AMD to Speed Up Phenom II X4, Release Athlon II X4

AMD Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition Processor will be clocked at 3.40GHz and will feature 2MB L2 cache (512KB per core), 6MB L3 unified cache, integrated dual-channel DDR2/DDR3 memory controller and will support all the latest technologies found in AMD processors. The chip will be in AM3 form-factor, hence, will be able to work in both AM3 and AM2+ platforms that support 125W thermal design power. The new processor will boost performance of AMD’s high-end quad-core chips ahead of the back-to-school season, which will improve competitiveness of AMD’s desktop family of chips. Sources familiar with AMD’s plans said that the company plans to formally unveil the chip on the 13th of August, 2009.

AMD Athlon II X4 630 based on the code-named Propus core will be the first quad-core chip carrying Athlon brand and will also be the first quad-core processor from AMD aimed at mainstream product segment. AMD Athlon II X4 630 clocked at 2.80GHz will feature dual-channel DDR2/DDR3 memory controller (depending on platform) and 2MB L2 cache (512KB per core), but will lack L3 cache. Relatively low clock-speed as well as the lack of third-level cache will make the new chip rather economical in terms of power: TDP of the new processor is 65W. AMD is projected to release the Athlon X4 630 on the 23rd of August, 2009, along with its new AMD 785G core-logic with integrated graphics. Later this Fall AMD also plans to release Athlon II X4 models 600e (2.20GHz), 605e (2.30GHz) and 620 (2.60GHz) to address different market segments.

Sunnyvale, California-based AMD also plans to launch new triple-core Athlon II X3 central processing units sometimes in September or October to complete its new lineup of chips made using 45nm process technology that is aimed at mainstream and entry-level price-segments.

Pricing of the new chips is not known at present.