Thoughts
Overclocking a CPU using nothing more than default voltage can often yield useful information about a CPU's current headroom. Other factors come into play, surely, but empirical research has shown that a review CPU's potential is often very similar to OEM or retail processors that follow in the few weeks after an official launch. Our Model 3200+ managed 2.2GHz at default voltage. The 3400+, however, was steady as the proverbial rock at 2.38GHz. That's with the stock AMD air-assisted cooler. That bodes well for AMD. We're not seeing the massive percentage overclocks that are synonymous with the Northwood line, but we're seeing steady increases in yields. That's exactly what we'd hope for over time. 2.5GHz upwards should be achievable with extra voltage and cooling.There's very little new information we've learned in our time with AMD's Model 3400+. All of our discourse on the 3200+ suggested that it would be an excellent choice for the gamer with a large budget. Better than the Pentium 4 3.2GHz ?. Yes, subjectively speaking. We're happy that AMD has pushed the consumer-level envelope again, and done so in 2003. What we now hope for is slower and, more importantly, cheaper Athlon 64 CPUs. The Model 3000+ is probably a more interesting proposition from most enthusiasts' point of view. We're adamant that AMD needs a Model 2800+ too. We can discuss the 3400+'s merits all day long. However, we don't have to hand two of the criteria that will probably determine how well it's received in the marketplace; price and availability.
Like any company, a CPU's fundamentals need to be sound. The Model 3400+'s are. Performance in spades, at least two chipsets with solid, stable support and a third on the way, clever engineering through Cool'n'Quiet technology (when it works. It's up to motherboard manufacturers to ensure boards are compliant), and cheaper models on the horizon make it, for us, the CPU of 2003. We've purposely not discussed the 64-bit elements of the CPU until there's enough software and support for us to conduct a full investigation. 2004 will provide that. AMD has laid down the gauntlet. It's only going to get bigger with the imminent arrival of the 939-pin SledgeHammer CPU. Intel needs to respond - it always does. As they say, the performance ball is now firmly in Intel's court. 2004 should be just as exciting. We can't genuinely wait.
- Contingent on pricing and availability
Bottom line - If you can afford and justify it, and if it's available soon, only a fearsome Prescott performance will stop in inexorable march of AMD's 32- and 64-bit CPUs. Our next stop will be a Model 3400+ strapped underneath a Prometeia Mach II - stay tuned.
By this CPU here for under £320 including VAT!
