Opteron bests Xeon in independent test

09.01.2007
Neal Nelson, an independent computer consultant who sees himself on a Ralph Nader-like mission, has started running tests that compare the performance of Advanced Micro Devices Inc.'s Opteron processor against Intel Corp.'s Xeon chip. And, according to Nelson, the Opteron delivers twice the throughput of the Intel processor.

Nelson said his initial test was limited to two older single-core chips, a 2.4-GHz Opteron and a 2.4-GHz Xeon with Netburst architecture. The Opteron delivered 115 percent more throughput at peak, he said.

"I was shocked," said Nelson, adding that he has never seen such a transaction benchmarking gap between two chips in the two decades he has been running tests.

The machines used for the testing were identical, configured with equal memory and disk drive characteristics and application code compiled by the same compiler. Apache 2 Web server software was used to test the throughput capability, said Nelson, who also intends to compare the newer dual-core processors from the two chip makers.

Nelson, who is based in East Dundee, Ill., said his testing is independent and self-funded. "I think I'm like Ralph Nader -- I am running the test that the manufacturers don't necessarily want to see run," he said.

Nelson said he doesn't know exactly why Opteron is delivering better throughput, but he said the chip's architectural differences, including its Direct Connect Architecture -- which moves chip processing closer to memory -- probably account for the difference.