The introduction of dual-channel DDR2-800 memory gives AMD a much needed shot in the arm, as the DDR-400 technology used in older AMD processors doesn't have the appeal it once had. While DDR2-800 doesn't provide any major performance boosts over DDR-400, it does allow for hefty gains in memory bandwidth, and looks far nicer on paper. In addition, with both Intel and AMD now using DDR2-800 as their memory modules of choice, this will allow memory manufacturers to concentrate on this market, hopefully providing some excellent high-end and low-cost modules in the process.

With the introduction of this new socket, AMD is also filtering out a lot of old processors while bringing in new models, like the Athlon64 FX-62 and the new energy efficient (EE) series. While AMD has simplified their processor line-up on one side, the introduction of the EE series also makes things a bit more complex, as buyers will now have the option of paying extra for lower-power consumption models for nearly every Athlon64 and Athlon64 X2 model on the market today. While the EE series is nice, in concept, we've never seen low-wattage/low-voltage processors really take off in any major way in the past. Time will tell if AMD's gamble on the Energy Efficient series is worth it. Socket-AM2 processors already have decreased TDP levels compared to Socket-939 processors, so power consumption/heat production aren't extremely important factors with today's AM2 processors, as far as we can see.

In our eyes, the sweet spot for the Socket-AM2 lineup right now is the Athlon64 X2 3800+ model, as its dual-core technology wallops higher-clocked single-core modules, performance wise, but is priced extremely competitively. For a more high-end user, the Athlon64 X2 4800+ AM2 model is a great buy, assuming you can get your hands on one of the lucky few of these chips which made it to market. While AM2 marks several positive steps for AMD, we're not sure if it will be enough to hold back Intel's upcoming Core 2 Duo processor. Time will tell.