Phantom Build #1.2: Processor
Processor: AMD FX-6100 Zambezi 3.3GHz Socket AM3+ 95W Six-Core Desktop Processor FD6100WMGUSBX
http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16819103962
So maybe not everyone is a fan of AMD. I understand; Intel has been the top dog of the business for a long time. And I know the Phenom II series is the ultimate champion of the AMD line. But price to real world performance, these processors are awesome. A lot of people get the wrong idea when they look at the architecture of these processors, saying they’re not “true” hex-cores, but only triple-cores. This information is FALSE. It works like this, two cores are each given their own L2 cache and then are linked as a module to a single unit of L3 Cache. There are 3 Modules in an FX Six-core processor. This means you have 6 full fledged cores that work independently and only share L3 Cache.
So what? Why is that Important and what makes it comparable/better than an Intel? Well, when Intel uses its hyperthread technology, it essentially puts two threads, or processes, on a single core and maintains those processes on a single core. So while you have a little more resource per actual process, the process only gets worked on half the time as it shifts between each thread to maintain it.
I may be wrong, and I’m not afraid to say that, but from what I understand the FX processors have massive throughput; more than the Intel counterpart (the Intel side to this processor would probably be an i5-2400 or even i5-2500k because of overclock ability). I wouldn’t say it would beat it’s Intel counterpart in just gaming, and it hasn’t shown its true light in benchmark tests, but it is unrivaled in video rendering and converting and other, single process, high demand applications. And for only $115 (over $100 LESS than a 2500k), this processor is a done deal.
This build is only if you’re NOT looking forward to Piledriver, AMD’s FX-Vishera processors which are due within the next quarter. When those are released, the prices on Zambezi cores are going to drop like rocks, so playing the waiting game on this one might serve you right.
Here's the rest of the build!
