AMD has expanded its entry level assortment of processors by launching no less than six new Athlon II models. The processors operate at between 2.40 GHz and 3.20 GHz and two, three or four cores. They are divided into three TDP envelopes; 45W, 65W and 95W. They are based on the Propus, Rana and Regor architectures (X4, X3, X2) launched earlier.
The idea is to replace the older siblings using overall higher clock frequencies to raise the average performance of AMD’s entry level assortment. We see how Athlon II X4 630 is replaced by Athlon II X4 640 as the flagship of the Athlon II family. Below is a table complete with specifications for the new processors.
|
Processor |
Clock frequency |
Cores |
TDP |
Price |
|
Athlon II X4 640 |
3,000 MHz |
4 |
95W |
~$120 |
|
Athlon II X4 610e |
2,400 MHz |
4 |
45W |
~$150 |
|
Athlon II X3 445 |
3,100 MHz |
3 |
95W |
~$85 |
|
Athlon II X3 415e |
2,500 MHz |
3 |
45W |
~$110 |
|
Athlon II X2 260 |
3,200 MHz |
2 |
65W |
~$75 |
As usual we see that the energy efficient models cost substantially more, several tens more than the regular versions.
The processors cement AMD’s already sturdy assortment of low-end processors where Athlon II X3 445 has been proved to hit 4.0GHz and more with just air cooling.
The flagship, Athlon II X4 640, tested by HotHardware, may not be able to compete with Intel in raw performance but when weighing the price it still stands tall.
AMD Propus die used in Athlon II X4
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