AMD has finally launched its, and the world’s, first genuine quad-core desktop processor, Phenom. AMD Phenom is based on the K10 architecture which through its 65 nm manufacturing process can deliver four cores in a single and quite small package, although the first quad-core was launched by Intel over a year ago. Now that AMD has launched the Phenom series it has done so under the family name “Spider.” The Spider platform includes the AMD Phenom processors, ATI Radeon HD 3800 graphics card series and AMD’s 7 series chipsets.
Early reports on the AMD 7 chipset series have been very positive and the irony of the situation is that the weakest link of the Spider platform is the new Phenom processors.
AMD has launched three Phenom models called Phenom X4 9700, 9600 and 9500. The clock frequencies are 2.4 GHz, 2.3 GHz and 2.2 GHz respectively, while the prices of the three are between $270 and $320 USD. AMD has chosen to focus on the mid-range segment with the new Phenom series, considering Intel has processors with both higher prices and clock frequencies.
The fact that AMD’s Phenom processors are operating at relatively low clock frequencies doesn’t mean they perform badly, but unfortunately the first few reviews are showing that Intel’s current processors are not only able to keep up but also outperform AMD’s new architecture at the same clock frequency.
AMD has had a rough year, and even if Phenom will make things better through its quad-core architecture and improved design, we can’t imagine that Intel is worried about the near future. More information on AMD Phenom and the new Spider platform can be found at AMD’s website and the reviews listed below;
:: HardOCP :: AnandTech :: Hot Hardware :: PC Perspective ::
