The only area we found that the 9350e was beneficial was for a home theatre PC, and even then in just a single instance after using the right codec. The CoreAVC codec is highly threaded and so takes advantage of the extra resources available on the 9350e, compared to the faster clocked dual-core 4850e, which was unable to handle a 1080p MKV all on its own. However, if it's possible, moving some of the load onto the GPU is still yet again more attractive and more energy efficient.
With Media Player Classic - Home Cinema edition set to use the GPU, the 4850e was decidedly overpowered now. We realise not everything can be offloaded onto the GPU - it has to conform to some sort of standard at least. The Phenom X4 9350e is stuck between a rock and a hard place in that respect. The Phenoms need clock speed to get competitive with what else is on offer, but in this instance, AMD has gone the other way and underclocked the 9350e instead. What's also stopping you from just underclocking and undervolting any other Phenom like the 9550?
AMD claims the 9350e is "perfect for the Home Theatre PC, small form factor PCs and anywhere companies or consumers want a multi-tasking machine that is energy efficient and inexpensive", but exactly how good is it? Does a higher clocked 65W or 45W dual-core offer a better performance than four cores that are clocked lower? From our experience with the Intel Core 2 Duo E8500 (and lower), we found that a faster dual-core is often more beneficial - especially in gaming.
US Price (as reviewed): Around $220 (ex. Tax)
AMD SB750
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Amd vs intel presents AMD SB750
From the looks of it overclocking these boards when paired with a Black edition X4 is going to be as simple as hitting a button, and forgetting about it. AnandTech.com was able to go beyond 3ghz with complete stability with their chips and an early board. The feature is call Advance Clock Calibration (ACC) and the new chips are supposed to take advantage of this new overclocking and system management tool. AMD has been saying time and time again its the platform and not the processor that we will have to look out for in the future, and I think all their chips are finally starting to fall into place. Hardwarezone.com has some actual photos of the Foxconn board (I assume it is the same one AnandTech used for their review) OC WorkBench has some actual photos of the new chipset featured for you who like your silicone naked.
It seems like this new ACC is going to go hand in hand with their CFAA (Custom Filtering AA) with their Video Cards. With the system managing load with intelligence and on the fly (so it seems) I can only hope that once system BIOS’s and the hardware matures we will see the chips on this platform fly! I for one will be putting together a system with this board as soon as I can get my hot little hands on one.
From the looks of it overclocking these boards when paired with a Black edition X4 is going to be as simple as hitting a button, and forgetting about it. AnandTech.com was able to go beyond 3ghz with complete stability with their chips and an early board. The feature is call Advance Clock Calibration (ACC) and the new chips are supposed to take advantage of this new overclocking and system management tool. AMD has been saying time and time again its the platform and not the processor that we will have to look out for in the future, and I think all their chips are finally starting to fall into place. Hardwarezone.com has some actual photos of the Foxconn board (I assume it is the same one AnandTech used for their review) OC WorkBench has some actual photos of the new chipset featured for you who like your silicone naked.
It seems like this new ACC is going to go hand in hand with their CFAA (Custom Filtering AA) with their Video Cards. With the system managing load with intelligence and on the fly (so it seems) I can only hope that once system BIOS’s and the hardware matures we will see the chips on this platform fly! I for one will be putting together a system with this board as soon as I can get my hot little hands on one.
Intel To Use Atom For Embeddable Systems, Moving Beyond PCs
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Intel has found another use for its tiny, low-power Atom chips—today they've announced intention to move into the system-on-a-chip industry, where they'll compete with ARM, MIPS, Freescale, and IBM among others to provide embeddable systems for things that aren't PCs. Namely cable boxes, manufacturing robots, security hardware, and anything else that needs an all-in-one brain. Initially they'll be using the Pentium M, but the transition to Atom should happen next year. Maybe this is what the "most of us wouldn't use Atom" talk was all about.source:[WSJ]
Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processors price cuts
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Intel announced prices for some of its latest, most powerful chips that might disappoint digital gaming enthusiasts because they’re more expensive than reports had speculated. The latest Intel processors for gamers, the Intel Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core processors for desktop PCs that run at 3.2GHz will cost US$1,499 each in lots of 1000 processors, with a slightly different version for $1,399. Another version of the chip that runs at 3.0GHz will cost $999 in the same amounts, according to Intel’s latest price list. Gamer blogs and some news reports had speculated the new 3.2GHz Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core might come out priced at around $999, far less than Intel actually announced.
