AMD Unleashed: Four CPUs, Two GPUs, All Overclocked

Benchmark Results: 3DMark Vantage

Synthetics: 3DMark Vantage

First, we'll take a look at the synthetic tests and then move on to the more important games and application benchmarks. 3DMark Vantage was run with both graphics cards, and we’ll start by looking at the Radeon HD 4870.

Notice that GPU scores remain fairly even under all four stock processors, with a boost realized from overclocking the GPU. However, the CPU scores are vastly different, and greatly favor the extra processor cores (we know that synthetics tend to push the latest technology, so it's no surprise that 3DMark is optimized for threading).

It's also no shock that the most scaling in the overall suite score takes place under the Performance preset, where CPU performance has a greater impact. But this lead for the quad-core CPUs disappears at the Extreme presets, when the GPU is pushed harder and the overall score is based even more on the GPU.

We again see vastly different CPU scores for these processors, but notice that with the Radeon HD 4870 X2, there is now significant CPU scaling seen in the performance preset GPU score itself.

If this synthetic is any prediction of performance in the latest or future games, we would expect to see the Athlon 7750, and even the Phenom X4 9950BE, negatively impacting a gaming experience when paired with such a high-end GPU like the Radeon HD 4870 X2. The message boils down to the importance of building balanced platforms.

  • setting aside 1366 and AM3

    In 2 or 3 years when QX9770 chips start showing up for $250-$300.

    Will AMD have a cheaper socket AM2+ compatible chip on the market that will outperform it?

    If so, AMD would be a nice alternative.
    Reply
  • setting aside 1366 and AM3

    In 2 or 3 years when QX9770 chips start showing up for $250-$300.

    Will AMD have a cheaper socket AM2+ compatible chip on the market that will outperform it?

    If so, AMD would be a nice alternative.
    Reply
  • In 2 or 3 years Intel will have 16 cores on a single cpu, and amd tech will, as always, be useless, outdated, and worthless... Just like they are now.
    Reply
  • radguy
    So did I miss somthing or where does it say what each of these processors is overclocked to. I get that the p2 x3 720be is at 3.67 but what about the rest of them. Am I missing it somewhere (very possible) or do I have to look back at your previous articles to figure it out? shouldn't that be on the test systems and configuration page. I am trying to sort through the data.
    Reply
  • dirtmountain
    Nice article Paul and some exhaustive work! Don't overlook the 780G/SB710 that also feature ACC for a price of $72
    http://www.newegg.com/Product/Product.aspx?Item=N82E16813157154
    making the Phenom2 x3 720 a viable option in the SBM budget category. I'm also going to be curious about the new Phenom2 x2 and Athlon2 x2 processors that are coming out June 2nd.
    Reply
  • apache_lives
    Has anyone noticed the benchmarks for the i5's on anandtech yet?
    Reply
  • nerrawg
    Great article guys - love the comparisons to the SBM machines - really gives some insight into CPU and GPU scaling and how much to spend on your processor versus your graphics for gaming builds. Thanks!
    Reply
  • Sihastru
    apache_livesHas anyone noticed the benchmarks for the i5's on anandtech yet?
    I did. Considering the pricing scheme of the i5 (so close to AMD) and it's high performance numbers (so close to the i7) AMD is in big trouble.

    Intel will shift all the processors that are now under the i7 (even if the 920 is rumored to become EOL, one step down on it's portfolio, which means high end Intel dual cores, will go into or under the mainstream, where AMD already has a hard time.

    This doesn't make me very happy, even if I am an Intel fanboy. Aggressive pricing schemes are overrated. AMD needs something new. Now.
    Reply
  • DjEaZy
    ... BIG THX to the Tom's crew... was not so hard after all? ... now, thx to YOU, we have a info about intel, nVidia and AMD/ATi solutions... how they stack up in price/performance/cost of ownership... NICELY DONE!!!
    Reply
  • erdinger
    Yes thanks, many people complained in the system builder marathon and you listened to the complaints... great.
    Reply