Coding Horror: Athlon X2: Dual Core Present

July 28, 2005

Athlon X2: Dual Core Present

I've talked about Multiple Core CPU Futures, but how about the dual core present?

Athlon X2 4800 and Task Manager

The Athlon 64 X2 is now widely available in both OEM and retail* packaging, ranging from the 4200+ to 4800+. AMD just released a cheaper Athlon 64 X2 3800+ at under $400. As a developer, you will not find a CPU that compiles code faster. In fact, it's not even close. So what are you waiting for? You'll certainly need something to counteract VS.NET 2005's higher system requirements.

* The retail package includes, by far, the best stock heatsink I've ever seen-- it's a thin-fin aluminum affair with copper inlay and two heatpipes. If you can get the retail box for not much more than the OEM, it's definitely worth it. And you get an AMD X2 sticker, too. A STICKER!

Posted by Jeff Atwood View blog reactions

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Comments

I so envy you :) I've been planning on taking the plunge for quite some time.
Btw, do I see correctly - you are NOT runnig 64 bit version of XP yet?

Drazen Dotlic on August 1, 2005 08:31 AM

> Btw, do I see correctly - you are NOT runnig 64 bit version of XP yet?

I am not. That's too bleeding edge for me; I'll let others be the guinea pigs on that one. Too many driver issues and subtle incompatibilities.

At any rate, you don't need 64-bit for the A64 to be fast. It's just a nice bonus to exploit a year or more from now when the 64-bit OS and driver situation is mature.

Jeff Atwood on August 1, 2005 11:24 AM

Oh man... a sticker..
You are one lucky son-of-a ...

mrpeabody on August 1, 2005 03:03 PM

I'd have said "You lucky bastard!". Because I'm Australian and it's socially acceptable to do so. :)

TristanK on August 2, 2005 02:27 AM