Spokeshave -
1) You are assuming that Opteron scores are peak. You have nothing to base that on. I admit that you clearly state that it is an assumption, but I think that is an unfair one. If you are going to compare benchmarks, you should make the assumption that they are the same benchmarks. In fact, the only part of your analysis that supports your conclusion is this one assumption.
I said I was assuming that. What more can I do? How can I compare benchmarks which AMD refuses to define unless I make an assumption. I think my assumption is warrented because AMD has repeatedly presented themselves in the best possible light and I assume they are doing the same here.
2) You are assuming 100% scaling for P4 3.06. Again, this is a biased assumption. If you look at the chart in the link you provided, you will see that the scores increase roughly 2% for a roughly 5.5% increase in processor speed form the 2.66 up to the 2.8. That is less than a 40% scaling factor. Do you honestly believe that Hyperthreading will make the P4 scale almost 3 times better? Be honest with yourself.
I said I was assuming 100% scaling for HT and I explained why. I said it was based on HT AND another possible improvement Intel may make. If you think I'm wrong then wait a few days and see if you still feel the same way.
3) You are assuming that the Opteron will be released at 2GHz, and in fact you referred to it as a 3400+. I recognize that there has been speculation that a 2 GHz Opteron would be labeled a 3400+, but there is not official word from AMD that this is the case.
That's the claim AMD has been making all along and this is the first data they have presented. Let them be the one to clarify.
This is far more in line with what most others have expected and I think it is a far more realistic assessment. Please note that my assumptions were reasonable and I even gave the P4 a 5% or so bonus in scaling that it probably does not deserve.
Well that's what makes a good arguement. 2 points of view. Time will tell who's right and who's wrong.
EP