Each of the new chips comes with four calculating engines on board for more realistic 3D images and ultra-fast gaming speeds, according to Intel. Several gaming PCs have already been designed around the chip family, including Velocity Micro’s Raptor Signature Edition for around $5,995, which will ship next month and Gateway’s FX541XG for around $2,707.99, which starts shipping this week. The Core 2 Extreme Quad-Core chips had been code-named Bloomfield. A price war with rival Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) over the past few years has helped push microprocessor prices generally lower. Microprocessors made for laptop PCs have held up better in price because the laptop PC market has been growing at a breakneck pace.
AMD and Shanghai Supercomputer Center to jointly form new tech lab
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Sunnyvale-based Deneb developer, Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is teaming up with Shanghai Supercomputer Center so as to set up a new technology laboratory in Shanghai. The facility is expected to help the two companies bond by bringing together their experts in high performance computing and fuel China’s advancements in the mentioned field.
Forming the new laboratory is also said to ignite further development of computing solutions based on AMD Opteron processors. Now, back to those Deneb CPUs.
Forming the new laboratory is also said to ignite further development of computing solutions based on AMD Opteron processors. Now, back to those Deneb CPUs.
Intel Core 2 Quad Q6600 drops below $200
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The sub-$200 quad-core era has finally arrived to Intel's Santa Clara HQ as the company's latest round of price cuts has seen the 1000 tray unit cost of the 65nm-built Core 2 Quad Q6600 drop 14%, from $224 to $193. In addition to making its most popular quad-core CPU cheaper, Intel has also slashed the prices of three 45nm dual-cores, the E8500, E8400 and E7200.
The 3.16 GHz-clocked Core 2 Duo E8500 has seen its price tag go down 31%, from $266 to $183 so as to leave room for the 3.33 GHz E8600 while the E8400 and E7200 went down 11% and 15% to settle at $163 and $113 respectively.
Interestingly enough, Intel's documents don't mention the E8600 or the Q9650 although they have being to appear in stores.
AMD introduces quadcore Phenom for desktops
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On Tuesday, AMD announced a new version of its flagship “Black” Phenom X4, as well as two energy-efficient versions of the Phenom X4 chip. However, the AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition does not command a flagship price: AMD is charging a suggested retail price of just $235 for the 2.6-GHz chip. AMD also released the AMD Phenom X4 9350e, a 2.0-GHz processor for $195; and the AMD Phenom X4 9150e, a 1.8-GHz version for $175. All three chips are manufactured on AMD’s 65-nm process, contain 2 Mbytes of a shard level 3 cache and include 512 Kbytes of level-2 cache per core.
AMD’s new Black processor consumes 140 watts at maximum, an increase over the 9850, which consumes 125 watts. However, the chip also ships with AMD’s OverDrive software with clock multiplier control, allowing users to scale down the performance to save power, or dial it up for more performance. At Computex, Asus released a list of boards that could accept the new 140-watt Black chips. The energy-efficient Phenom X4s, on the other hand, consume no more than 65 watts in total. All of AMD’s current chips are built with 65-nanometer transistors. Processors with 45-nanometer technology are expected this year. Starting late last year, Intel moved its product line to 45 nanometers, which means more transistors on a chip to deliver better power-to-performance ratios.
AMD Phenom X4 9950 & 9350e Review -part 4-
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Pricing:
AMD has released official pricing, but what we see now on the net is a bit high. The Phenom X4 9950 initially comes in at $235 taking over the spot from the 9850. In a week however pricing will drop to about $205. With the Core 2 Quad Q9300 at $270 that looks like favorable pricing. With this move the 9850 will become a non Black Edition part, but AMD expects it to continue as a Black Edition for some time until later this year.
The 9150E and 9350E are priced at $175 and $195 respectively. You pay the premium for the lower power consumption here. Currently we have found these CPUs below.
Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition
Buy.com $300.99 free shipping
Phenom X4 9150
PC Nation $223.48 free shipping
We were not able to dig up pricing on the 9350, but as of right now things are at first availability costs, and should come down soon.
