Saturday, September 24th 2011

AMD FX 8150 Looks Core i7-980X and Core i7 2600K in the Eye: AMD Benchmarks

The bets are off, it looks like Intel is in for a price-performance shock with AMD's Bulldozer, after all. In the press deck of AMD FX Processor series leaked by DonanimHaber ahead of its launch, AMD claims huge performance leads over Intel. To sum it up, AMD claims that its AMD FX 8150 processor is looking Intel's Core i7-980X in the eye in game tests, even edging past it in some DirectX 11 titles.

It is performing on par with the Core i7-2600K in several popular CPU benchmarks such as WinRAR 4, X.264 pass 2, Handbrake, 7Zip, POV Ray 3.7, ABBYY OCR, wPrime 32M, and Bibble 5.0. AMD FX 8150 is claimed to be genuinely benefiting from the FMA4 instruction set that Sandy Bridge lacks, in the OCL Performance Mandelbrot test, the FX 8150 outperforms the i7-2600K by as much as 70%. Lastly, the pricing of the FX 8150 is confirmed to be around the $250 mark. Given this, and the fact that the Core i7-2600K is priced about $70 higher, Intel is in for a price-performance shock.
Source: DonanimHaber
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854 Comments on AMD FX 8150 Looks Core i7-980X and Core i7 2600K in the Eye: AMD Benchmarks

#226
AhokZYashA
im sure that 8 core intel chips trumps 16 core AMD.

end of story
Posted on Reply
#227
Damn_Smooth
AhokZYashAim sure that 8 core intel chips trumps 16 core AMD.

end of story
That just proves your ignorance.
Posted on Reply
#228
entropy13
This I guess is proof why for all intents and purposes AMD is actually doing very badly in the processor front, compared to the video card front.

With their GPUs, they're able to compare their next-gen with the competition's (Nvidia's) next-gen, or more obviously their current-gen is comparable to the competition's current-gen.

In the CPUs, they're essentially only making their next-gen comparable to the current-gen of the competition (Intel).
Posted on Reply
#229
Damn_Smooth
entropy13This I guess is proof why for all intents and purposes AMD is actually doing very badly in the processor front, compared to the video card front.

With their GPUs, they're able to compare their next-gen with the competition's (Nvidia's) next-gen, or more obviously their current-gen is comparable to the competition's current-gen.

In the CPUs, they're essentially only making their next-gen comparable to the current-gen of the competition (Intel).
Bulldozer is meant to compete with SB, Piledriver is meant to compete with IB. What's the issue?
Posted on Reply
#230
AhokZYashA
the issue is with AMD is unable to compete with SB

at least in the raw core performance
Posted on Reply
#231
entropy13
Damn_SmoothBulldozer is meant to compete with SB, Piledriver is meant to compete with IB. What's the issue?
And Bulldozer was released more than 6 months ago? :rolleyes:



Although Nvidia wasn't quick as well with the 400 and 500 series, the "time-delay" between their and AMD's respective "current-gens" aren't as far apart as Bulldozer is to Sandy Bridge.


And as an additional point, with AMD comparing the FX 8150 to the Core i7-980X would be akin to Nvidia comparing the GTX 480 to the HD 4870X2, which they didn't do, unless you considering "HD 5870" as corresponding to "HD 4870X2"...
Posted on Reply
#232
Melvis
Hyper threading is basically a virtual "core" So when i see a BD chip going head to head to a 6 core and 6 virtual "core" (12 cores total) 980X i think that pretty dam impressive and for quarter of the price.
Posted on Reply
#233
Goodman
newtekie1Only in the short term. I would prefer that AMD get their asses in gear and actually start to compete with Intel on the high end, and that won't happen if they need 8 cores just to compete with 4. So if that trend continues they will need 16 cores to compete with Intel's planned 8. And with their much lower profit margins, they will have far less R&D funds, and will only continue to fall behind until they can't compete. I personally don't want to see that.
You argue like you want to go back to AMD so bad....
Don't worry it hardly shows...;)
Posted on Reply
#234
Damn_Smooth
AhokZYashAthe issue is with AMD is unable to compete with SB

