AMD Processors for New Personal Computers

Guide to AMD® Desktop Processors for Personal Computers

Processor Micro-Architecture	Details
AMD 64/Family 10h/K10/Stars 45nm	AMD Family 10h (or K10 or "Stars") comprise the 65 nanometre (65nm) "Barcelona" and 45nm "Shanghai" families of server processors, and the 65nm and 45nm "Stars" families of desktop processors. The 45nm versions (Phenom II, Athlon II, et al) are substantially better than the initial 65nm models. K10 45nm processors include the Phenom II Xn series, a new low-cost Athlon X2, a higher performance Athlon II Xn series and the newest version of the Sempron. Some are offered in both Socket AM3 and Socket AM2+ versions. During 2010, Socket AM2+ production will be reduced with final phase-out in early 2011.
AMD 64/Family 10h/K10/Stars 65nm	AMD's 65nm versions of the K10 ultimately proved to be a major disappointment and are being phased out. Most will be discontinued in early 2010. K10 65nm processors include the original Phenom X4 and X3 and some Athlon X2 models.
AMD 64/K8™	AMD64/K8 is Advanced Micro Devices' 2003 vintage micro-architecture. Dual-core models revolutionized the market in 2005. Laptop models will continue to be offered into 2010. Desktop models are now offered only with the most basic entry-level computers. Most will be phased out in mid 2010. K8 processors include the Athlon 64 FX/Quad FX, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon X2 and single core Athlon and Sempron families. Laptop models include the Turion and Turion X2.
AMD Black Edition Processors	AMD Black Edition™ models are offered from both micro-architectures listed above. AMD Black Edition processors feature an unlocked core multiplier allowing easy custom configuration of processor performance in like manner to Intel Core i7 Extreme Edition and Core 2 Extreme models but at a fraction of the price. AMD Black Edition models such as the Phenom II X4 965 BE are ideal for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their computing experience.

Hex-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X6 Socket AM3 The AMD Phenom II X6 series will be introduced in May, 2010.	Phenom II X6 45nm "Thuban" AM3 140W n.n GHz More details to follow when available.

Quad-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X4 Socket AM3/AM2+ The AMD Phenom II X4 series are excellent processors. The top-of-the-line Phenom II X4 965 is a worthy competitor to Intel's Core 2 Quad family. Socket AM3 models are the newest standard and are compatible with DDR3 RAM as well as backward compatible with Socket AM2+ and DDR2 RAM. Black Edition models can be substantially overclocked by custom builders for greater performance. They are offered at a reasonable price point considering their capabilities. Except as noted, all models have 512KB L2 Cache per core plus 6MB shared L3 Cache for a total of 8MB on-die cache RAM.	Phenom II X4 45nm "Deneb" AM3 140W 965 3.4 GHz 8MB Black Edition To be discontinued by June 2010. Phenom II X4 45nm "Deneb" AM3 125W 955 3.2 GHz 8MB Black Edition 945 3.0 GHz 8MB (945 final shipping 2Q 2010) Phenom II X4 45nm "Deneb" AM2+ 125W 940 3.0 GHz 8MB Black Edition 920 2.8 GHz 8MB Phenom II X4 45nm "Deneb" AM3/AM2+ 95W 925 2.8 GHz 8MB 910 2.6 GHz 8MB (910 final shipping 2Q 2010) 810 2.6 GHz 6MB 805 2.4 GHz 6MB The following models are designed for quieter environments such as a home theatre (HTPC). Phenom II X4 45nm "Deneb" AM3/AM2+ 65W 910e 2.6 GHz 8MB 905e 2.5 GHz 8MB 900e 2.4 GHz 8MB
Phenom X4 9000 Socket AM2+ The Phenom X4 9000 series is AMD's lower mainstream "Agena" native quad-core processor family. All have 512KB L2 cache RAM per core and 2MB shared L3 cache. This line will be phased out in 2010 as AMD transitions to 45nm desktop CPU production.	Phenom X4 9000 65nm "Agena" 9950 2.6 GHz 125W Black Edition Review 9750 2.4 GHz 125W 9650 2.3 GHz 95W aka 9600B
Athlon II X4 Socket AM3 AMD Athlon II X4 processors are new lower mainstream quad-core models with 512KB L2 Cache per core and zero L3 Cache. They are very competitively priced setting a new standard for processor value.	Athlon II X4 45nm "Propus" AM3 95W 635 2.9 GHz 2MB 630 2.8 GHz 2MB 620 2.6 GHz 2MB

Tri-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X3 Socket AM3 This is an excellent triple-core version of the Phenom II series. Except as noted, all models have a total of 1.5 MB L2 Cache (512 KB/core) plus 6MB shared L3 Cache for a total of 7.5MB on-die RAM.	Phenom II X3 45nm "Heka" 95W except as noted 720 2.8 GHz 7.5MB Black Edition 710 2.6 GHz 7.5MB 705e 2.5 GHz 7.5MB 65W 700e 2.4 GHz 7.5MB 65W
Phenom X3 8000 Socket AM2+ This first generation Phenom X3 8000 series features a total of 1.5 MB L2 Cache (512 KB/core) and 2 MB shared L3 Cache. This line will be phased out in 2010. Most models have already been discontinued.	Phenom X3 8000 65nm "Toliman" - 95W except as noted 8850 2.5 GHz 8750 2.4 GHz Black Edition 8750 2.4 GHz aka 8750B 8650 2.3 GHz aka 8600B 8550 2.2 GHz 8450 2.1 GHz 8250e 1.9 GHz 65W OEM
Athlon II X3 Socket AM3 The Athlon II X3 has 1.5 MB L2 Cache (512 KB x 3) and zero L3 Cache.	Athlon II X3 45nm "Rana" - 95W 440 3.0 GHz 435 2.9 GHz Review at THG 425 2.7 GHz

