Tests

Our test method has two peculiarities of data representation: firstly, all data types are reduced to one - a relative integer score (performance of a given processor relative to that of Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600, given performance of the latter is 100 points). Secondly, detailed results are published in this Excel spreadsheet, while the article contains only summary charts for benchmark classes. Nevertheless, we'll sometimes draw your attention to detailed results, if they are worthy of your attention.

Professional tests

3D Modeling and Rendering

To be most ruthless and make no allowance for Intel 4000 processors for fewer cores (and do not consider their prices), we'll be forced to give the palm to AMD as Phenom X3 8750 (2.4 GHz) outscores the equally-priced Core 2 Duo E4600, and the X3 8450 outperforms the E4500, even though the latter is 100 MHz faster. On the other hand, the E4x00 is an old Conroe. And the new low-end processor, represented by the E7200, is faster than even the top triple-core processor from AMD.

CAD/CAM

Phenoms are traditionally defeated in this group of tests. We can only add two more processors - Core 2 Duo E4600/4700 - to the list CPUs outperforming AMD Phenom X4 9850.

Compiling

Triple-core processors from AMD are doing well here. But the mocking victory of Core 2 Duo E7200 somewhat spoils the peachy situation for AMD fans.

Professional photo processing

Considering that Core 2 Duo E7200 is Intel's fastest CPU in this test, all these "local struggles" look childish. Nevertheless, it's a rare situation when Phenoms look more or less attractive. Even the low-end triple-core processor easily outperforms all E4x00 CPUs except for the E4700, which 500 MHz faster than the X3 8450. And the top X3 processor is slightly outperformed only by the E7200. The reason is simple: Adobe Photoshop belongs to a group of applications that offer almost perfect multiprocessing optimizations. So even one extra core automatically gives a big advantage to AMD processors.

Scientific applications

In our previous reviews we have already mentioned the key problem of Phenom X4 processors in this group of tests. These current test results of X4 9550 / X3 8450 confirm our assumptions.

Web server

It's not Photoshop, of course, but it's still one of the few tests that show Phenom in good light.

Total professional score

No comments needed for the total score. Yep, Phenom is traditionally defeated. The average performance of this processor is far from impressive.