Conclusion:
This is a much needed booster shot to the Phenom line which doesn't solve AMD's overall problem with performance but provides great value and excellent power consumption levels. Thanks to ATI's amazing chipset in the 780G with already very low power requirements and that of the Phenom X4 9150e or 9350e you have one heck of an HTPC machine with low power consumption and heat. This is very alluring and AMD is clearly on top currently with Intel and Nvidia when it comes to IGP. The 9950 is a good boost if a small one but does yield easily the best Phenom overclock we've seen yet going all the way up to 3.2GHz stable, beating the 9850BE overclock by 300MHz so it definitely is a great chip too. The problem is it isn't good enough, and although a good deal at $235 compared to the Q9300 $275 or so AMD needs to come back strong with the next architecture. There is already talk of 45nm falling behind and that is already a fairly large blunder. Intel will probably charge a fortune for Nehalem but AMD wins a clear winner with their next new architecture, enough at least to match Intel's bottom line parts. ATI is doing great so far with their mid-range target strategy, which actually isn't that mid-range since it clobbers the GTX 260. Intel is a much larger competitor than Nvidia but hopefully some of that magic can rub off.
Phenom 9350e Score: 95%
Phenom 9950 Score: 91%
AMD has released official pricing, but what we see now on the net is a bit high. The Phenom X4 9950 initially comes in at $235 taking over the spot from the 9850. In a week however pricing will drop to about $205. With the Core 2 Quad Q9300 at $270 that looks like favorable pricing. With this move the 9850 will become a non Black Edition part, but AMD expects it to continue as a Black Edition for some time until later this year.
The 9150E and 9350E are priced at $175 and $195 respectively. You pay the premium for the lower power consumption here. Currently we have found these CPUs below.
Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition
Buy.com $300.99 free shipping
Phenom X4 9150
PC Nation $223.48 free shipping
We were not able to dig up pricing on the 9350, but as of right now things are at first availability costs, and should come down soon.
Conclusion:
This is a much needed booster shot to the Phenom line which doesn't solve AMD's overall problem with performance but provides great value and excellent power consumption levels. Thanks to ATI's amazing chipset in the 780G with already very low power requirements and that of the Phenom X4 9150e or 9350e you have one heck of an HTPC machine with low power consumption and heat. This is very alluring and AMD is clearly on top currently with Intel and Nvidia when it comes to IGP. The 9950 is a good boost if a small one but does yield easily the best Phenom overclock we've seen yet going all the way up to 3.2GHz stable, beating the 9850BE overclock by 300MHz so it definitely is a great chip too. The problem is it isn't good enough, and although a good deal at $235 compared to the Q9300 $275 or so AMD needs to come back strong with the next architecture. There is already talk of 45nm falling behind and that is already a fairly large blunder. Intel will probably charge a fortune for Nehalem but AMD wins a clear winner with their next new architecture, enough at least to match Intel's bottom line parts. ATI is doing great so far with their mid-range target strategy, which actually isn't that mid-range since it clobbers the GTX 260. Intel is a much larger competitor than Nvidia but hopefully some of that magic can rub off.
Phenom 9350e Score: 95%
Phenom 9950 Score: 91%
AMD Phenom X4 9950 & 9350e Review -part 3-
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Same trends with Cinebench 10.
Again with Pov-RAY AMD just can't compete with the 9300 though it is $40 more expensive.
Good scores here overall from AMD.
Valve's benchmarks give us very similar results. Update: We re-ran some tests using Cinebench 10 as the benchmark with a Radeon HD 4870 for power consumption. Finally let's look at power consumption.
| Phenom 9350e | Phenom 9950 BE | |
| Idle | 195 | 225 |
| Load | 213 | 275 |
The Phenom 9350e has excellent power ratings for a quad core just barely hitting 200W on the 780a. We didn't have time to test on a 780G but it should be much lower load consumption at around 150W so for home theater PCs or other low power machines the combination of the 780G and 9350e or 9150e is unbeatable. For a 140W TDP for the 9950 it also doesn't draw too much more power.
AMD Phenom X4 9950 & 9350e Review -part 2-
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We used Asus' Crosshair II Formula 780a motherboard for overclocking using the Zero Therm NV120. Not adjusting the voltage we were able to hit 3GHz stable, a new high for Phenoms, but adjusting the voltage to 1.425v we were able to hit 3.2GHz stable and reach 3.3GHz though it blue screened in 3DMark. This was a 600MHz stable overclock, the best yet for AMD's Phenom.
Trying to overclock the low wattage 9350e didn't fair as well moving only from 2GHz to 2.34GHz despite increasing the voltage heavily.
Here's our current test system.
| Mother Board | Asus Crosshair II Formula |
| CPU | Various |
| Video Card | Asus 9600 GT Top |
| Memory | Corsair XMS Dominator 2GB |
| Hard | Western Digital Raptor |
| =Case | Tsunami Thermaltake |
| Display | Samsung 20" LCD Westinghouse W4207 |
| |
Our test OS was Windows Vista Ultimate SP1 with nForce driver revisions 175.19 and chipset driver revision of 18.11. V-sync was disabled for graphic tests.
For our games testing we used lower graphic settings in order to stress the processor and relieve the graphics card from being the bottleneck.
UT3 shows the 9950 as a great competitor with the more expensive Intel Q9300.
Unsurprisingly the 9950 isn't too far from the 9850 in Crysis. The Intel Q9300 comes out on top here.
Not too many shocks here in 3DMark 2006 but the 9950 does over 100 points more than the 9850.
AMD Phenom X4 9950 & 9350e Review -part 1-
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ATI has been on a roll lately starting with the Radeon 3870 last year, the 780G earlier this year, Puma, and the Radeon 4850 and 4870 which swept the rug out from under Nvidia and beat them handily in price and performance as well as adding on extra features. The question remains though for AMD's CPU division, when will they start flourishing as they did not so long ago now. Can the Intel goliath be toppled again? I can tell you now with the two new processors AMD is releasing today they aren't going to knock Intel off the top but are three new processors they are releasing today to add to the line: the Phenom X4 9950, 9350e, and 9150e.
| Model | CPU Freq. | MC & HT(x2) Freq. | Max TDP | Core Count | Price |
| X4 9950 Black Edition | 2.6GHz | 2.0GHz | 140W | 4 | $235 |
| X4 9350e | 2.0GHz | 1.8GHz | 65W | 4 | $195 |
| X4 9150e | 1.8GHz | 1.8GHz | 65W | 4 | $175 |
With the release of the 9950 Black Edition AMD steps up from the 9850 100MHz to 2.6GHz from 2.5GHz but also increases the max TDP to 140W. The Phenom 9950 Black Edition takes over the $235 pricing the 9850 had which will be reduced to $207 starting July 7th, a helpful heads up from AMD. These will still be 9850 Black Editions for a while in the channel but they will move towards normal edition eventually but should be able to get a 9850 Black Edition for a steal in a week.
The other new processors being released are the low wattage quad core processors, the X4 9350e and 9150e which have a max TDP of 65w. Previously 95 was the lowest TDP for Phenoms and it still is for even Intel's lowest clock speed quad core processors giving AMD a 30W advantage here. This could be a boon for HTPCs, file servers, or other computers that are run 24/7.
Other than that though there aren't too many changes to AMD's lineup. We should see some price cuts officially updated some time today on AMD's website but that's about it. So let's move on.
NEW AMD Phenom X4 processors TECH SPECS:
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9950 / 2.6GHz
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9350e / 2.0GHz
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9150e / 1.8GHz
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512 KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
L3 Cache Size: 2MB (shared)
Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Fab location: AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
Process Technology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million
Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
Memory Controller Speed: X4 9950: up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
X4 9350e: up to 1.8GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
X4 9150e: up to 1.6GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
HyperTransport 3.0 Specification: X4 9950: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
X4 9350e: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.6GHz full duplex (1.8GHz x2)
X4 9150e: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.2GHz full duplex (1.6GHz x2)
Total Processor Bandwidth: X4 9950: Up to 33.1 GB/s bandwidth
X4 9350e: Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth
X4 9150e: Up to 29.9 GB/s bandwidth
Max Ambient Case Temp: X4 9950: 61o Celsius
X4 9350e: 70o Celsius
X4 9150e: 70o Celsius
Nominal Voltage: X4 9950: 1.05-1.30 Volts
X4 9350e: 1.05-1.125 Volts
X4 9150e: 1.05-1.15 Volts
Max TDP: X4 9950: 140 Watts
X4 9350e: 65 Watts
X4 9150e: 65 Watts
*Note: configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes
Intel 2.66 GHz Bloomfield said to cost under $300
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The Nehalem architecture is still a few months away and it has already provided us with a few ups and downs, with the latter category including the apparent decision to release the more pocket-friendly LGA 1160 platforms only in Q3 2009. Lacking QPI and triple-channel DDR3 memory support, the more affordable Lynnfield and Havendale processors are thus a year away but, as the latest info suggests they might not be missed all that much as the upcoming Bloomfield CPUs will also come at reasonable prices.
