New AMD Phenom X3 Vs. Phenom X4

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Overview Of All Phenom X4 And X3 Models

Phenom with B3 stepping

AMD currently has a total of eight different Phenom models on offer with fault-free B3 stepping.

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AMD Phenom X4 and X3 models with B3 stepping
Stepping Model Clock rate L2 cache L3 cache HTT/MC link
B3 Phenom X4 9850 BE 4x 2.50 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 2000 MHz
B3 Phenom X4 9850 4x 2.50 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 2000 MHz
B3 Phenom X4 9750 4x 2.40 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B3 Phenom X4 9650* 4x 2.30 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B3 Phenom X4 9550 4x 2.20 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B3 Phenom X3 8750 3x 2.40 GHz 3x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B3 Phenom X3 8650 3x 2.30 GHz 3x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B3 Phenom X3 8450 3x 2.10 GHz 3x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz

Only for the Phenom 9850 and 9850 Black Edition has the hypertransport protocol/memory controller interface been raised to a clock rate of 2000 MHz. The Phenom X3 and all other models use 1800 MHz.

Phenom with B2 stepping

Due on the TLB error, AMD was only able to deliver the first Phenom models with B2 stepping up to a maximum standard clock rate of 2.30 GHz. The Phenom 9700 with 2.40 GHz was put on ice for this reason. Some shops are still listing the Phenom 9700 which will probably never actually be supplied. On the AMD specification website, this processor is no longer listed. The two Phenom X3 models, 8600 and 8400 with B2 stepping, will not officially be available for purchase in a shop, since these are reserved specifically for OEMs. AMD thus officially only offers five quad core processors with B2 stepping.

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AMD Phenom X4 and X3 models with B2 stepping
Stepping Model Clock rate L2 cache L3 cache HTT/MC link
B2 Phenom X4 9700 4x 2.40 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B2 Phenom X4 9600 BE 4x 2.30 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B2 Phenom X4 9600 4x 2.30 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B2 Phenom X4 9500 4x 2.20 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B2 Phenom X4 9100e 4x 1.80 GHz 4x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B2 Phenom X3 8600* 3x 2.30 GHz 3x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz
B2 Phenom X3 8400* 3x 2.10 GHz 3x 512 kB 2 MB 1800 MHz

*Only for OEMs

The Editors of Tom's Hardware
The Editors of Tom's Hardware

Tom's Hardware is the leading destination for hardcore computer enthusiasts. We cover everything from processors to 3D printers, single-board computers, SSDs and high-end gaming rigs, empowering readers to make the most of the tech they love, keep up on the latest developments and buy the right gear. Our staff has more than 100 years of combined experience covering news, solving tech problems and reviewing components and systems.

29 Comments Comment from the forums
  • rhorwitz
    The Phenom is a still born product, much like the K-5 back 15 years ago. AMD is facing bankruptcy and all they can do is piss away money to release a product that can't even compare with the technology they made 5 years ago. How pathetic!! AMD would have been more successful if they invested in shrinking existing technology to 45 nm and and placing two 2-cores on a chip like Intel.
    Reply
  • yadge
    On page 12, I think you mean the X3 8750 is 3.2% faster than the Core 2 Duo E6550.
    Reply
  • Arnagath
    Well as it is now, amd can turn of a core and we have the X3, so I think it is the smarter solution. Sort of more long term than intels choice, intel still has not caught up with AMD in some areas and this is one area.

    I still have faith the tide can always be turned, something you thought impossible with Pentium D vs AMD 64 X2. So it can happen again, if not I think we should make the EU take money from intel and give to AMD :P
    Reply
  • rhorwitz
    Arnagath,
    Intel's interim solution was the Pentium D, which was basically taking two P4 and placing them on a chip. It didn't match AMD's performance, but it kept them in the hunt. AMD's response to conroe should have been the same; take two shrunken k8+x2 and place on a die. In this fashion they could have created some distance so that they could have come to a proactive solution to Intel's salvo.
    Reply
  • caamsa
    My understanding is that these X3 phenoms are in place of a X2 phenom.

    Got this from AnandTech:

    AMD doesn't have the resources to spin a dual-core Phenom die, so what better way of repurposing the quad-core die (especially if one core is defective) than to make a Phenom chip with less than four cores. Sure it's not the most efficient way to manufacture, but AMD doesn't have the luxury of producing a number of different Phenom die at this point. The triple-core Phenom strategy makes perfect sense if you're AMD, the question is: does it make sense if you're an end user?
    Reply
  • lopopo
    rhorwitzThe Phenom is a still born product, much like the K-5 back 15 years ago. AMD is facing bankruptcy and all they can do is piss away money to release a product that can't even compare with the technology they made 5 years ago. How pathetic!! AMD would have been more successful if they invested in shrinking existing technology to 45 nm and and placing two 2-cores on a chip like Intel.
    very true
    Reply
  • i think your totally mistaken
    Reply
  • cabose369
    The small Phenom X3 model, the 8750, clocks at a rate of 2.10 GHz. When compared to the Athlon 64 6400+ with 3.20 GHz and 6000+ with 3.00 GHz, it simply can’t keep up for many applications.

    I think you mean to say the small Phenom X3 model, the 8450.
    Reply
  • callahs
    I've gone from x2-4200 to a new intel E8400. What a difference! I paid half as much ($189 and 4 gig of ddr800@ $59)and the intel chip just crushes the AMD in every way at stock settings. With the difference of 2 1/2 yrs, AMD should have produced quads soon after with the old x2 format but that may have only treaded water against the conroe. Intel did their homework and gets an 'A'.

    I'd like to see the sony 'core' put into action other than yellow dogs lunix or Mercury's blader...sweeeet. They have six unit ps3's making 1 tflop @ 19k! :}
    Reply
  • quanger
    i wouldnt waste my money on a triple core phenom when i can get a 6400X2 for less. I wouldnt even consider it if they were the same price. These phenom triple cores may sell more than X2 because its easier to market if one product has more "cores". Anyways, AMD should stop dicking around and focus on raising the Phenom X4 clocks quicker.
    Reply