Just like the Windsors rule England, AMD’s Windsor processors may rule the computer world. The Athlon 64 X2 6000+ runs at 3.0GHz per core, and each core’s power is bolstered by 1MB of L2 cache. The dual core architecture means multi-tasking and multi-threading without sharing clock cycles, so you get faster performance. Individual L1 and L2 caches for each core along with HyperTransport technology increase performance by giving each core a dedicated cache of memory and reducing I/O bottlenecks by increasing bandwidth and reducing latency.
The 64-bit design keeps you going now and into the future. The AMD64 technology is compatible with existing software and enables a seamless transition to the 64-bit applications of the future. This technology allows end users to take advantage of new innovations such as real-time encryption, more life-like games, accurate speech interfaces, cinema-quality graphic effects, and easy-to-use video and audio editing.
This processor is an integral part of AMD LIVE! This new feature from AMD will turn your PC into an entertainment platform second to none. Watch videos or TV in one room while streaming music into another. Your system will become a true media center with music, movies, and photos all organized and able to be shared amongst all of your connected equipment.
AMD64 Dual-core TechnologyAMD64 is designed to enable simultaneous 32 and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. With dual-core technology there are two complete processor cores in one physical package running at the same frequency to deliver TRUE multi-tasking power, allowing users to switch from one program to another without pausing for the computer to catch up and reducing annoying processing pauses.
HyperTransport TechnologyHyperTransport Technology (HT or HTT) is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link designed to increase communication speeds between integrated circuits in computers, servers, embedded systems, and networking and telecommunications equipment. With HT technology the AMD Athlon 64 X2 6000+ Dual-core processor enjoys 2000MHz system bus speeds.
Enhanced Virus ProtectionAll AMD processors equipped with AMD64 technology are Enhanced Virus Protection-enabled. Enhanced virus protection acts as a preventative measure causing viruses to be localized, short-lived, and non-contagious, eventually being flushed from system memory.
AMD VirtualizationVirtualization on desktop computers allows a single PC to act like multiple virtual machines. AMD Virtualization can enable client computers to seamlessly support multiple operating environments. And it also helps make it easier for PC enthusiasts to upgrade and maintain their PCs through emulation.
CNQ: Cool'n'Quiet TechnologyAMD's Cool'n'Quiet technology is an innovative solution available on AMD Athlon 64 processor-based systems that can effectively lower power consumption and enable a quieter-running system while delivering performance-on-demand.
Pros: I built a system using this processor and a Gigabyte M59SLI-S5 board with Raid (10K drives) and Good DDR 800 Memory. I was able to overclock it to 3.22GHZ and it ran very stable. Sandra reports it Faster than a E6600 by a few Percent and less than 3% slower than a E6700 (which I own as well)and less than 12% slower than the E6800. There is no need to wait for then next processor as this one is very fast and shoudl mee thte needs of almost anyone with the exception of Hard Core Gamers. The price is excellent same as the E6600 its direct competitor and benches within a percent or two and the Memory performance of this processor is a good 30% better than the Intel Processor The Motherboards are cheaper and have more features than their Intel counterparts. AMD can now compete with Intel in the Mid-range processors.
Cons: I wish it was a 65nm processor and had 2MB per Processor instead of 1MB as this would probably put it on Par with the Intels
Overall Review: When I look at it now AMD has the X2 5400+ to go against the E6300. The X2 5600+ to go against the E6400 and the 6000+ to go against the E6600. The performance difference is very small around 5% which I think could be overcome by speending the 50-100 buck or so you save on the motherboard on a better Video card, Memory or both making the AMD system a better deal. I know Intel fans will balk at this but a 5% or less difference between the processors at the same price points make the performance argument nonexistant. The average and even many experienced users would not be able to tell the difference. Th eonly place Intel really wins is with the E6700 and UP and this is where the cost of the processor get out of wack.