AMD Introduces New Phenom Flagship Processor
Sunnyvale (CA) - AMD is kicking off the critical third quarter of 2008 with three new quad-core processors - two low-power models and a new high-end version for enthusiast PCs. The company maintains its mainstream pricing strategy and sells its new flagship for just few dollars more than what Intel charges for its entry-level quad-core CPU.
Just in time for the arrival of the graphics division’s new graphics cards, AMD is updating its Phenom X4 processor line. The Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition is the new top-of-the-line model with a clock speed of 2.6 GHz. The processor is rated at a power consumption of 125 watts, which is one level with the Phenom 9850 (2.5 GHz) and the Phenom 9750 (2.4 GHz). As other black Edition processors, the new 9950 comes with AMD’s OverDrive performance tuning utility.
AMD lists the 9950 with a tray-price of $235, which is the same amount the company charges for the 9850 model. Compared to Intel, the 9950 slots in right between the aging Core 2 Quad Q6600 ($224) and Q6700 ($266).
On the low-power side, AMD is now offering the 65 watt Phenom X4 9350e (2.0 GHz) and Phenom X4 9150e (1.8 GHz) processors for $195 and $175, respectively.
It is interesting to note that AMD is launching these new processors not only at a time when the ATI Radeon 4800 series of graphics cards is making its way to consumers, but also the most critical time for AMD during this year: The third quarter is the time for which AMD CEO Hector Ruiz promised to return to profitability. Successful product launches, a strong back-to-school season and improved margins will be important for AMD to achieve this goal. At the current cost level, it is generally estimated that the company will have to reach at least $1.8 billion in revenue get into the black.
Way to go AMD at least your moving forward!
,Nico
Now it's 125? That's pretty cool.
I can't wait, in a few months this will be my birthday present.
yes it can go stably up to 3.1 GHz. benchmarks and other info at that link. come on tom's, why are we a little slow on AMD/ATI?
yes, it is stable up to 3.1GHz. benchmarks are on there too.
yes it can go up to 3.1GHz.
Not so bad! It's still behind Core2Duo, but it is definitely closing the gap! And if you want to support CPU competition, or you just like AMD as an company, it seems that you can not go wrong with this new CPU. It's fast enough for most things.
Just hope that they can get their high-metal gate technolygy to work so that they can compete with Nehalems too...
Buying an inferior product doesn't help competition... it just prolongs the agony, keeps Hector in as CEO that much longer and allows that company a glimmer of hope that they can continue on the current (broken) path.
If you truly want to 'support competition' buy the best product (at whatever price you are interested in). What you are favoring is "subsidizing". AMD has been around for a long time, if they still need subsidies and help from people 'supporting' competition, well maybe they are not the best potential competitor.
And the author saying Q3 is critical as that is when AMD promised profitability is a complete joke as they just keep moving the goal posts. The plan was Q4'07, then H1'08, now Q3'08....can I get a Q4'08? H1'09? ....sold.... to the gullible press!
Intel Fanboy for the win.
At least AMD is getting closer to closing the rather large gap between their's and Intel's high-end. When are we gonna see those Phenom FX-90's?
We want AMD to launch something which is capable of kicking intel in butt.. a Phenom at 3.4GHz Probably...
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