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Review
AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 Launch Review
by Bubba
"MasterFung" Wolford
Introduction
 It
seems like yesterday that AMD
and I were talking about product launches in 2004. I can remember
that after looking over both Intel and AMD’s roadmaps,
I was not expecting too much action in 2004. At least not
early in the year, perhaps a bit more action in the 2nd half
of 04. So far, I have not been correct. It’s been busy
with CPU launches and my guts (and time schedule) are telling
me that the wars are just heating up.
Today, AMD is introducing their most
powerful CPU ever, the Athlon FX-53. You might recall that
it was just a few weeks ago Intel launched their newest new
flagship in the 3.40GHz Extreme Edition (EE) Pentium 4. As
expected, the 3.40GHz EE is quite powerful but still, had
to justify with the $1000 price tag. With AMD launching their
counter to the 3.40GHz EE, we decided to set these two CPUs
head to head and see which one owns the CPU crown.
Athlon 64 FX-53: Breaking the 2.20GHz
barrier
Since we have previously introduced
the P4 EE, let’s meet the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53. As with
other CPU launches, it’s important to view the spec sheet
so let’s have a look:
Key Athlon
64 FX-53 Technical Specifications:
- L1 Cache Size: 64KB data + 64KB
instruction = 128KB Total
- L2 Cache Size: 1MB (exclusive)
- CPU Core Frequency: 2.40GHz
- CPU to Memory Controller: 2.40GHz
- Memory: Integrated 128-bit wide
memory controller
- Types of Memory: PC1600, PC2100,
PC2700 and PC3200 Registered DDR memory
- HyperTransport Links: 1
- Packaging: 940-pin ceramic micro
PGA
- Fab location: AMD's Fab 30 wafer
fabrication facility in Dresden, Germany
- Process Technology: 130nm (.13-micron)
Silicon on Insulator (SOI)
- Approximate Transistor count: 105.9
million
- Approximate Die Size: 193mm squared
- Nominal Voltage: 1.50 V
- Max Ambient Case Temp: 70 degrees
Celsius
- Max Thermal Power: 89 W
- Max Icc (processor current): 57.4A
The first part of the FX-53 tech spec
that caught my eye was the GHz speed of the ’53. Yes,
this is the first time AMD has been over 2.20GHz! While some
might not think this is a monumental step, let me tell you
that it is. AMD has done everything short of climbing over
2.20GHz.
 Given
the integrated 128-bit memory controller, the 1MB of L2 cache,
HyperTransport and 64-bit processing, the FX offers a great
deal of bang already. Getting over that 2.20GHz barrier is
a good step for AMD. They have taken some heat for being “stuck”
for some time, congrats to them for moving on.
The next big move for AMD will be
to get on to .90nm (.09 micron) as Intel has done with Prescott.
Hopefully, AMD is taking notes on Intel’s troubles with
.09-micron and can figure out how to keep that heat down.
AMD’s schedule for movement has
them moving to a new package down the road. Currently, the
chip is 940-pin which also requires the use of registered
DDR. If you looking at a FX solution, you cannot forget that
you must use registered DDR! This is certainly one drawback
of the FX. Registered DDR is typically more expensive and
since no other consumer desktop system uses registered DDR,
it likely going to be a one time systems use unless you plan
to pickup an MP or Xeon based server system.
Of course most of us don’t just
toss PCs to the road, so even if you don’t ever plan
to use your registered DDR in another system, you are going
to be happy with your FX system for quite some time.
As always, we want to remind you that
when buying an AMD system, it is very important to check their
web site for validated parts. AMD makes it easy with links
from the product page. For your convenience, I have included
them below:
Please follow these guidelines like
a bible for using the FX. An older Athlon XP HSF won’t
fit an Athlon 64 chip… FX or otherwise. Anytime your
building a PC, make sure you do thorough due diligence!
Benchmarks
Enough with the chit chat, let’s
get on with the benchmarks! The true power of Athlon 64 is
in the performance.
System Setup: AMD
Setup
Computer also tested with:
- Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback
2 joystick
- Viewsonic 21" G810-2
- Windows XP RTM Professional SP1
System Setup: Intel
Setup
- Intel Pentium 4 3.40GHz “Extreme
Edition”
- Intel 875PBZ Motherboard
- Kingston 2 X 512MB (1.0GB) of PC3200
DDR RAM (400MHz DDR)
- ATI Radeon XT 9800 256MB
- 2 X Seagate 120GB SATA Hard Drives
7200K RPM (Raid 0)
- Creative Onboard sound
- Sony DVD ROM
- 3COM integrated NIC
Computer also tested with:
- Microsoft Sidewinder Force Feedback
2 joystick
- Viewsonic 21" G810-2
- Windows XP RTM Professional SP1
FRAPS 1.9d used for most benchmarks
and all Direct3D benchmarks. Frame rates are an estimate of
performance since none of these games have an exact frame
rate utility.
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