviews below.Read - Official AMD announcementRead - HotHardware benchmarksRead - PCPerspective benchmarksRead - DesktopReview's review
DSVision's virtual store lacks virtual goods
According to Spencer over at Siliconera, the DSVision store isn't all it's cracked up to be. The launch of the service has left him wanting, considering there are only 30 items available in the online store, with users expecting much, much more from the launch of the service. He does admit that the pricing is favorable, however. Episodes of television shows are only $2, with digital manga fetching $3 per chapter. The books on available on the service range from free for a trial to $6 for a 1,000-page novel. Did any of you bother to import it?
Here's a vision of DSVision
Even though we have our own flash carts, we can't help but covet DSVision. We'd like to see for ourselves how an official cart compares to our own -- not to mention, this demo video makes the service look pretty rad. While it doesn't seem like there's too much downloadable content on the official website yet, we like that all different kinds of media (anime, manga, movies, novels) are readily available in one place. Unfortunately, most of us who don't live in Japan have to adopt a "look but don't touch" policy if we want to do the nifty official things shown in the video, as we lack something vital for buying content -- a Japanese credit card. We're used to not having as many cool toys as our friends in the East, though, so we'll just suck it up as per usual.
DSVision card available for import this week
The DSVision flash card kit, containing an officially Nintendo-approved flash card and a 512 MB MicroSD card, will be released to Japanese stores on July 3. NCSX is charging 40.90, and Play-Asia is asking $39.90. That's not terribly expensive for a flash card with bundled memory, but it is quite expensive for something that may end up being totally useless.Unless you have access to a Japanese credit card, you won't be able to buy any of the content that AM3 is selling through the system. And who knows if the thing will be usable for any kind of homebrew? It'll take experimentation from homebrew developers before anyone knows. Feeling adventurous?
DSVision content service bumped to April
AM3's Nintendo-sanctioned DS flash card and content delivery service, DSVision, was originally scheduled to come out in January, which obviously did not happen. It was then delayed until March, and has now been delayed again until April. When it does eventually become available, Japanese users will be able to download manga, movies, and novels from the DSVision website and transfer it to the official DSVision card via an included MicroSD card. Looking through the official website, it would appear that the bundled card has been increased in capacity from 512mb to 2gb.No matter when it comes out, we're thrilled it is. We're delighted to see an officially-licensed company taking advantage of some of the kinds of brilliant extensions to the DS's functionality already exploited by homebrewers.
Rumor: Nintendo orders seizure of rival DS Flash cards
By now, regular readers will be familiar with DSVision, a new service that will offer Japanese DS owners downloadable media from next March, and which is fully licensed by Nintendo. The only problem? We've heard absolutely zilch about a release outside Japan.But there is hope, friends! An anonymous tipster has informed MaxConsole that French law enforcement agencies have begun confiscating Datel's DS flash card range, devices which perform very similar functions to those offered by DSVision. According to the mole, the operation to seize the cards came after a tip-off from Nintendo, which complained that the Datel cards were illegal, as they contained copyrighted code. MaxConsole reckons there could be more to the story, however, and speculates that Nintendo is clearing the way for its own range of multimedia peripherals.We'll happily admit that this is all pretty damn speculative -- hence the "rumor" label -- but we've still got every last one of our fingers and toes crossed extra tight. Although users of certain naughty devices have been able to download and view video on their DSes for some time now, the quality is typically quite low (or so we hear, officer).
DS gets downloadable content with official DSVision flash card peripheral
Piracy ahoy! AM3 and Dai Nippon Printing have partnered up to release the DSVision digital content platform for the Nintendo DS in Japan. The device -- which is officially licensed by Nintendo -- features a MicroSD flash card and a standard-sized DS card adapter. Users will be able to download movies, music, books, and manga from the DSVision website, and download the content onto the MicroSD card for portable viewing/listening.Of course, we're more intrigued by the device's ability to put other content on the DS. Piracy? Who said anything about piracy? The DSVision could do a lot to mainstream the DS's homebrew development community, especially with its official endorsement from Nintendo.DSVision is due for release in Japan this January, at a suggested retail price of ¥3,980 (or approximately $37 USD). The online digital content store isn't due to open until March. We smell a hot import item...[Via Engadget]Update: Added that this is a Nintendo-licensed peripheral. Thanks, Crono & Hakobus
DSvision bringing downloadable content to Nintendo's DS
If you're still teetering on the edge of picking up a DS Lite for yourself, here's yet another reason to go ahead and pull the trigger. Dai Nippon Printing has partnered with AM3 in order to offer up a new way to get content / media onto Nintendo's handheld. The system, dubbed DSvision, will enable DS / DS Lite owners to purchase a variety of material through the web, including books, comics, movies, music, etc., and then transfer the files over to the DS for on-the-go enjoyment. The product package will reportedly include a 512MB microSD card, a DS cartridge adapter and a USB adapter (shown after the jump) for use with one's PC. It looks as though the hardware will hit Japanese shelves in January for ¥3,980 ($37), but the web-based content delivery system won't go live until March.[Via SlashGear]
DSvision sees a future on the DS
When the GBA Movie Player came out, it was pretty underwhelming. AM3 is trying their luck again, however, this time with the DS. The service they'll be providing, called DSvision, will allow DS users to officially download certain books, movies, comics, and music onto their handhelds. The package needed for these downloads is going on sale in Japan this January for 3,980 yen ($37 UDS), which comes with a 512MB microSD card, a form fitting DS cart, and a USB adapter that connects to PCs. The DSvision downloading service, however, won't be available until March.DSvision seems to be getting a lot more thought and effort put into it than the GBA Movie Player, and it's definitely something to keep an eye out for. We have to wonder, though, how the company will prevent pirates from using their product for unauthorized downloads (our guess is, they can't). Also, people who already own an R4DS might find the DSvision package unnecessary, even though it is an official (and thus, legal) way of distributing media.[Via Cubed3]
Today's comparingest game video: Virtua Tennis 3 360/PS3
The PS3 versus 360 side-by-side showdowns keep rolling out, with GameTrailers mixing those versions of Virtua Tennis 3 together. This comparison may be even more interesting because those versions were developed by two studios (Sumo for 360 and AM2 for PS3). Or maybe that difference makes the comparison about each developer instead of a straight 1080p hardware shootout. Either way, taste both flavors after the break, or hit the HD version on the GameTrailers site.
New Virtua Tennis 3 screens
Everything I know about tennis I learned from The Prince of Tennis so I'm not the most knowledgeable about the sport. But I do know that Virtua Tennis 3 looks amazing. If you're looking forward to getting your top spin on, than these screens will either hurt or help the wait until the game's March 20th release. Screens after the jump ...
Virtua Tennis 3 to use SIXAXIS tilt -- it's Love-Love!
Ha, ha, ha... get it? Love-Love? It's like win-win, but in complete tennis lingo... which means zero-zero... but love is always good, right? It almost worked. Ahem, anyway. SEGA and their PS3 version of Virtua Tennis 3 have been confirmed to take advantage of the tilt function to "move around the court and play shots." Here's the kicker (and a personal thumb-up for this... hopefully the Wii will do this too on some games): this is an option, not a mandatory gameplay feature. Moving around the court isn't the only thing you can do with the tilt magic. Seems you'll also be able to serve the ball and use the controller like a tennis racket to make specific shots -- upwards swing for a lob, quickly down to slice, horizontally for some top spin. It's almost like the Wii, but... not quite. Watch for this title to roll around in Spring '07.
IGN says PS3 aces 360 in Virtua Tennis
As IGN was checking out the new Virtua Tennis 3 for the PlayStation 3 and Xbox 360 at Leipzig, they made note of the "slight" differences between the two versions saying that the PS3 edged out the 360 when it came to graphical dominance. Plainly put, the PS3 looked a little better with sharper textures and incredibly detailed player models. It was almost eerie when we noticed the veins sticking out in our character's forehead. To be fair, however, IGN does say that the different versions are being worked on by two different companies -- which could account for the slight differences. But, we're sure this won't stop the many fanboys ready to defend their camp on this new info. [Thanks, HEYYOUTHERE]
