AMD Releases Triple Threat and Price Cuts
AMD has released three new triple-core processors Monday along with further price cuts to its processor range.
Although not able to compete with Intel in the high-end market, AMD has shown it still has some bite left by slashing prices once again in their processor line up and by releasing three new triple-core Phenom processors. The newly announced AMD Phenom X3 8450e and Phenom X3 8250e are both energy efficient processors with a TDP of just 65 W each, which translates into reduced heat and a savings on the power bill.
In comparison, AMD’s standard Phenom triple-core processors have a 95 W TDP and Intel’s desktop dual-core processors have a TDP of 65 W. Both new processors have a triple L2 cache of 512 KB and a 2 MB L3 cache, with the Phenom X3 8450e featuring a 2.1 GHz clock-speed and the Phenom X3 8250e a 1.9 GHz clock speed. Prices are not yet available.
The third newly announced processor is the AMD Phenom X3 8750 Black Edition, proving once again that where there is an unlocked multiplier to be had, there is an extra dollar to be made. The processor features a 2.4 GHz clock-speed, a 95 W TDP, a triple L2 cache of 512 KB, a 2 MB L3 cache and an unlocked multiplier for those wanting to put their cooling system to the test. Priced at $134 in bulk, the processor offers a good deal for the enthusiast on a budget.
Last but not least, AMD is slashing prices again for the second time in the last two weeks with price reductions set for the AMD X3 8450, dropping the price to $104 in bulk, and the AMD X3 8650, with a price drop to $119 in bulk. Last week Intel introduced its new Intel Pentium dual-core E5200 processor, offering a 2.5 GHz clock-speed, an 800 MHz FSB and a 2 MB L2 cache, priced competitively at $84 in bulk. AMD is rumored to be releasing its new Phenom processors based on the upcoming Deneb core in January 2009, which just does not seem to be soon enough.
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timaahhh Does anyone really buy these X3 chips? Most AMD people seem to get Athlon BE or quads it seems. Not intended to be flamebait btw just wondering I don't really hear much about these.Reply -
one-shot I agree, I never hear much about the X3 cpu's. They could be decent, but who knows. What does sadden me tho is Deneb was supposed to be H2 2008 but now it looks like 2009. Competition is a good thing.Reply -
danbfree Well, a Black edition Triple Core may be fun to play with at a good price point. I know I personally wasn't interested at all until I heard about this Black Edition. There is talk that because one core is disabled on these triple cores. that overclocking can be much better... hmmm.Reply -
megamanx00 That might be good for a budget gaming system. Really though AMD needs to come out with some faster X4s sooner as they aren't on the Roadmap till December.Reply -
caamsa I have seen some reviews that show the X3 8750 OC to 3Ghz. It would probably be a good chip for anyone on a tight budget. Plus remember a lot of people do not OC and are not worried about gaming. The cheapest X3 is only 100 bucks. The BE edition is 115 bucks. I would not mind picking one up to play around with but my wife would probably shoot me.Reply -
-Fran- Like it was noted previously, the Athlon64 X2 is still in the roadmap, making a big shade to the Phenom X3s. If AMD stops making Athlon64 X2's, then these Phenoms might see the light, otherwise, i'd say they'll be still in the shade. I don't know if 1 extra core is worth the difference. The good thing is that triple core BE. Sounds like fun indeed. Maybe that's the direct replacement for the Athlon64 5000 and 6000 BE's.Reply
Esop! -
asdasd123123 Draws the same wattage, almost same price and same speed as an x2, why not if you're building new, and really can't do with the extra price of a proper quad? Looks good to me.Reply -
jj463rd AMD's quad cores have dropped down in price a lot.Over at newegg.com I've seen the Phenom X4 9550 for under $140.Reply -
Why would a company that has had net losses 7 quarters in a row, a lot of debt and a need for cash to finance future production capacity continue to slash prices? This makes no sense unless they are having trouble moving product. If they are not having issues moving product, why cut prices so much when you are operating at a net loss for so long?Reply
And cutting tri-cores just puts more pressure on AMD then Intel! It picks off potential 'low end' AMD quad sales and puts pricing pressure on dual cores which is still the high volume product. Remember from a cost perspective a tri-core is a quad core piece of Silicon and is the equivalent of a bit more than 2 Athlon X2's from a silicon and production cost perspective. I would rather make 2 Athlon's then 1 tri-core; we are now 18 months into the 65nm ramp so I would assume AMD has figured out 65nm yield by now?