Duel of the Titans: Opteron vs. Xeon

Multitasking: 3D Studio Max 5.1 And Main Concept 1.3

The multitasking benchmark shows that Intel's Hyper-Threading technology has not yet been perfected.

Conclusion: Linux Servers Smile, And Workstations Worry

In the extensive benchmark tests under Linux Enterprise Server 8 (32 bit as well as 64 bit), the AMD Opteron made a good impression. Especially in the server disciplines, the benchmarks (MySQL, Whetstone, ARC 2D, NPB, etc.) show quite clearly that the Dual Opteron puts the Dual Xeon in its place.

It looks a bit different in the workstation tests, where the Dual Xeon manages to overtake the Opteron team. However, these results are only included because the Dual Opteron will also be available as a workstation option. They give us an interesting picture of the performance of the Opterons compared to desktop CPUs like Athlon XP and Intel P4.

Opteron made a good start out of the blocks - even though AMD left it very late to get its systems into reviewers' hands. With a good showing in the 64 bit arena, albeit with limited benchmarks, AMD has come some way towards regaining the confidence of its supporters. Now, the company can hammer home the key selling point of this strategic move. Compatibility for existing x86 software is going to be the main mantra for AMD. This will save developers and companies money, especially in the business sector. Migrating to 64 bit can therefore take place gradually and only as required. Whether there is enough demand for migration is another matter entirely.