Intel's new processor is getting some good reviews at the moment, and if you believe them it might actually look like AMD have a worthy foe again. From the conclusion:

First of all let me sort the facts: As soon as Core 2 Duo hits the market, it will...

* be the fastest x86 processor (both single and dual core models)
* make the Pentium D and all predecessors look like antiques
* be the clear choice for performance users despite its rather expensive price
* outperform the complete Athlon 64 family (X2 and FX) in all areas, including gaming, where AMD has traditionally been very strong
* consume less energy than other standard desktop processors
* transform the whole Intel platform from an energy-hungry beast to a reasonable solution that is competitive in terms of performance per Watt

The Tom's Hardware article linked to above includes a stack of benchmarks and details, so check it out for more info.

Update: Slashdot have a post with a heap of other review links that might be worth a read if you're looking for more.

Sounds good, might be worth upgrading my P4 2.6Ghz once these processors and DX10 cards are both out.

It will be interesting to see how this all plays out.

Intel may finally have the speed crown again... but AMD are most likely going to drop prices (expected with AM2 becoming standard for all chips and the age of the chips now).

High speed, low power consumption, good value. Maybe intel is finally going to crack the AMD's gains (or AMD will whip out something in 6 months and be laughing to the bank again).

Wonder how long till they hit retail outlets, and the price in Australia. And how long until more motherboards support the chip. Might have to get a rig with this instead of AMD if it all rings true :)

I was a long term Intel junkie before AMD finally started smashing them in terms of performance and stability (and Intel just refused to play catchup and kept releasing lamer chips), but I'm currently pretty firmly in the AMD camp - except now that these guys are on the horizon, I'm very keen to see how they fare.

From what I can tell they're not out for another couple weeks (right?) so I assume it'll be a bit longer again begfore they're out here in .au. Anyone got any inside scoop on what we can expect AU$ to be?

yes this will be interesting every article i have read about it says that these processors will be awsome, i also read an article i think in the APC mag that said AMD was comming out with Quad Core as a response...well not true quad more like 2xDual core CPU, apparently they will be sold in packs of 2 sorta like when you buy a matched pair of ram.

last edited by TufNuT at 18:05:14 17/Jul/06

Intel D975XBX board supports it

overclocking from 2.4GHz to 4GHz on air is enough to give me wood.

This is my upgrade,
This is my fun,
One is for rendering,
The other's for fun!


Bad pun aside...
This really has defined what my upgrade path is going to be

ATI Crossfire & Conroe

last edited by HERMITech at 19:54:10 17/Jul/06

Updated news post with Slashdot link with heaps more reviews.

Give an AMD 2/4meg of Cache and see how they perform then.

farken, just bought a lappy with a duo core 1.83ghz

there is always something new cranking out :/

Give an AMD 2/4meg of Cache and see how they perform then.

Can i give them an extra 2ghz while i'm at it? Maybe a couple of extra cores?

For people wanting prices the CA site had them up already, no stock avail for a while though.

Got to see an engy 2.9 chip today in action, from what I saw it was pretty darn good albeit it expensive :)

Yeh but AMD chips have 3DNow! so they are better.

the 2.93 does 4gig with just aircooling, but for the dollars it's not the best deal - no cpu is atm... the money's better spent on a kickass videocard.

rubba-chickin ya slack carnt! where's our insidey-scoop Qgl review!?!?

Intels still win the notebook market.

Skitza thats the point ... AMD don't put that much cache on them. Cache is expensive.

I've heard that those with Core Duo can upgrade to Core 2 Duo (Napa Refresh). This means you can remove your Yonah processor and upgrade to Merom, with probably a bios update.

The only real differences are 4meg cache, and x64 support which I feel is important. I have a T2500 and checked that I can upgrade if I need to in the future, but for now a T2500 is fine for everything that I will use (n.b. No games)

http://www.anandtech.com/tradeshows/showdoc.aspx?i=2715