Tony, Re: "And of course you saw Fyo's post on the other thread about Northwood scaling significantly better that Athlon XP."
Actually, one should scrutinize that post a little more. What Fyo proved was the same thing that I've been claiming for months - that Intel's megahertz scale better than AMD's model numbers. However, what Fyo's numbers also show is that AMD's megahertz scale better than Intel's megahertz. Therefore, in order for Intel to pull ahead, they will have to continue to increase frequency at a rate of 3:2 over AMD. Increasing frequency by the same as AMD, or 1:1, will cause Intel to fall behind. And, of course, there is a rate in between that will cause performance to be identical.
Then, of course, there is Hammer, and all the rules change at that point. However, if AMD's model number system remains unchanged, then it's possible that their M3400 Hammer won't be conservative, but rather optimistic. If Northwood continues to scale better than model numbers, then Hammer's projection, which was taken months before Northwood was ever released, could be the result of AMD underestimating how well Northwood will scale. Along with the faster front side bus, Intel may not fall as far behind as they anticipate.
I suppose we'll have to wait and see whether AMD really did make a great prediction with their model numbers, or if it really is a "work in progress" that will need to be updated, once reality hits and Northwood scales as promised.
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