Value

Throughout 2007, AMD has instituted price drops across their Athlon 64 X2 line, resulting in some very attractive values. Of course, Intel has followed suit and we have many prime contenders in the sub-$200 range. The Athlon 64 X2 5600+ is priced at approximately $150, and competitive AMD models include the Athlon 64 X2 5200+ ($130), 5400+ ($140), 6000+ ($170) and 6400+ ($250), while Intel offers the Core 2 Duo E6300 ($175), E6400 ($200), E6750 ($200), and E6600 ($225) models as well as the Core 2 Quad Q6600 ($275).

Intel and their Core 2 Duo might own the performance crown, but have little to compete with at the $150 range, as even the baseline 1.86 GHz Core 2 Duo E6300 is priced at $175 or more. AMD offers excellent price-performance ratios on their sub-$200 range of processors, and the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ provides an exceptional value for new system purchases or even upgrades.

* Please note that these prices were taken at the time of review and are not meant to reflect long-term trends.

Conclusion

AMD may be taking it on the chin at the enthusiast level of the desktop processor market, where the Core 2 reigns supreme, but the Athlon 64 X2 does offer a ton of value at the all-important $125-$175 price range. One of the bright spots is certainly the Athlon 64 X2 5600+, which checks in at 2.8 GHz for the bargain basement price of only $150. It also features a 2x1MB dual core architecture and an 89W TDP, as well as supporting easy upgrades on the Socket AM2 platform. We'll have to wait for the upcoming Phenom to see if AMD can knock Intel off its high-end perch, but for now, the Athlon 64 X2 5600+ offers mainstream buyers a lot of value.

Pros:

• Low Retail Price
• Socket AM2 Upgrade Compatible
• 89W Max Thermal Power

Cons:

• Outperformed by $200-$300 Core 2 Duo/Quad CPUs

Ratings: