AMD expands family of Phenom II Microprocessors

[Scubie67]

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Advanced Micro Devices this week unveiled several new AMD Phenom II microprocessors that not only broaden the lineup of new-generation of chips by AMD, but also bring in DDR3 memory support as well as compatibility with new AM3 infrastructure. AMD hopes that new desktop processors will help the company to improve its average selling prices.

AMD’s new Phenom II X4 and Phenom II X3 microprocessors in AM3 form-factor are compatible with DDR2/AM2+ and DDR3/AM3 mainboards, which makes them a good choice for both enthusiasts looking for maximum performance with DDR3 memory as well as computer makers interested in using stable DDR2 infrastructure.

AMD Phenom II processor previously code-named Deneb provides substantial performance uplift compared to previous-generation chip thanks to larger up to 6MB level-three cache, some improvements of micro-architecture, clock-speed increase thanks to 45nm process technology as well as support for DDR3 memory (AM3 chips in AM3 platforms only). Overall, AMD expects about 20% real-world performance increase of the new central processing units (CPUs) compare to AMD Phenom.

According to Mercury Research, average selling price per AMD desktop processor was $50, which is considerably lower compared to $94 per a chip from Intel Corp. AMD hopes that the new quad-core and triple-core processors will help it to boost average price of its microprocessors.

The new triple-core and quad-core AMD Phenom II processors in AM3 packaging are available immediately at the following frequencies and prices:

• AMD Phenom II X4 910 (2.60GHz)
• AMD Phenom II X4 810 (2.60GHz, 2MB L2, 4MB L3) - $175
• AMD Phenom II X4 805 (2.5GHz)
• AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition (2.80GHz, 1.5MB L2, 6MB L3) - $145
• AMD Phenom II X3 710 (2.60GHz, 1.5MB L2, 6MB L3) - $125

The new processors are manufactured using 45nm process technology and consume up to 95W of power.

[Addis]

The AMD Phenom family of microprocessors is a microprocessor family from AMD. It includes the Phenom quad-core (X4-series) and triple-core (X3-series). The Phenom family is also related to the Athlon dual-core (X2-series) processors. The first Phenoms were released in November 2007.

[jackalz]

Whether buying a new desktop PC or upgrading components in an existing system, AMD recognizes consumers are looking for value more than ever before. With the combination of the infrastructure compatibility and the introduction of the AMD Phenom II triple-core processors, AMD has made two very strategic design decisions that their competitor cannot duplicate at the component or platform level.