Difference between the AMD II 250 and 550

[wbc1]

So far I understand that one is Athlon X2 II whereas the other is phenom II X2.
The 250 has more L2 cache but no L3 cache compared to the 550. It is also clocked at 0.1ghz lower. Both have the unlocked multiplier.. so is there any difference with those two processors apart from the ones i stated above?

Edit; it says the 250 has unlocked multiplier on the OCUK website http://www.overclockers.co.uk/showproduct.php?prodid=CP-248-AM&groupid=701&catid=6&subcat=803 but not on some reviews around the web?

 

[feeddagoat]

As far as I know, the phenom II X2 is also gonna be a X4 phenom II but, its gonna have 2 cores disabled opposed to the athlon which will only have 2 cores

 

[SKILL]

Yeah, the Athlon II X2 250 is designed as a dual core chip, and a 'budget' one at that, hence the doubled L2 cache but no L3 cache.

The Phenom II X2 is a Phenom II X4 where 2 of the cores don't work correctly, hence disable them and sell it as an X2 rather than just chucking it away. (much like the X3, but that only has 1 failed core)

The Phenom II X2 looks to be the better chip though, the 6Mb L3 cache does help and it seems to be ~$20 more expensive, if that translates to £20 give or take then the Phenom would be the one to go for imo.

 

[Trunks9486]

The Athlon has lower power consumption.

I am pretty sure that it can be undervolted and downclocked to reach 45w or less power consumption. AMD already announced 45w versions of the chip.

 

[wbc1]

On all the online reviews the 250 has a LOCKED multiplier, but it says unlocked on OCUK?

 

[biuro74]

Maybe it's some engineer's sample ?

 

[deshepherd]

According to the AMD website the 250 (i..e. Athlon II X2) isn't a "black edition" which, I think, indicates it doesn't have unlocked multiplier.