AMD 45nm Phenom II analysis and review

Based on the company's 45nm manufacturing process and brought to market a couple of months after the launch of the similar server part, Shanghai, AMD's Phenom II quad-core processors promise higher clock speeds, to better compete against Intel's Core 2 Quad CPUs.

Phenom II 920 and 940, released at clock-speeds of 2.8GHz and 3.0GHz, respectively, will be available to buy in a couple of weeks. We investigate whether the advancements over incumbent Phenom X4 are enough to make them serious contenders in the <£250 market.

Processors	Cores	Architecture	Process	Clock speed	L2 cache (total)	L3 cache	Memory-controller speed	Voltage	TDP	etailer pricing
AMD Phenom II 940 Black Edition	4	K10	45nm	3.0GHz	2MB	6MB	1.8GHz	0.875-1.5V	125W	£215
AMD Phenom II 920	4	K10	45nm	2.8GHz	2MB	6MB	1.8GHz	0.875-1.5V	125W	£175
AMD Phenom X4 9950 Black Edition	4	K10	65nm	2.6GHz	2MB	2MB	2.0GHz	1.05-1.3V	125W	£140
AMD Phenom X4 9850 BE	4	K10	65nm	2.5GHz	2MB	2MB	2.0GHz	1.05-1.3V	125W	£130
AMD Phenom X4 9750	4	K10	65nm	2.4GHz	2MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.1-1.3V	95W	£120
AMD Phenom X4 9650	4	K10	65nm	2.3GHz	2MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.1-1.3V	95W	£112
AMD Phenom X4 9350e	4	K10	65nm	2.0GHz	2MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.0-1.125V	65W	£110
AMD Phenom X3 8750	3	K10	65nm	2.4GHz	1.5MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.05-1.25V	95W	£99
AMD Phenom X3 8650	3	K10	65nm	2.4GHz	1.5MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.05-1.25V	95W	£82
AMD Phenom X3 8450	3	K10	65nm	2.1GHz	1.5MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.2-1.3V	95W	£75
AMD Athlon X2 7750 Black Edition	2	K10	65nm	2.7GHz	1MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.2-1.25V	95W	£65?
AMD Athlon X2 7550	2	K10	65nm	2.5GHz	1MB	2MB	1.8GHz	1.2-1.25V	95W	£55?
AMD Athlon X2 6400+ BE	2	K8	65nm	3.2GHz	2MB	N/A	1GHz	1.35-1.4V	125W	£72
AMD Athlon X2 6000+	2	K8	65nm	3.1GHz	1MB	N/A	1GHz	1.1-1.4V	89W	£63

AMD finally launches Phenom II and Dragon Platform

AMD's 45nm, quad-core Phenom II has finally arrived. It's available in two flavors, the 2.8GHz X4 920 and the 3.0GHz X4 940 Black Edition, going for $235 and $275, respectively. AMD's naturally touting the ostensible cost savings of the chips . The Dragon platform includes a Phenom II proc, 4800-series Radeon HD graphics and a 790-series motherboard, all of which should combine for low power consumption -- up to 40 percent compared to Phenom processors. Where the Phenom II definitely wins is the fact that some AMD folks will be able to drop in the chip to existing motherboards, but otherwise it looks like value hounds and performance junkies aren't being served by this new chip.

AMD finally launches Phenom II

Performance

The Phenom II's integrated memory controller and HyperTransport interface give it a technical edge over competing Core 2 Quad chips, which lack those features. Intel moved to an integrated memory controller and began incorporating its own version of HyperTransport--dubbed QuickPath Interconnect--only with its Core i7 platform. The integrated memory controller and HyperTransport interface allow Phenom II processors to achieve a higher memory bandwidth than Core 2 Quad processors can, by eliminating the bottlenecks created by a frontside bus and an external controller. The arrangement, in theory, improves system performance.