Paired up with X58 motherboards, the quad-core, 8-threaded, LGA1366 Bloomfields will be released in Q4 and will come clocked at 2.66, 2.93 and 3.2 GHz. The 3.2 GHz model will be Extreme-branded and cost $999 while the 2.93 GHz CPU will be priced at $562 (1000-unit tray quantities). As for the 2.66 GHz processor, it will have a price tag of $284, lower than that of the 2.66 GHz Yorkfield aka Core 2 Quad Q9450. Hopefully Intel will bring even cheaper Bloomfield CPUs in 2009. Until then, save those (Euro) cents.
AMD shows off ray-tracing tech on YouTube
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AMD has published two YouTube videos that show off its voxel-based rendering technology. The videos were released by AMD’s company blog, AMDUnprocessed, and showcase the 3D technology developed by JulesWorld.
The first video is a shaky-cam clip of a ray-traced Ruby, AMD/ATI’s red-clothed vixen (YouTube link). The second video is an interview with Jules, talking about technical aspects of OTOY/LightScape technologies (YouTube link). OTOY is JulesWorld’s plug-in that allows cinematic-quality rendering within browsers
The first video is a shaky-cam clip of a ray-traced Ruby, AMD/ATI’s red-clothed vixen (YouTube link). The second video is an interview with Jules, talking about technical aspects of OTOY/LightScape technologies (YouTube link). OTOY is JulesWorld’s plug-in that allows cinematic-quality rendering within browsers
Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition only $205
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The Phenom X4 9950 BE for $205. Just when you thought it couldn't get any cheaper, it has. The Phenom X4 9600 Black Edition is $134.99 with code EMCAHBABH .That is super cheap. Here are some other good deals. AMD Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Windsor 3.2GHz 2 x 1MB L2 Cache Socket AM2 125W Dual-Core Processor - Retail Newegg $129.99 with code EMCAHBABG free shipping
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail Newegg $58.99 free shipping
AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+ Brisbane 2.5GHz 2 x 512KB L2 Cache Socket AM2 65W Dual-Core Processor - Retail Newegg $58.99 free shipping
AMD taking a $948 million charge in Q2
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The Q2 charges also include $32 million in restructuring costs and $24 million in relation to Spansion stock. AMD has previously stated that it will turn to profit this year.
Intel 2.93 GHz Bloomfield scores go online
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Amd vs Intel: Intel 2.93 GHz
After teasing us with a little close-up of Foxconn's X58 motherboard, the guys @ Tom's Hardware have decided that something a little more 'relevant' is required and have given out some results of the Q4-bound 2.93 GHz-clocked Bloomfield CPU.
Put into a system consisting of a X58 motherboard (probably Foxconn's), 2GB of DDR3-1600 Crucial Ballistix memory (not taking advantage of triple-channel support unfortunately), a 750GB Seagate hard drive and an AMD Radeon HD 4850, the upcoming quad-core LGA1366 Bloomfield CPU scored 23% more than a Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (also at 2.93 GHz) in 3DMark06's CPU bench. Additional tests, which included comparisons with AMD processors like the Athlon FX-74 (3.0 GHz) and the Phenom X4 9850 BE, 9950 BE only confirmed Bloomfield's dominance but, that was expected. Hopefully, AMD's 45nm Phenoms will but up a good fight yet, either way, we'll be getting some nice, fast quads from Intel later this year. Not that we don't need the competition.
2.93 GHz Bloomfield (on the left) and a dual-core E8500 by its side
After teasing us with a little close-up of Foxconn's X58 motherboard, the guys @ Tom's Hardware have decided that something a little more 'relevant' is required and have given out some results of the Q4-bound 2.93 GHz-clocked Bloomfield CPU.
Put into a system consisting of a X58 motherboard (probably Foxconn's), 2GB of DDR3-1600 Crucial Ballistix memory (not taking advantage of triple-channel support unfortunately), a 750GB Seagate hard drive and an AMD Radeon HD 4850, the upcoming quad-core LGA1366 Bloomfield CPU scored 23% more than a Core 2 Extreme QX6800 (also at 2.93 GHz) in 3DMark06's CPU bench. Additional tests, which included comparisons with AMD processors like the Athlon FX-74 (3.0 GHz) and the Phenom X4 9850 BE, 9950 BE only confirmed Bloomfield's dominance but, that was expected. Hopefully, AMD's 45nm Phenoms will but up a good fight yet, either way, we'll be getting some nice, fast quads from Intel later this year. Not that we don't need the competition.
