AMD Releases New Athlon, Phenom Processors
AMD next year is expected to debut its integrated GPU/CPU solution, code-named Fusion, as well as its next generation CPU cores, code-named Bulldozer. Now, AMD is shifting its focus back to its currently available processors, releasing nine new processor SKUs, including three new Phenom II chips, and three new Athlon II chips.
"Anyone looking to upgrade to a new PC combining multi-core value, versatile platform options, and high definition video & 3D graphics can see the difference in a new PC with VISION Technology from AMD," the Sunnyvale, Calif.-based company said in a press release.
Phenom II products are the top-end units, but AMD's not-quite-as-fast Athlon II series of products have been profitable. The cheapest of its new microprocessors is the $76 dual-core Athlon II X2 265, which runs at 3.3GHz and comes with 2MB of cache.
"The AMD Phenom II X6 1075T and AMD Phenom II X2 560 BE processors will deliver the latest desktop performance at an outstanding price, giving users even more reason to upgrade to the visual experience of a new PC featuring VISION Technology from AMD," an AMD spokesperson told CRN.
The company is also making two unlocked Black Edition processors available for those who want control over the level of performance and correlative power consumption, for more or less demanding tasks.
The new Black Edition chips include the $185 quad-core Phenom II X4 which runs at 3.5 GHz and comes with 2MB of L2 and 6MB of L3 cache. As yet another competitively priced option, the $105 Phenom II X2 560 Black Edition processor runs at 3.3 GHz and includes 1MB of L2 and 6MB of L3 cache.
Another series of processors -- the X4 615e, X3 420e, and X2 250e -- will be available only to OEMs and are, once again, aimed at smaller, cheaper machines, running at a low 45 watt TDP (Thermal Design Power). Though the "e" series has not received any of the fanfare reserved for Fusion, Bulldozer, and to a lesser extent Phenom and Athlon, its pricing is reflective of AMD's overall strategy.
Nevertheless, some of the new parts provide a significant increase in clock speeds, including one X6 processor. Meanwhile, AMD is preparing for future product lines based on Ontario, Llano, and Zacate, which it released as a response -- and a cheaper alternative -- to Intel's much vaunted Sandy Bridge.
But even these high-end components will ultimately drive down the prices on current offerings, strengthening AMD's best pitch: affordability.