Model / Processor Frequency:	AMD Phenom II Processor Model X4 940 / X4 920 / 3.0GHz, 2.8GHz
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:	6MB (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 1.8GHz 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 @ up to 3600MHz full duplex
Total Processor Bandwidth:	Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth
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:	45nm (.045-micron) DSL Silicon on Insulator (SOI)
Approximate Transistor count:	approx. ~758 million (65nm)
Approximate Die Size:	258 mm2 (45nm)
Nominal Voltage:	.0875-1.5 Volts
Max Ambient Case Temp:	62 degress Celsius
Max TDP:	125 Watts
ACP:	*to be announced after launch
Future Memory Controller Note:	Future 45nm processors versions are planned to include support for DDR3 memory

Availability and Phenom II Processor Pricing

Consumers can expect to see systems featuring Dragon platform technology from leading system builders and OEMs in the first quarter of 2009. In addition to Dragon platform technology-based offerings from AMD’s OEM partners, PC enthusiasts who enjoy building their own systems can search “Dragon” on popular e-tail sites such as newegg.com and tigerdirect.com to find special promotions on this new desktop PC platform.

In addition to Dragon platform technology, individual AMD Phenom II X4 processors will be available from AMD channel e-tailers at launch:

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition processor – (3.0GHz) – $275 MSRP

AMD Phenom II X4 920 processor – (2.8GHz) – $235 MSRP

Intel Core i7 Overclocking - Core i7 Overclocking

You will se how high these processors(Nehalam processors- the 920 and the 965EE) can be overclocked using the ASUS P6T motherboard. It is very interesting how Intel works with the QPI bus v/s Multipliers. After a bit of tinkering around, we eventually found the sweet spot on each of these processors. So it was now time to see how hot these babies got on a one hour OCCT stress test.

Intel Core i7 Overclocking - Core i7 Overclocking

No surprises with the temperatures for the 130W CPU’s especially the 965EE hitting 4GHz on a stock air cooling solution.

The voltage configuration set to Auto at first and increased the BCLK from 133 MHz to 150 MHz as a jumpstart. From there steadily increased the BCLK in increments of 5 MHz. Guys at tbreak managed to hit the wall at 180 MHz which was the limit at which we could enter Windows, but the OCCT test threw off a bit and there was no stability.

With the bus speed down in 2 MHz decrements with stress tests at each level and success arrived at 168 MHz. Next up was the Multiplier, which hit 4 GHz on the 965EE while the 920 stayed at 3360 MHz due to its multiplier limit of 20x. Increasing the voltage wasn’t doing us any good as we weren’t able to manage a stable one hour stress test. Although, higher clocks could be possible with a better cooling solution and a lot more time.


Conclusion:

Intel Core i7 has started out as a good overclocker. Getting to the sweet spots wasn't really difficult and all this achieved on the stock air cooling solution provided by Intel and stock core voltages. The overclocked Core i7’s do make excellent performers and those seeking not only thrills from overclocking their CPU’s are in for a ride.
source:tbreak.com

Transcend triple channel DDR3-1333 memory kits

Transcend Information Inc has released its DDR3-1333 triple channel memory kits for use with Intel Core i7 processors and Intel X58 Express Chipset motherboards. Transcend’s triple channel kits are designed specifically for the new platform, and offer an optimized combination of low voltage (1.5V), speed and enhanced latency (9-9-9-24) to deliver suitable performance and compatibility with next-generation PCs.

Available in two different capacities of 3GB (1GBx3) and 6GB (2GBx3), Transcend’s DDR3-1333 triple channel memory kits’ three identically matched DDR3 modules are carefully matched for use in triple-channel configuration, which together provide memory bandwidth of up to 32GB/sec. To ensure extra-stability and signal integrity, all DDR3 modules use robust PCBs that fully comply with JEDEC standards.Each chip is manufactured using small Fine-Pitch Ball Grid Array (FBGA) packages with extra contacts to assure better thermal dissipation, electrical efficiency and reliable computing quality.

Transcend memory modules are built to the highest specifications with the finest chips and materials available, and undergo rigorous testing to ensure they provide the best performance possible. All Transcend memory modules come with a lifetime warranty and the support of a global service network.

