2.
This is where the confusing begins...This is to clarify.
A64 X2 3600+ is a reasonably affordable dual-core that will come THIS year. Its basically a X2 3800+ with half the cache size. The idea is to compete with the existing Pentium-D line AND the affordable Conroe variant (Core 2 Duo E4200, 1.6Ghz).
Next year (2007), AMD will officially release a budget dual-core solution that is unofficially referred to as "Sempron X2". As long as you have a Socket AM2 mobo, you'll be fine.
In the meantime, AMD will drop prices in the next 2 to 3 weeks. The A64 X2 3800+ will drop by approx 40% in price. (based on per 1000 units in US Dollars). They will also introduce "Energy Efficient" variants. (TDP of 65W instead of the usual 89W). These will be slightly more expensive than the 89W models.
There is also a "Energy Efficient Small Form Factor" version of the X2 3800+, this has a TDP of 35W. The price is expected to be about the same as current X2 3800+.
So they will drop the price of current X2 3800+ (89W) by about 40%, introduce low power versions (65W and 35W) that are more expensive, and the 35W version will be priced the same as the older 89W version BEFORE the price drop.
Simply put, do NOT buy or build a new PC now. Wait until after Core 2 Duo/Solo series is out and that AMD have implemented their price cuts in response to Intel. That's when you save money! :-)
[Posted by: 124 | Date: 07/11/06 05:47:49 PM]