Thuban is the code name of AMD’s first hexa-core desktop processor and the launch is slated for Q3 2010. We already know quite a bit about the new six-core CPU, among others that AMD will use the established 45nm SOI manufacturing processor and equip the CPU with 9MB cache and six CPU cores to make it one big chip.
The processor is expected to be named Phenom II X6, which would adhere to AMD’s current naming scheme and do so with plenty of transistors under the IHS. No less than 904 million, which makes Intel’s advanced Core i7 processors look pale in comparison.
Processor | Phenom II X4 | Phenom II X6 | Core i7 (1366) |
Node | 45nm | 45nm | 45nm |
Die size | 258 mm2 | 346 mm2 | 262 mm2 |
Transistors | 716 million | 904 million | 731 million |
According to MaximumPC, AMD has confirmed the previous information that Thuban/Phenom II X6 will be compatible to with Socket AM2+ and Socket AM3, which would make the launch easy and market adaption process swift. AMD has “one” backward compatible socket for its entire processor assortment while Intel , while Intel is stuck with three incompatible sockets.
