We all know that Smithfield is not as technically interesting as Toledo, AMD's alternative that is going to be launched by the 2H05. The obvious speculation leads us to believe that smithfield is probably too hot and too underperforming... But recently, a little more info has been leaked that shows that there might be at least one small advantage for them: Prices.
Smithfield 840 $528
Smithfield 830 $314
Smithfield 820 $240
<A HREF="http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20826" target="_new">(pricing info from the inquirer)</A>
In addition to that, Smithfield will be launched in <A HREF="http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20806" target="_new">late 2Q05</A>, which probably means it might get launched before toledo. (I wonder if it'll be another paper launch?... I also wonder if Intel could flood the market with 820s... and make it all sound as if it was their idea, not AMD's, and they haven't just slapped two cores together...)
This will mean a lot if, as we're told, AMD only gets dual-core Toledo Athlon FX processors with FX price tags (500+). I mean, a dual-core processor for $240 by july (if that schedule is to be believed in) might just make for an interesting product. The only problem is that you'll probably have to buy one hell of a powerful heatsink and fan for the processor.... And you'll spend extra money if you don't want it to sound like a jet engine...
Smithfield 840 $528
Smithfield 830 $314
Smithfield 820 $240
<A HREF="http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20826" target="_new">(pricing info from the inquirer)</A>
In addition to that, Smithfield will be launched in <A HREF="http://www.theinquirer.net/?article=20806" target="_new">late 2Q05</A>, which probably means it might get launched before toledo. (I wonder if it'll be another paper launch?... I also wonder if Intel could flood the market with 820s... and make it all sound as if it was their idea, not AMD's, and they haven't just slapped two cores together...)
This will mean a lot if, as we're told, AMD only gets dual-core Toledo Athlon FX processors with FX price tags (500+). I mean, a dual-core processor for $240 by july (if that schedule is to be believed in) might just make for an interesting product. The only problem is that you'll probably have to buy one hell of a powerful heatsink and fan for the processor.... And you'll spend extra money if you don't want it to sound like a jet engine...