Analysis: AMD mainstream CPU prices hit record lows in U.S. retail

Price/performance analysis

Graphically, the addition of the 5600+ and 6000+ did not have a huge impact on AMD's processors in our chart. They actually fit right in with the previous AMD processors, which indicates that they are priced just in line with all other X2 processors. In the graph, we can see that they actually don't really compete with Intel too much because Intel doesn't not have multiple processors with the comparable level of performance. (We need to note that we are still waiting for benchmark data for Intel's Core 2 Duo E6300 processor, which we will provide as soon as it is available to us.)

We have mentioned before that when we cut Intel into Pentium D and Core 2 divisions, AMD ends up getting sandwiched between those two processor families. That is especially the case this week. With the exception of the 5000+ and the E6400, which are touching each other on the graph, the three different sets of data are completely separated from one another.

Since it's the only processor for AMD with such a high performance level, the FX-72 has a huge impact on the high end of AMD's trendline. If it continues to fall in price like it's been doing for the past six weeks, it could actually start putting pressure on Intel on the high end. This is certainly something to be watching over the next weeks.

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Mark Raby
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Mark Raby is a freelance writer for Tom's Hardware, covering a wide range of topics, from video game reviews to detailed analyses of computer processors.