Re: Wattage of Processors?

Clark wrote:
> I am trying to compare the wattage of different processors. If I read
> it correctly, the older P4 2.8 GHz uses around 89 watts for a max.
>
> I would think the Core 2 Duos are less, but I was looking at an AMD
> Athlon X2 6400 which states its power usage is 125W.
>
> Is it correct to compare the 89w to the 125w and does the AMD seem to be
> very hot compared to the Intel chips?
>
> I am just looking for a new processor, but not yet ready to buy. Trying
> to weigh the options. ;-)

The AMD and Intel processors are not yet directly comparable. AMD
processors include a memory controller inside them, which is usually a
put into a separate chip called a northbridge on Intel systems. The
memory controller is one of the biggest power hogs, accounting for
between 20-40W of a system's total power consumption. So the 125W AMD
processor would be pretty comparable to an Intel processor in 85-105W
range.

Also AMD measures its power bit differently. AMD uses maximum power
consumption as its figure, whereas Intel uses "typical" power
consumption. The general rule of thumb is that Intel's typical is about
75% of maximum.

Yousuf Khan