CPU:AMD Athlon XP 3200+ Review (Barton Core) :: Final Thoughts

AMD has come up with a winner as the new combination of chipset upgrade and the 3200+ equaling a solid platform that almost keeps up with the new 3.0GHz P4 running as well at a 800MHz FSB. You really do have to take into consideration the real CPU core speeds of the CPU's as the P4 is actually a 3.0GHz chip the 3200+ is actually a 2.2GHz CPU that performs awfully close to Intel's latest weapon.

Personally I think the AMD platform has dived a bit as far as popularity goes due in no small part to Intel's grand scale marketing machine and the introduction of Hyper-Threading technology, that in addition to both a new CPU and the new Canterwood i875P chipset. AMD can recover they just need an infusion of new blood into their desktop platform to gain momentum again and take back some well needed market share.

Gamers and enthusiasts looking for a fast and usually more affordable platform seek solace with the AMD team and its partner groups as it works well, is compatible with most peripherals/software and hey the underdog always gets a bit of a fan following in any arena right? Most people usually only have a few programs operating at once and do not jump from program to program like artists or other professional who use multiple programs in unison of each other, which is what eats at a systems overall performance and is what is commonly known as multitasking.

The only complaint I could lodge about the AMD platform is that multitasking gets a bit strained when compared to the Intel platform, don't get me wrong the Intel platform starts to slow down a bit when multitasking as well it just seems to take a bit longer for the Intel platform to lose its steam. Memory management plays a key role in this as every time you open and start running an application more memory is being allotted to run that app further taking away from the systems total memory which eventually just runs out. Intel systems manage memory better sorry to anyone that offends but if you play around with both platforms you will agree as well.

This really will not be a problem for most users in any case who will play assorted games, check some email and listen to some cool tunes. Photoshop, AutoCAD and other 3D rendering and designing programs are what really eat up your memory and the common desktop jockey or jockette will probably never even see these programs. Overall AMD has a success story in the 3200+ and from what has been seen so far the new chipset features as well making for a viable platform to be had from the Boyz over in Texas. Their R&D is probably happy about now as the 3200+ seems to be a performance powerhouse that breaks new ground for AMD.

The 3D scores were exceedingly good which will appeal to the gamer crowd where frame rate is everything and even a little better is still better. In the end all you AMD fans will be buying AMD and the Intel group will still be buying Intel. I can say this though do not let the AMD name detour you form buying something with their moniker on it as they make a solid product and have many people supporting them worldwide. They have come a long way and now are venturing into Intel infested water called the server market where Intel has dominated for a long time. Will AMD be able to take the proverbial bull by the horns in the server market? Well I wish them luck and so far their new Opteron platform is showing great promise so maybe they have a shot.

Doc out