at least in the raw core performance
And that matters how? I don't care what's inside the CPU as long as it performs. It's stupid to say that what is inside the CPU is more important than how the CPU performs.
Posted on Reply
#235
mastrdrver
newtekie1So... Your argument is the 2600K isn't a 4 core processor. If you believe that, you shouldn't be in a discussion about processors. Sorry, the 2600K is a 4 core. Just because each core can do two things at once doesn't mean they are magically considered 2 cores. I can type and chew gum at the same time, I'm not two people.
No, my argument is that 2600k will sometime perform like the cheaper 2500k. So is it more about a broken architecture or more about well threaded programs?
AhokZYashAthe 2600k IS a 4 core CPU, but it has HyperThreading which exists since the P4 era.
that doubles the amount of thread in each core.

that said 2600k have 4 physical cores.

but the BD have 4 integer cores and 8 physical cores inside their hood
BD has 8 integers, 4 FPUs.

2600k has extra decoders to help with threading (if I remember correctly).

It's about getting more threaded performance for the die space. In either case the better the program (important part here) is written for multi threading, the better performing the 2600k and the 8 core BD will be over the 2500k.

When it comes to performance over 2500k, then BD wins every time (if the price is correct which I'm not sure it is).
MelvisHyper threading is basically a virtual "core" So when i see a BD chip going head to head to a 6 core and 6 virtual "core" (12 cores total) 980X i think that pretty dam impressive and for quarter of the price.
While I agree on this (the performance part not so much the virtual core part), it also proves my point of multi thread processors need programs that take advantage of them or you end up with a CPU (AMD or Intel) that performs like a cheaper version.
Posted on Reply
#236
newtekie1
Semi-Retired Folder
MelvisHyper threading is basically a virtual "core" So when i see a BD chip going head to head to a 6 core and 6 virtual "core" (12 cores total) 980X i think that pretty dam impressive and for quarter of the price.
Couple problems.

The virtual cores don't really do a whole lot of work, the processor is still has 6 physical cores to do the work, and they can only do the work of 6 physical cores. No matter what it appears to the OS.

The BD chip doesn't go head to head with the 980x, it barely touches the 980x in multithreaded apps, and the 980x is a generation old. The BD really goes head to head with the 2600K for pretty much the same price.
GoodmanYou argue like you want to go back to AMD so bad....
Don't worry it hardly shows...;)
If you hadn't noticed, I do own an AMD rig(actually several, just only one in the 4 primary machines I use). And in the next few weeks I'll be replacing another one of my Intel rigs with an AMD because for what it is used for, AMD is a better buy.
mastrdrverNo, my argument is that 2600k will sometime perform like the cheaper 2500k. So is it more about a broken architecture or more about well threaded programs?
Really, because you pretty clear said:
mastrdrverThe 2600k is not a 4 core since it can handle 8 threads
Your lack of knowledge on how HT works, and how closely the 2600K performs to the 2500K really shows. Even in the best coded multi-threaded apps, the 2600K only gets a relatively small boost thanks to HT.
Posted on Reply
#237
Goodman
newtekie1If you hadn't noticed, I do own an AMD rig(actually several, just only one in the 4 primary machines I use). And in the next few weeks I'll be replacing another one of my Intel rigs with an AMD because for what it is used for, AMD is a better buy.
Than why are you still arguing about how "bad" AMD 8 cores is?
If the price & perform is real , it will be a good CPU for the price IHO no matter how many cores it has
Posted on Reply
#238
mastrdrver
newtekie1Your lack of knowledge on how HT works, and how closely the 2600K performs to the 2500K really shows. Even in the best coded multi-threaded apps, the 2600K only gets a relatively small boost thanks to HT.
If the 2600k is a 4 core then why doesn't it perform exactly like a 2500k? Because of extra hardware enabled so it can handle more threads.