Dual-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X2 Socket AM3 The Phenom II X2 is AMD's top-of-the-line dual-core processor. Except as noted, all Phenom II X2 models are manufactured with 45nm technology and have 512KB L2 Cache per core plus 6 MB shared L3 Cache.	Phenom II X2 45nm "Callisto" 80W 555 3.2 GHz Black Edition 550 3.1 GHz Black Edition 545 3.0 GHz
Athlon II X2 Socket AM3 Except as noted, all Athlon II X2 models have 2 MB L2 Cache (1 MB x 2) and no L3 Cache.	Athlon II X2 45nm "Regor" 65W except as noted 255 3.1 GHz 250 3.0 GHz 245 2.9 GHz 240 2.8 GHz 235e 2.7 GHz 45W 215 2.7 GHz 1MB OEM
Athlon X2 Socket AM2+ A limited line of 45nm processors is now available based upon the Phenom II X4 "Deneb" core. Two processor cores and the L3 Cache are disabled.	Athlon X2 45nm "Deneb" 65W 5000+ 2.2 GHz 1MB
Athlon X2 Socket AM2+ This Socket AM2+ series consist of 65nm Phenom X4 models with two disabled cores, leaving one megabyte total L2 Cache plus two megabytes L3 Cache. 65nm models will be phased out in early 2010 as AMD shifts production to 45nm.	Athlon X2 65nm "Kuma" 95W 7850 2.8 GHz Black Edition 7750 2.7 GHz Black Edition 7750 2.7 GHz 7550 2.5 GHz OEM Most of the above are no longer available at retail or via computer manufacturers.
Athlon X2 Socket AM2 First released in April of 2005, most desktop processors from this architecture have been discontinued. The 3250e is a dual core competitor to the Intel Atom and will remain in production through at least 4Q 2010.	Athlon X2 65nm "Brisbane" - 65W except as noted 5600+ 2.9 GHz 1MB 5400+ 2.8 GHz 1MB OEM 5200+ 2.7 GHz 1MB 5000B 2.6 GHz 1MB 5050e 2.6 GHz 1MB 45W 4850e 2.5 GHz 1MB 45W 4450B 2.3 GHz 1MB 45W 3250e 1.5 GHz 1MB 22W OEM The 3250e is for low-power all-in-ones and laptops.
Sempron Dual Core Socket AM2 This line is available with eMachines low-end desktops. K8 architecture Sempron Dual Core models are expected to be discontinued in late 2010.	Sempron Dual Core 65nm "Brisbane" 65W 2200+ 2.0 GHz 512KB (256Kb per core) Tray 2100+ 1.8 GHz 512KB (256KB per core)

Single-Core Processors	Details
Sempron Socket AM3 This is AMD's new and substantially improved entry-level processor. Except as noted, all Sempron 45nm models have 1 MB total L2 Cache.	Sempron 45nm "Sargas" 45W 140 2.7 GHz 1MB
Athlon Socket AM2 In 2003, the single core Athlon 64 revolutionized the PC industry as the first economical 64-bit capable processor for the home and home office computer. The Athlon LE is the final full-powered incarnation. The Athlon 2650e is a low-powered model that competes against the Intel Atom. The 2650e is better performing than the Atom but has higher power consumption.	Athlon "Lima" 65nm 45W LE-1660 2.8 GHz 1MB LE-1640 2.6 GHz 1MB aka 1640B LE-1620 2.4 GHz 1MB Athlon "Sparta" 65nm 15W 2650e 1.6 GHz 512KB OEM The 2650e is a renamed and underclocked Sempron processor for ULCPCs such as new small format nettop computers from eMachines. The 2650e is also employed by Dell in their Zino HD computer.
Sempron LE Socket AM2 This line is still offered with eMachines systems and the Dell Inspiron 546 among others. Too long in the tooth, it is expected to be discontinued in late 2010.	Sempron LE 65nm "Sparta" 45W LE-1300 2.3 GHz 512KB LE-1250 2.2 GHz 512KB

Upcoming processors and technologies:	In May 2010, AMD will introduce a six-core consumer processor code-name "Thuban" to the desktop. The first model will run at 2.8 GHz and feature 3 MB total L2 Cache and 6 MB L3 Cache. AMD announced their next micro-architecture will be nicknamed "Bulldozer". Some models will feature a fully integrated graphics product in the processor core known as "Fusion". Bulldozer and Fusion are expected by early 2011. Bulldozer is expected to be based on a 32nm process. AMD has split into two companies. Their manufacturing division is now headquartered in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

2/08/2010

Intel Desktop Processor Table

Primary market and production information sources include:
http://www.amd.com
http://www.dailytech.com
http://www.digitimes.com
http://www.hkepc.com