AMD 45nm Phenom pictures and SuperPI results
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Although not coming soon enough, AMD's 45nm quad-core Phenom processors, will (hopefully) make their way into stores later this year and a new engineering samples have already started to pop up for some early hype. Just below, you can see two of the upcoming Phenom X4 codename Deneb CPUs, clocked at 2.2 and 2.3 GHz. Both come in an AM2+ package, have a integrated DDR2 (and probably DDR3) memory controller, and 6 MB of shared L3 cache, three times more than the currently selling Agena quads.
Pictures itocp.com.
Intel E8600 surpasses 6 GHz on DFI P35 board
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Intel's highest-clocked Wolfdale CPU, the E8600 hasn't even been officially introduced and it is already making waves in more Eastern parts of the world with its overclocking capabilities. Backed by a system consisting of a DFI LP UT P35 motherboard, 4GB of DDR2 memory and a Radeon HD 4870 card, and a big bucket of liquid nitrogen, the 3.33 GHz-clocked Core 2 Duo E8600 was able to reach a top speed of 6000.2 MHz and later on 6146.9 MHz.
Achieved by the guys at coolaler.com, the 6.14 GHz mark was possible by taking the processors' FSB (front side bus) all the way up to 614 MHz (the multiplier being of 10), from the 'standard' 333 MHz. These E0 revision Core 2 Duos are looking good
already.
source:tcmagazine
AMD unveils two 65W Phenoms for under $200
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Intel's lead in the CPU market by finding new ways to price and package their quad-core Phenom processors so they offer compelling value propositions. Their latest move on that front comes today with the introduction of several new Phenom models, including the energy-efficient Phenom X4 9350e and 9150e. The lower-case "e" at the end of their model numbers denotes energy efficiency, and in this case, that translates into a 65W maximum power draw rating, or TDP, for both products. The X4 9350e runs at 2GHz, and the 9150e clocks in at 1.8GHz.AMD points out that Intel doesn't yet offer any quad-core processors for under 200 bucks, and even the 45nm Core 2 Quad 9300 has a TDP rating of 95W. That puts the new Phenoms into a category all their own—a category that may appeal to builders of home theater PCs and the like, especially in conjunction with the 780G chipset. AMD has been shipping a Phenom X4 9100e to PC makers for a while now, but these CPUs will be selling to end users, as well.
Also new today is a slightly faster flagship, the Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition, which finally reaches the 2.6GHz core clock frequency AMD forecast last November when it seeded reviewers with 2.6GHz review samples. Of course, early Phenoms saw their share of delays for multiple reasons, including the infamous TLB erratum. Happily, all of the Phenom models introduced today are based on B3-revision silicon, which is free and clear of the TLB problem. Like prior Black Editions, the X4 9950 has an overclocking-friendly unlocked multiplier.
Prices have dropped almost across the board, with the triple-core Phenom X3 now reaching as low as $125. The energy-efficient parts command a bit of a premium over their 95W counterparts, of course, but the 9150e still lists for just $175.
The Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition takes a very different path to its destination, seeking higher frequencies at the cost of a 140W TDP rating—15W above the previous top Phenom. This processor will require fairly beefy cooling, and like some 125W Phenoms, it won't be compatible with lower-end Socket AM2/AM2+ motherboards. AMD recommends enthusiast-class boards like the MSI K9A2 Platinum and the Asus M3A32-MVP Deluxe for this one.
If that additional 15W puts you off, you may be pleased to learn that AMD will be keeping the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition around as an unlocked model for the time being; it will transition to a conventional, locked model at some point, but not until later this year. We have an asterisk next to the $205 price for the 9850 Black Edition in the table above because that price won't officially take effect until July 7th. Once it does, the 9850 Black Edition should continue to be one of the best deals in the Phenom lineup.
Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition For $235
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| X4 9950 Black Edition | 2.6GHz | 2.0GHz | 140W | 4 | $235 |
| X4 9350e | 2.0GHz | 1.8GHz | 65W | 4 | $195 |
| X4 9150e | 1.8GHz | 1.8GHz | 65W | 4 | $175 |
With the release of the 9950 Black Edition AMD steps up from the 9850 100MHz to 2.6GHz from 2.5GHz but also increases the max TDP to 140W. The Phenom 9950 Black Edition takes over the $235 pricing the 9850 had which will be reduced to $207 starting July 7th, a helpful heads up from AMD. These will still be 9850 Black Editions for a while in the channel but they will move towards normal edition eventually but should be able to get a 9850 Black Edition for a steal in a week.
NEW AMD Phenom X4 processors TECH SPECS:
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9950 / 2.6GHz
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9350e / 2.0GHz
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9150e / 1.8GHz
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512 KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
L3 Cache Size: 2MB (shared)
Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Fab location: AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
Process Technology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million
Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2
Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
Memory Controller Speed: X4 9950: up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
X4 9350e: up to 1.8GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
X4 9150e: up to 1.6GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
HyperTransport 3.0 Specification: X4 9950: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
X4 9350e: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.6GHz full duplex (1.8GHz x2)
X4 9150e: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.2GHz full duplex (1.6GHz x2)
Total Processor Bandwidth: X4 9950: Up to 33.1 GB/s bandwidth
X4 9350e: Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth
X4 9150e: Up to 29.9 GB/s bandwidth
Max Ambient Case Temp: X4 9950: 61o Celsius
X4 9350e: 70o Celsius
X4 9150e: 70o Celsius
Nominal Voltage: X4 9950: 1.05-1.30 Volts
X4 9350e: 1.05-1.125 Volts
X4 9150e: 1.05-1.15 Volts
Max TDP: X4 9950: 140 Watts
X4 9350e: 65 Watts
X4 9150e: 65 Watts
*Note: configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes
AMD 35W X2; SB8xx Supports Fusion
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AMD has a new Athlon X2 up their sleeve - Even though it is a K8, it still is pretty cool, as it is a 35W part. If I recall correctly, Intel's single core Celerons are 35W as well. AMD has gone for the HTPC crowd with this one, as it is actually a dual core that can be put in a quiet and cool environment. Additionally, we have learned that AMD's SB800 chipset will support AMD/ATI's upcoming Fusion line of processors.
AMD intros three more Phenom X4 processors
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Coming just as Q3 kicks off the Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition, X4 9350e and 9150e are ready to pretty much close the circle of AMD's quad-core 65nm desktop offer and let the company prepare the 45nm Deneb and Propus processors. Topping out at 2.6 GHz, the Phenom X4 9950 BE is the highest-clocked AMD quad-core and it features an unlocked multiplier, 2MB of L2 cache, 2MB of shared L3 cache and a not so attractive TDP of 140W.
Those who want something 'cooler,' literally, AMD is releasing the energy-efficient Phenon X4 9350e and 9150e CPUs, both bragging with a 65W TDP and clocked at 2.0 and 1.8 GHz respectively. All three Agena processors are AM2+ and AM2 compatible but please note that the 9950 BE will not be supported but many new or old motherboards. Asus and MSI have already released lists with the boards that can handle the 140W CPU.
Price wise, the Phenom 9950 BE will take the 9850's place at $235 while the latter goes down to $205 with the X4 9350e and 9150e being set to debut at $195 and $175 respectively. For more info about the performance of AMD's new processors check out HotHardware's article.source:tcmagazine
AMD AM3 CHIPSET IN Q1 2009
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In Q4 2008 , AMD will present the 45 nm processors (socket AM3) with the integrated DDR3 memory controller .Such processors will work in socket AM2 or Socket AM2+ motherboards, since the memory controller will support also DDR-2.
Associate get some slide from AMD road-map, this company intends to present a chipset for AM3 platform in the first half 2009. These chipset will support DDR-3. In Q1 2009 , AMD will release the chipset RD790, which will occupy the place of present AMD 790FX, and will use the south bridge SB750. The latter, will be released in Q3 2008. In the second quarter 2009 , AMD will show the chipset RD890, which will be combined with the new south bridge SB800. In the integrated segment AMD will release the chipset RS880.
Associate get some slide from AMD road-map, this company intends to present a chipset for AM3 platform in the first half 2009. These chipset will support DDR-3. In Q1 2009 , AMD will release the chipset RD790, which will occupy the place of present AMD 790FX, and will use the south bridge SB750. The latter, will be released in Q3 2008. In the second quarter 2009 , AMD will show the chipset RD890, which will be combined with the new south bridge SB800. In the integrated segment AMD will release the chipset RS880.