Sorry for poorly chosen words. My point was pointing out that saying that the 2600k is just a 4 core CPU is misleading since it can handle 8 threads. It is more then just a 4 core (4 core plus extra hardware) otherwise it would perform like the 2500k since it could only handle 4 threads like the 2500k.

I prefer to compare performance based on number of threads a CPU can handle. Cores are misleading (I think) because you leave out the ability of some CPUs to handle more threads (therefore) and allow them to perform better in certain circumstances.

Example:
If a program only does 4 threads, then both BD and 2600k look bad from an architecture and price standpoint (compared to a 2500k). The more threads the program can do, the greater the potential for BD and 2600k to distance themselves from the 2500k and provide a better price/performance. The closer the program relies on more actual "core hardware" the better the BD architecture should distance itself from SB. At this point, it really depends on how well the program is written to take advantage of the architecture. Lean either way (BD or SB) and one will perform better then the other.

If anything, I hope this will drive down Intel's 32nm Westmere prices so I can move up to a 6 core 1366 CPU for even less. That's my hope.
Posted on Reply
#239
bear jesus
I think AMD marketing its 4 modules as 8 cores is really biting them in the butt when it comes to some people.

Going by all the information AMD has released they really are just dual threaded cores with enough extra non shared hardware that AMD felt it suitable to market as separate cores thus some people think each "core" should be better than they are.

What makes me laugh though is that when it comes to average consumers the whole 8 core thing will go down well and lend it's self great to marketing use so as far as mass market goes it will probably be a good thing but it's the people who should know better that just can't seam to accept the architecture for what it is.
Posted on Reply
#240
Melvis
newtekie1Couple problems.

The virtual cores don't really do a whole lot of work, the processor is still has 6 physical cores to do the work, and they can only do the work of 6 physical cores. No matter what it appears to the OS.

The BD chip doesn't go head to head with the 980x, it barely touches the 980x in multithreaded apps, and the 980x is a generation old. The BD really goes head to head with the 2600K for pretty much the same price.
Then whats the point of hyper threading then???

Far as i know a virtual core is about 25% of a normal cores performance, it mimics the core.

Well we dont know that with 100% as none of the tests show that, only against he 2600K and it wins half losses half.

We need some better benches to see how it realy all turns out. So far im happy been a AMD user i can now get a CPU upgrade to be on par with others from the other camp for cheaper, win win for me.
Posted on Reply
#241
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
  • FX 8150 vs. i7-990X, FX 8150 performs well: Boohoo, 980X is slower than SB
  • FX 8150 vs. i7-2600K (SB), FX 8150 performs well: Boohoo, that's an unfair 8 core vs. 4 core comparison
Posted on Reply
#242
Mussels
Freshwater Moderator
so to get what some people are saying straight: is bulldozer using AMD's version of hyper threading, or are they all 'real' cores?

i think thats what i've seen people argue about a few times now
Posted on Reply
#243
btarunr
Editor & Senior Moderator
Musselsso to get what some people are saying straight: is bulldozer using AMD's version of hyper threading, or are they all 'real' cores?

i think thats what i've seen people argue about a few times now
OK, imagine the lulz if AMD marketed Bulldozer as an SMT quad-core chip (4c/8t) instead. Bulldozer would have still gone on to beat i7-980X (6c/12t) in multi-threaded tests, and Intel would run for cover.
Posted on Reply
#244
nINJAkECIL
Musselsso to get what some people are saying straight: is bulldozer using AMD's version of hyper threading, or are they all 'real' cores?

i think thats what i've seen people argue about a few times now
They are indeed a real core (to be exact, an integer core. AMD has moved away from a "real core" marketing slogan and what we see as a "real core" right now).
4 module, each module has 2 integer core, and each integer core has its own L1 data cache, integer scheduler and integer datapath, while sharing L2 and L3 cache between integer core in one module.

