Final Comments

The 5000+ X2 processor we have reviewed today should become the chip of choice for new PC builders and AMD fans. It performs almost identically to the former top range 939 FX-60 processor which has since been replaced by the far more expensive FX-62 chip this month. This means that the 5000+ should become the choice for power hungry gamers and enthusiasts who can't justify paying out over £300 more for the slightly better FX-62. The CPU itself really comes into its own when playing games such as World of Warcraft and other games that make big use of the CPU instead of just using the Graphics Card for everything, this is where you see most of the gains in both frames per second and in loading times.

So my final verdict? The 5000+ X2 processor has an excellent low-latency DDR2 memory controller, it's the right time to move to DDR2 memory. The low power consumption and the means for over clocking without over heating your new chip is a must. The performance in the future environment of Windows Vista is also very promising with some very good results in Windows Vista Beta 2 running in 64-bit. The only negative I can find is that it's a fraction overpriced in my mind, but then most processors seem to be and it isn't any more expensive that other processors in its range. Overall AMD has laid down the gauntlet to Intel, let's hope AMD continue making excellent processors and cutting down the power consumption. AMD's brand new high-end Dual-Core CPU offers a lot for the money you are paying out, it outguns the Intel Pentium 965 Extreme Edition which costs a bit more than the 5000+ AMD processor, so if you are looking for a new motherboard and processor and don't mind paying out for DDR 2 memory, go for it.

Big thanks to AMD for helping us out.