AMD FX-8150 Thoughts

Thinkbox · 05 Nov 2011

So, as of late i have only seen "Fail" and "Dissapointment" associated with AMD's new Bulldozer line, but after going thru a few reviews everyone will agree that it competes with the Core i5-2500k. but at the same time everyone says that the windows scheduler doesn't know what to do with the new AMD architecture, so it doesn't utilize it efficiently. So my question to all you Well thought forum users. if the AMD FX-8150 keeps up with the Core i5-2500k, but its not being used correctly by Windows... Wouldn't that leave to logic that the CPU with the correct instructions set in ( most likely a service pack update ) (( if it ever happens before the piledriver release )) would the AMD technically beat the Core i5 and i7?

im just looking for some thoughts, no flames please. also i hope i posted this in the right place.

Thanks for your time

smarteyeball · 05 Nov 2011

Theoretically, potentially; in some areas - Yes.

In reality? There will be some, but not all, advantages taken of the new AMD architecture. The status quo is likely to remain though. intel dominant in majority of areas, with AMD exceeding in a few areas. So far MS hasn't had that compelling a reason to focus as heavily on AMD as it has with intel.

W8 SP1 is a more realistic time frame for whatever 'full extent' they plan to develop. W7 SP2, perhaps a few key and easy tweaks but not the whole gamut.

Who knows, maybe a kernel/distro in linux land will be developed to harness the full power of the new AMD chips.

Unlikely - but never discount the passion of an intelligent and riled fan :)

pparks1 · 05 Nov 2011

I honestly think this scheduler thing is more of a fall back for AMD fans to hold out hope that the dominant chip they were promised was not a complete let down. It was supposed to kill everything in it's path and it only keeps up with midline Intel. I'm still totally disappointed and wouldn't hold my breath for major improvements. I'd guess by time Windows 8 and improvements are out, that Intel will have a whole new chip line.

Teerex · 05 Nov 2011

The letdown of Bulldozer stems from the low IPC, long pipeline, slow cache and it comes down to twice as many transistors using twice as much power doing the same amount of work as a price-comparable Sandy Bridge.

The only thing a more Bulldozer friendly scheduler does is allowing the CPU to Turbo harder, so it only alleviates the problem at the cost of higher power usage and thermal output.

There is a tutorial on the internet that outlines how to access the fine grain, hidden by default, Core Parking settings in Windows 7 plain vanilla Power Management. I suspect they might be used to help the poor Bulldozer, but I haven't seen anyone try it and I don't own a Bullguinea pig to try it myself.