This is the best die shot I have on BD architecture:

Posted on Reply
#245
mastrdrver
btarunr
  • FX 8150 vs. i7-990X, FX 8150 performs well: Boohoo, 980X is slower than BD
  • FX 8150 vs. i7-2600K (SB), FX 8150 performs well: Boohoo, BD is slower then SB
Fixed that for you. ;)
Musselsso to get what some people are saying straight: is bulldozer using AMD's version of hyper threading, or are they all 'real' cores?

i think thats what i've seen people argue about a few times now
Neither. It's the difference between SMT and CMT.
Posted on Reply
#246
seronx
Bulldozer(2011) => Piledriver(2012) => Steamroller(2013)
Competes with
Haswell(2013) -> Haswell(2013) -> Haswell(2013)

and 8-cores Sandy Bridge-EP vs 16-core Interlagos

Interlagos wins the price and power brackets at being $1400~ below and below 150~ watts while maintaining Intel's $5000 and above performance bracket

Server market is much more diluted than the Desktop market
---
Also, these benchmarks/demos weren't done by AMD...just telling
Posted on Reply
#247
heky
btarunrOK, imagine the lulz if AMD marketed Bulldozer as an SMT quad-core chip (4c/8t) instead. Bulldozer would have still gone on to beat i7-980X (6c/12t) in multi-threaded tests, and Intel would run for cover.
Buahahahaha, you have got to be joking right. Or am i blind? In which multithreaded test did BD beat I7-980X(which is more than a year old now)? Your comments are a joke. Mean no disrespect, but seriously, wtf.

Oh and lets not forget, that AMD also uses higher clock speeds, so that means more cores with higher clocks, for less performance. Well done AMD.:shadedshu
Posted on Reply
#248
Nesters
Well, at least AMD has gotten one gen closer to Intel.
Posted on Reply
#249
YautjaLord
BTW: 2 all those that say 2600K outperforms 980X (let alone 990X) - i think it's on a contrary: don't remember @ which sites, but in most cases 990X & 980X outperform the afformentioned CPU stock & OC'd; in games & synthetic benchies i think it's better than 2600K excluding apps that specifically desingend for SB if there's any. No fanboy s*** on my side, but this Westmere 980/990X is still heck of CPU compared to SB; not that 2500/2600K's are bad: if i had enough ca$h i would buy one BD-based gaming rig & one SB/SB-E-based rig & than pit one gainst the other to see which beats the f*** out of the other. :laugh:

Regardless of what i said above, these news completely acceptable by me, since this is how i hoped the BD (this FX-8150) will fair out. Now the only thing left to know is how it'll run when paired with C5F, Sabertooth 990FX or any other 990FX/X-based mobo, 2x4GB DDR3 1600MHz RAM, 2xGTX 4xx/5xx or 2xHD 6xxx, 1kW+ PSU & fast HDD or SSD & tested here. If you'll pit it (FX-8150) gainst both 990X & 2600K - ace. :toast:

P.S. Is there a CPU-based Photoshop benchie to test multithreading? I might check this one out once i'll buy this CPU; probably end of October/middle of November.
Posted on Reply
#250
Crap Daddy
This is a marketing smokescreen by AMD. The funny/sad part is that they present the FX as the ultimate gaming chip and they fail to confirm this in all those slides. Comparisons are made with their own Phenom and a general presentation comparing it with an Intel last gen chip (by the way, discontinued) which is proven to be under the current Sandy Bridge generation in gaming. Furthermore we don't know if they used an xfire setup or a medium class single GPU since this might alter drastically the results.

Anyway, BD has to be better than Phenom II x6 otherwise what's the purpose? It's 315 mm2 die size compared to Sandy's 216 mm2 (on which we also have an IGP) should provide some performance, isn't it?
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