New Info of Phenom II X4 940 Unveiled

AMD Phenom II X4 is ready to debut this Thursday, though it still looks quite mysterious. The latest information indicates Phenom II X4 940 performs as well as Intel Core 2 Quad Q9450/Q9550 while costs a little bit lower.

The power consumption of Phenom II X4 940 ranges from 60 to 70 Watt under load.With the help of a normal air-cooling cooler, the processor can be overclocked between 3.2 to 3.6GHz without increasing voltage.

AMD unleashes linux code for general purpose computing

AMD, the chip rival for Intel has released “the fundamental Linux code” that is needed to develop open-source 3D-acceleration drivers for its R600 and R700 ATI graphic-processors series.

The news is intended for those who want to create drivers for potent GPU series of ATI Radeon HD 2x00, HD 3x00 (both R600), and Radeon HD 4x00 (R700). Also, unleash of open source code is good for Linux-lovers who have access to the R600/700’s 3D powers.
The announcement made by GPU to support the recently released open-source OpenCL 1.0 allowing GPU to be used for general-purpose computing (GPGPU), it is expected that GPUniverse is moving slowly toOpen Source Software (OSS) model.
The OSS future looks bright for GPUs. The segment was still new to AMD as Intel is open with its drivers. OSS development should proceed swiftly, both in 3D acceleration and GPGPU.

Phenom II B clocks revealed

AMDs business CPUs will clock all the way to 2.9GHz. The slowest dual cores branded as Athlon X2 B21 will work at 2.7GHz and this is 2MB L2 CPU based on Regor 45nm dual core. Athlon X2 B23 will be the faster iteration of this CPU clocked at 2.9GHz. These CPUs will feature a TDP of under 65W.

The three-core Phenom II X3 B71, based on Heka three-core, will run at 2.8GHz and it comes with 7.5MB of cache. The faster one is Phenom II X3 B73 and this one works at 2.8GHz, all under a 95W TDP design.

The quad-core business CPUs are Phenom II X4 B91 with 2.6GHz core clocke and 8MB of total cache and this Deneb based CPU will also fit to under 95W TDP. The faster business Phenom is AMD Phenom II X4 B93 and this CPU will reach 2.8GHz.

They are all set to launch in early Q3 2009.

GeForce GTX 285 and Core i7-920 OC 2.88GHz 3DMark results revealed

Test setup:

Core i7-920 OC 2.88GHz
GeForce GTX 285

In 3DMark05 it got 20510 and in 3DMark Vantage it got P12945 and the GPU was 11923.

Updated to 55nm from 65nm, GeForce GTX 285 TDP is 183W and when idle it was 39℃ and when load it was 52℃.


via: .hardspell.com

Phenom II X4 prices surface

Phenom II X4 is slated to appear in early January and the processor that will be the first consumer processor from AMD made at the 45nm node has been showing a lot of promise so far. The pricing has been anything but official though, but as stores are starting to list the new models, we are starting to get a feel for where it will start. Two models should launch on January 8th, Phenom II X4 920 (2.8GHz) and Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition (3.0GHz).

Will cost around 220€ for the Phenom II X4 920 and 250€ for the Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition, while the dollar prices will be slightly higher, around $230 and $280 respectively. Right now this puts them around the same price range as the cheapest Core i7 processor, the Intel Core i7 920, but then the overall platform cost is much lower on the AMD side.

Retailers Beat AMD to Phenom II Launch

Online retailers are taking orders for Advanced Micro Devices' upcoming Phenom II processors, leaking chip details ahead of the company's processor announcement plans for early January.Two new quad-core Phenom II processors, aimed at high-end desktops, will start shipping on Dec. 27, according to retail Web sites. AMD plans to announce the chips next month at the International Consumer Electronics Show to be held in Las Vegas between January 8 and 11.

The quad-core Phenom II chips run at speeds from 2.8GHz to 3GHz and include 8MB of cache. The chips are capable of achieving higher speeds under certain circumstances though. AMD overclocked Phenom II processors to run at up to 4GHz on air-cooled systems, and up to 5GHz on liquid-nitrogen cooling earlier this year.