AMD Phenom X4 9350e and 9950
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Technically, the trio of new processors from AMD are pretty much the same: they have the same core, and similar feature sets. But while the 9950 Black Edition is a 140W, 2.6GHz overclockable monster (the most power-hungry Phenom AMD has made) the 9350 (2GHz) and 9150 (1.8GHz) are selectively binned and draw just 65W TDP. This makes them the most "power friendly" quadcore processors there are. The 9950 will cost $235 and at HotHardware.com they think it compares with Intel's Core 2 Quad Q6600. While the 9350 and 9150 will cost $195 and $175 respectively, meaning that "eco-friendliness" won't save you many dollars in the chip price, but will cost you a chunk of clock speed. [gizmodo via HotHardware ]
Specifications and Features
| Model / Processor Frequency: | AMD Phenom Processor Model X4 9950, 9350e, 9150e / 2.6GHz, 2.0GHz, 1.8GHz |
| L1 Cache Sizes: | 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor) |
| L2 Cache Sizes: | 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor) |
| L3 Cache Size: | 2MB (shared) |
| Memory Controller Type: | Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller, capable of being configured for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes |
| Memory Controller Frequency: | Up to 1.6GHz - 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management |
| Types of Memory: | Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) |
| HyperTransport 3.0: | One 16-bit/16-bit link @ 3200MHz to 3600MHz full duplex |
| Total Processor Bandwidth: | Up to 33.1 GB/s bandwidth (9950), 31,5GB/s (9350e), 29.9GB/s (9150e) |
| Packaging: | Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA) (backward compatible with Socket AM2) |
| Fab location: | AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany |
| Process Technology: | 65nm (.065-micron) DSL Silicon on Insulator (SOI) |
| Approximate Transistor count: | approx. 450 million (65nm) |
| Approximate Die Size: | 285 mm2 (65nm) |
| Nominal Voltage: | 1.05-1.3 Volts (9950), 1.0-1.125v (9150e, 9350e) |
| Max Ambient Case Temp: | 61 degress (9950) 70 degrees (9350e, 9150e) Celsius |
| Max TDP: | 140 Watts (9950), 65 Watts (9350e, 9150e) |
| ACP: | *to be announced after launch |
| Future Memory Controller Note: | Future 45nm processors versions are planned to include support for DDR3 memory |
INTEL ATOM IN APPLE IPHONE
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Intel company intends to systematically enlarge the application sphere of atom processors - their energy consumption level will be lowered so it will be possible to use them in cell phones and other pocket devices . Associate report with the reference to some analysts that the 32 nm atom version will be be able to prescribed in Apple iPhone in 2009-2010. The development of this processor, in the opinion of analysts will grow and the 32 nm version can be shown already in this year . Now smart phone apple iPhone are based on ARM processors from samsung production. According to experts estimations , these processors ensure a lower power consumption in comparison with intel atom. If intel release the Atom processor in the new technical processes, then the energy consumption will be lowered to a competitive level. Simultaneously Intel can lower the price of its processors . Apple in this situation can pass to the use of Atom processors in its smart phones.
AMD PHENOM X4 9950 BLACK EDITION
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The processor phenom X4 9950 (2.6 GHz) with TDP level not more than 140 W will be release in the usual version with the limited multiplier. According to the last reference , this processor will be presented in the fourth quarter of the present year. Motherboards producers already declared about the readiness of their products for work with socket AM2+ processor , which have the heat emission level of approximately 140 W. Besides Asus and Gigabyte, we can also note MSI company. The processor phenom X4 with 2.6 GHz frequency can appear earlier than the fourth quarter. References about the processor phenom X4 9950 Black edition are already prescribed in some stores. Data about the TDP value differ.
Since AMD cannot propose the models series phenom FX only after passage on 45 NM technical process, temporary their place will be occupied by the black edition processor, which possesses the more attractive price. According to some data, this processor will be released in first July, moreover in the 140- watt version. Version with the lowered to 125 W TDP level will appear later (Q4 2008). The price of processor in parties from 1000 pieces will be $235. AMD Will simultaneously release the four core economical processors phenom X3 9350e (2.0 GHz) and Phenom X3 9150e (1.9 GHz) with TDP level is not more than 65 W. Their wholesale cost will be equal to $195 and $175 respectively. The prices of existing processors will be also lowered .
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