AMD releases the “fixed” version of the tri-core Phenom X3
By Danny Mendez
AMD is updating the Phenom X3 processor line in order to fix a major problem known as the “TLB” bug. Released in March, the unique line of processors feature an odd number of cores: three.
Perhaps it’s an attempt to attract attention in the lightless-realm that exists under Intel’s shadow — or maybe its just us — but three cores sounds pretty odd for a home desktop processor, doesn’t it?
What’s even more odd (sorry for using the pun three times) is that AMD released the Phenom X3 with the old B2 revision of the processing core. B2 revision processors are plagued by a problem known as the “TLB” bug. Many of AMD’s chips are expected to switch to the better B3 core, which doesn’t suffer from the same problem.
AMD knew it was going to release the B3 revision of the Phenom X3 as soon as May, so why didn’t the CPU company just release that from the start? We don’t know, but we can’t help but feel a tiny amount of pity for all the curious, Phenom X3 early adopters. However, AMD announced both the B2 and the B3 revisions at the same time, so it’s not like the company was trying to sneak it past us.
All chips updated with the B3 core will be designated as such in the model number, which should end in XX50. As a result, current X3 8400, 8600, and 8700 will be replaced by the X3 8450, 8650, and 8750.
The “fixed” Phenom X3 is being phased into systems and retail shelves right now, says Nanotech, so keep an eye out for this one if you’re looking to give the odd processor a go.
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April 23rd, 2008
Question: If you’re unsure why they releases CPUs when they did (Phenom X3 B2 vs. B3), why didn’t you ask them? Or why didn’t you read some of the published reports? They offered the B2 version when they did so PC companies like HP and Gateway could hit their production cycles. Seems to make good business sense. Another thing, if you had read a bit about the TLB issue, you’d know that it wasn’t a big deal. No one ever found the error.