64-Bit Systems for Every Budget
Dual-core isn't the only new chip technology to go mainstream--64-bit computing has entered prime time as well. This summer AMD and Intel, respectively, introduced 64-bit versions of their Sempron and Celeron CPUs--chips usually confined to the least expensive budget PCs.
We ran WorldBench 5 on two machines from Polywell: the MiniBox 915Gx-336, running a 2.8-GHz Intel Celeron D 336 CPU, and the MiniBox 900Ax-3100, running a 1.8-GHz AMD Sempron 3100+ CPU. Both PCs sell for $699 and have similar hardware configurations. The one with the AMD chip, despite its much lower clock speed, scored 82 on WorldBench 5, outperforming the Intel-based computer by over 9 percent.
Each test system relied on integrated video (ATI and Intel, respectively, for the Sempron-and Celeron-based PCs), so we didn't expect high graphics scores. Our near-identical results (see chart) indicate that neither PC would excel at gaming.
As our tests indicate, 64-bit processors won't significantly boost the performance of value PCs. Most low-end PCs (and even high-end desktop machines, for that matter) aren't intended to take advantage of a 64-bit system's ability to run on 4GB of RAM, and they don't usually come with a 64-bit-aware operating system like Windows XP Professional x64 Edition. So why are AMD and Intel introducing these chips for low-end systems now?
Intel spokesperson Dan Snyder says there are two reasons. First, Intel is looking to the future and is working to standardize its "whole product line on 64-bit technology, from top to bottom." Second, he says Intel has received requests for the chips from the computer manufacturers it works with.
AMD's Jonathan Seckler offers a similar explanation: "Enterprises and midsize businesses that already use 64-bit hardware and software want to standardize all of their PCs on the same technology."
Prices for AMD's Sempron CPUs range from $60 for a 1.5-GHz Sempron 2200+ to $129 for the 2-GHz Sempron 3300+, purchased online. The six new 64-bit Intel Celeron D processors range in price from $145 for the 1.5-GHz Celeron D 326 chip to $351 for the 3.2-GHz Celeron D 351.
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