AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ & Sempron 3400+

Last week we had presented our technical preview of AMD's Socket AM2 Family. Of the topics discussed in our preview was the new socket itself, AMD's AM2 processor selection, supportive Chipsets, and other tid-bits of information. We had also delivered some news about the Linux compatibility/performance, and finally after extensive testing we have our first set of processor tests finished. Several articles designed at looking after the memory performance, overclocking, and other AM2 oriented topics are also underway and we should have these results available in the coming days. The AM2 processors under our microscope today are the AMD Athlon 64 X2 4200+ and AMD Sempron 3400+. Just how well do these chips compare against the previous Socket 939, and that of Intel's LGA-775 Pentium D competition?

Since we delivered our AM2 preview last week (the article in its entirety can be read here) we will say just a few words about each of the processors before moving onto the long awaited results. The Athlon 64 X2 4200+ is one of AMD's mid-range dual-core AM2 processors -- other current AM2 Athlon 64 X2 models include the 3800+, 4000+, 4400+, 4600+, 4800+, and 5000+. The AM2 X2 4200+ comes clocked at 2.20GHz with 512KB of L2 cache per core. The TDP (Thermal Design Power) for the 4200+ is 89W, and 65W for the energy-efficient model. The integrated DDR2 memory controller supports DDR2-800/667/533/400 system memory. Current generation AM2 processors use 90nm SOI technology. The Athlon 64 X2 AM2 is currently based upon the Windsor core. Our AM2 X2 4200+ was labeled ADA4200IAA5CU ADB4F 0603WPMW F490583C60212

The AM2 Sempron lineup consists of the 3000+, 3200+, 3400+, 3500+, and 3600+ -- with our sample today being the mid-range 3400+. Like the Athlon 64 series, many of the Sempron parts are available in multiple varieties when it comes to the TDP. The Sempron 3400+ has a 35W and 62W part. Like the current Windsor Athlon 64 X2 parts, the Sempron Manila cores use 90nm SOI. The operating frequency for the 3400+ is 1.80GHz and boasts 256KB of L2 cache. Our AM2 Sempron 3400+ was labeled SDA3400IAA3CN LBBVF 0612TPMW Q504942D60055.

The major differences with these processors are primarily the integration of the DDR2-800/667 memory controller over the DDR-400 with the Socket 939 parts. Other common traits with the AM2 processors include being manufactured in AMD's Dresden Fab facility, 940-pin organic micro PGA packaging, Hyper Transport Technology, Pacifica technology, and Cool 'n' Quiet technology.