AMD FX will be the name of the new microprocessor family based on the AMD Bulldozer architecture. We know that AMD has set the bar at four models before the launch in Q2, we have seen the mockups of the boxes, and now the last pieces of the puzzle are coming together.
AMD FX has just with its name made our hopes go up to unhealthy levels. When the chip maker dusts off the old enthusiast brand FX after half a decade on the shelf it shows there is a lot to expect from the Bulldozer architecture. The first creation for the performance market is developed under the code name Zambezi and the actual circuit is called Orchio.
AMD will launch three series of FX; FX8000 with eight CPU cores, FX6000 with six CPU cores and FX4000 with four CPU cores. Before the launch in Q2 AMD is expected to present four new models where two will be in the FX8000 series, and one each of FX6000 and FX4000.
According to the latest information AMD has set everything but the exact clock frequencies for its processors and the specifications with product names and additional details on power conusmption and cache looks as follows.
| Model | FX-8130P | FX-8110 | FX-6110 | FX-4110 |
| CPU cores |
8 | 8 | 6 | 4 |
| L2 cache | 8MB | 8MB | 6MB | 4MB |
| L3 cache | Up to 8MB | Up to 8MB | Up to 8MB | Up to 8MB |
| TDP | 125W | 95W | 95W | 95W |
| Memory | 1866 MHz | 1866 MHz | 1866 MHz | 1866 MHz |
| Black Edition | Ja | Ja | Ja | Ja |
| Turbo Core | Ja | Ja | Ja | Ja |
| Socket | AM3+ | AM3+ | AM3+ | AM3+ |
| Node | 32nm SOI | 32nm SOI | 32nm SOI | 32nm SOI |
The four models will get plenty of cache and DDR3 support up to 1866 MHz. Other interesting specifications is power conumptions rated between 95 and 125 watt with AMD’s new 32nm SOI technology. As expected we will see Black Edition models with unlocked multipliers and considering Intel’s unlocked K models we should expect a large offensive by AMD with its Black Edition models.
The exact frequencies AMD will use hasn’t been revealed yet. Early rumors spoke of frequencies even over 3.5 GHz, but only AMD knows for certain. We do know that the second generation Turbo Core technology will help the cores reach higher frequencies in single-threaded applications to maximize performance.
In Q4 2011 the second wave of Zambezi processors are expected to rollout and AMD estimates that no less than 10% of the sold processors by the end of 2011 will come from the AMD FX family.
The new Bulldozer processors will be paired with AMD’s new 900 series of chipsets and use the AM3+ socket. As we saw at CeBIT 2011 we can expect AM3+ motherboards with 800 series of chipsets initially.
AMD will be targeting Intel Sandy Bridge and Core i7. This just makes us even more curious for this exciting platform. Intel Sandy Bridge is a mid-range platform, but a powerful such and if AMD can match Intel here we have a very pleasant Fall coming. The first processors will launch by the end of April, but is not expected to reach stores until June.
Source: X-bit Labs 1, 2
