AMD Llano processors

  • Thread starter DG_Silva
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DG_Silva

DG_Silva

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DG Silva
I've been watching these, and they look quite good, but I'm worried about the future of the processor. Does anybody know what AMD's future plans are for the processor, and how far they are going to progress and support it? Or would I be better off going for a AMD 3+ Bulldozer-based system? My current system has a 5750 GPU, so I'm not after the Llano for it's GPU.

Also, bearing in mind I have a 5750-based graphics card, is there any point in me going for an AMD 970-based motherboard, or going for a nForce 630a-based MB (£40 cheaper).

Can anyone advise me further?
 
The Llano is really an Athlon II with integrated graphics. You would be better going with a Bulldozer CPU, since a 5750 can be overclocked to make it actually pretty decent.
 
Would you recommend using ATi's overclocking system, or is there another (better) way to overclock the GPU?
 
Well, it depends if you are using dual monitor or just one monitor.

I have two monitors and for some reason, the software doesn't like that and so any attempt at overclocking (so far) just basically refuses to start.

I am assuming you want to keep on the AMD path due to lower priced motherboards and/or easier upgrade path than the Intel way?
 
You've pretty much got it. Cheaper/easier upgrade methods, using the same socket system. I don't see the value for money in the Intel method, as I don't do any massive number crunching tasks. A portion of the money buying an Intel CPU is taken up with buying the brand name.

I do use two monitors (19" widescreen and 32" TV), but for most of the time I have duplicate monitors rather than extended desktop. I will have a go at overclocking the card, but my keyboard is knackered, and I've got nothing spare until pay day... :'(
 
I would recommend using ATI's overclocking system (Overdrive in the Catalyst Control Center). Its pretty straightforward and you probably won't want any more overclocking due to heat and other issues. I would stick on with the AMD path if you want value.

Casio
Phenom II.
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It isn't a Phenom II whatsoever. It provides lower benchmarks than the Phenom II. Also, I can tell you that it is an Athlon II because the Llano doesn't have an L3 cache whatsoever.
 
DG_Sliva, do you have a current AM2 motherboard or just a AM3 motherboard? It may be worth sticking with AMD Phenom II X2/3/4 for the time being, if you're interested about budget and upgrade paths as the Phenom II are still good value processors once at a reasonable price point. And they are still relatively easy to overclock and may allow more overclocking ability.

I can't remember if Bulldozer or Llano chips aren't currently compatible with the AM3+ motherboard and need a slightly different processor slot instead. I am a bit tired, but I do remember something about one of those chips not being part of the AM3 slots.
 
Bulldozer chips run on AM3 motherboards which have the BIOS update required to run one or AM3+ socket motherboard. Llano is used on a FM1 socket motherboard. Llano will definitely give you that low cost value since you don't have to pay extra for a graphics card since the onboard graphics are pretty strong for what they are and you can run on a low power power supply(look for 80Plus certification as those run at 80%+ efficiently and it's less wasted power which is converted to heat in the power supply unit).
 
NissanSkylineN1
It isn't a Phenom II whatsoever. It provides lower benchmarks than the Phenom II. Also, I can tell you that it is an Athlon II because the Llano doesn't have an L3 cache whatsoever.
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bit-tech
'Llano uses a 32nm updated version of the 45nm Phenom II x86 cores. It offers IPC enhancements and a larger L2 cache, as well as power optimisations,’ AMD's product marketing director John Taylor told us.
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Benchmarks also depend on which processors you compare. 3850 vs 920 comes out pretty even.
 
This is getting us no where. Llano is it's own design, no Athlon or Phenom. The CPU die is different to allow room for the GPU and the Northbridge. It's not simply tacked on. You have to remember that the Llano is a 32nm die with the CPU, GPU, and the Northbridge!
 
NissanSkylineN1
It isn't a Phenom II whatsoever. It provides lower benchmarks than the Phenom II. Also, I can tell you that it is an Athlon II because the Llano doesn't have an L3 cache whatsoever.
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NissanSkylineN1
The 920 is an AM2+ CPU. Also, then where did the L3 cache go?
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Llano is based off Phenon II mobile processors. Which don't have an L3 cache.

I imagine they would have trouble fitting the GPU portion of the chip on the die if they had L3 cache.

llano3-1280x1024.jpg


Llano%20Architecture%20HC23-thumb-450x434-24708.jpg
 
Submerged
DG_Sliva, do you have a current AM2 motherboard or just a AM3 motherboard? It may be worth sticking with AMD Phenom II X2/3/4 for the time being, if you're interested about budget and upgrade paths as the Phenom II are still good value processors once at a reasonable price point. And they are still relatively easy to overclock and may allow more overclocking ability.
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I'm currently running an AM2+ motherboard, but the best CPU it can take is a Phenom X6 1055, which will cost £120. I can get a Bulldozer 6100 for £115 and motherboard for £40, so it's only costing me another £35 to have an upgrade path. I'm not sure which to go for...
 
DG_Silva
I'm currently running an AM2+ motherboard, but the best CPU it can take is a Phenom X6 1055, which will cost £120. I can get a Bulldozer 6100 for £115 and motherboard for £40, so it's only costing me another £35 to have an upgrade path. I'm not sure which to go for...
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If you can spare the cash for Bulldozer, I'd go with that. It'll upgrade you out of an older board, and into some newer tech, plus it'll give you some room later on to stretch out when you can afford to. It might also be worth looking into some sort of Phenom processor and a AM3+ board. As Bulldozer is right now, according to most benchmarks its not as powerful as it should be. However it should gain strength in its next iteration. So either go for AM3+ board + Phenom processor, or AM3+ board + Bulldozer.
 
The Phenom X6 range should reduce in price soon anyway, so I would just keep on that current track at the moment, if you wanted to make the motherboard last some time for a year or two. Currently, the PC software isn't really designed for quad or 6 core work anyway, so it isn't really too much of an issue, yet. There are still the Phenom X4 955/965 range, which may be useful.

Bulldozer, at the present moment, isn't really showing its full potential. Probably be a case of waiting for the second revision before everything is all worked out. People don't even know if the Bulldozer is the right way to go yet. All Bulldozer is about is the future and a different way of doing things in comparison to Intel.

So, basically if you are all about budget value and the now point, it is best to stick with the Phenom and keep the motherboard for the time being.

But if you desire an upgrade path for the future and think that the Bulldozer range will provide you with a useful target or a useful component pathway (may get lucky and AMD pulls something out of the bag) and don't mind taking a risk, try the new Bulldozer CPU.

However, I am wondering whether you heavily play games or not. Llano is generally regarded to have a very useful GPU inside a CPU. The advantage of having a mobile processor with a rather good GPU (HD capable) outweighs its disadvantage of a slightly slower CPU speed in comparison to an equivalent Intel model.

So, I am guessing you would prefer to have a CPU dedicated processor.
 
I don't mind which I get, I just want to get the best value for money. While it does make sense to get a processor that has a built in GPU, I already have a 512Mb 5750 card, so it's not the most important thing.

As far as games are concerned, I really only play driving sims, like iRacing, rFactor, GTR, etc., so anything that run those fairly quickly at high detail would be good. If the future of both processors is yet undecided, then perhaps the best thing is to wait 6 months and see which path AMD follow.
 
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After reading the thread on T's 'budget' gaming rig, I'm becoming more convinced about the Intel i3 2120, it's performance seems to outstrip the 4100 every time, and more often than not the 6100. But (here comes another question), what is the difference between Z68 based motherboards and H61 based motherboards. Is there anything about it that warrants spending another £40, apart from Crossfire?
 

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