AMD just announced its tri-core Phenom X3s, a new CPU line targeted at those unable to afford quad-core processors… really.

Looking to satisfy the budget core junkie, AMD’s new Phenom X3s seek to bring affordable but powerful computing to the average PC. "The value proposition is simple. Three cores versus two cores. You make the choice," said Pat Moorehead, VP of Advanced Marketing at AMD.

The line will initially launch with two models, the 2.1GHz 8400 and the 2.3GHz 8600, says Register Hardware, but these chips feature last generation’s B2 core. Another set of tri-core processors is set to be released in May, but these utilize the better and newer B3 core. 

The model number of all B3-equipped processors will take the shape of XX50. As a result, the future X3s include the 2.1GHz 8450 ($160), the 2.3GHz 8650 ($180), and the brand spankin’ new 2.4 GHz 8750. AMD’s new B3 cores are such an improvement over the last generation, that the 2.3GHz X3 8650 outperformed the 2.3GHz X4 9600 by over nine percent, according to AMD’s benchmarks.

At least initially, the X3 processors come with 2MB of L3 chache, 1.5 MB of L2 cache, DDR2-1066 support, 65nm process technology, Cool & Quiet V 2.0, and more.

During the X3 announcement, AMD also announced the new Phenom X4 9X50 quad-core line including the 2.5GHz X4 9850, which comes ready for overclocking. These CPUs feature 2MB of L3 cache, 2MB of L2 cache, and DDR2-1066 support, and they’re up to 20% faster than previous models, according to AMD.

AMD also used the event to release the 1.8GHz X4 9100e, an energy efficient, 65W TDP, media-center focused chip.

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Entry was posted on Thursday, March 27th, 2008 at 3:31 am under Uncategorized.

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