So far, I know this (keep in mind that I have no real expertise in this area, info MAY be wrong):
- The Athlon XP processors currently start at 1.4 GHz, and increment slowly to 1.6 GHz.
- The Athlon XP processors use a "Model" naming convention, to combat Intel's high-speed/low-performance strategy. Basically, an Athlon XP 1900+ CPU performs about the same (according to AMD) as an Intel P4 1900 MHz CPU. All XP processors use this convention.
- The Athlon XP processors run cooler than regular Athlon processors.
- The Athlon XP processors have a new design (but as far as I know, they still use Socket A).
- The Athlon XP processors now include an on-die thermal sensor, for triggering auto-shutdown when high temperatures are reached (I'm not sure if this was a feature of the older Athlon processors, but it may very well be. These thermal sensors don't work in conjunction with current Socket A boards, and require special motherboards (read: new motherboards) in order to utilize the auto-off heat safety feature).
- Athlon XP processors are a good bit more expensive than regular Athlon processors (duh, they're new,
).
- I've heard rumors/read reviews that say the Athlon XP processors do infact run faster in Windows XP. Frankly, I think this isn't limited to Athlon XP processors. Most games receive a 5-10 FPS boost from Windows XP alone, so this is likely a double-hype situation (the unfamiliarities of Windows XP, and its hype, lead people to believe that Athlon XP, along with its unfamiliarities, and its hype, will run much faster when utilizing it). Although games may not be the best benchmark for speed improvement due to OS upgrade, IMHO, they are the clearest. People probably think that new technology (Athlon XP) coupled with other new technology (Windows XP, and don't forget that they're both called 'XP') produces even greater "new technology". It's likely false, but hoping never hurt anyone!
Meh...that's my bit. I hope I helped, even if some (or all) of my facts are unclear. This WE ALL can be 100% sure of though: The Athlon XP is the best home/power user processor on the market today. Period.