AMD has decided to updated its roadmap with the rumored tri-core processor that has been buzzing around for a few days now. The addition of a tri-core processor will enable a wider range of desktop solutions, and will be an easier and smaller step-up for the people looking for an upgrade to multi-core. So far quad-cores are far from commodities, but AMD hopes to increase the use of multi-core processor through the addition of a tri-core series, Phenom X3. The processor is expected to arrive during the first quarter of 2008, slightly after the rest of the Phenom processors.
The new processors are practically identical with the already announced; 512KB of L2 cache per core and a shared L3 cache. While some sources still claim it to be disabled quad-core, AMD over and over again emphasized the words “true tri-core” during last night’s presentation. The Direct Connect Architecture certainly makes it possible too.
In any case, the Phenom X3 is a consumer product all the way through. AMD wants to make it even easier for regular people to buy multi-core processors, and a tri-core is a pretty good way to do so. It will offer performance beyond that of the coming dual-core Phenom X2, but will have a multi-core design and at the same time be cheaper than the quad-core Phenom X4.
I guess we were wrong to question AMD in our last report, and it doesn’t even seem to be a disabled quad-core. Whether the tri-core will be a success or not remains to be seen, but we can’t say we’re not excited to see what it has to add to the already broad segment of processors we have coming.
“With our advanced multi-core architecture, AMD is in a unique position to enable a wider range of premium desktop solutions, providing a smarter choice for customers and end users,” said Greg White, vice president and general manager, Desktop Division, AMD. “This innovation is a direct result of our development of the industry’s first true, native quad-core design coupled with AMD’s manufacturing flexibility to create multi-core processors in two, three, and four computational core configurations on a single die of silicon. As a customer-centric company, AMD is committed to working with our OEMs to deliver compelling value propositions across their multi-core product families with capabilities that address their requirements and aspirations.”
