AMD Processors for New Personal Computers

Guide to AMD® Desktop Processors for Personal Computers

Processor Micro-Architecture	Details
AMD Family 10h/K10/Stars	AMD Family 10h (or K10 or "Stars") comprises the 65 nanometre (65nm) "Barcelona" and 45nm "Shanghai" families of server processors, and the 65nm and 45nm "Stars" families of desktop processors. The new 45nm versions (Phenom II) are substantially better than the previous 65nm releases and are close to competing Intel 45nm "Penryn" models in performance and efficiency. However, they remain far short of the newest Intel "Nehalem" micro-architecture. Nonetheless, AMD is making technological progress in a very difficult economy and marketing environment. AMD's newest technology has cut processor power consumption by more than 30% in some scenarios. AMD has also aggressively reduced 45nm prices to better compete in the quad-core CPU market.
AMD 64/K8™	AMD64/K8 is Advanced Micro Devices' 2003 vintage micro-architecture. Released in 2003 with an integrated memory controller, K8 proved to be an excellent 64-bit and 32-bit solution at the time. Since, Intel Corporation has aggressively responded with Intel Core processors and have surpassed AMD. K8 models include the Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX/Quad FX, Athlon X2, and Sempron families. Ninety nanometer (90nm) processors have been discontinued and most sixty-five nanometer (65nm) K8 consumer and business desktop processors are soon to follow. A handful of models will remain available through the end of 2009 and into early 2010. Laptop models will continue to be offered through 2010.
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 Athlon 64 X2 5400+ BE and Phenom II X4 940 BE and 955 BE are ideal for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their computing experience.

Quad-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X4 Socket AM3/AM2+ *AMD Phenom II X4 processors are competitive alternatives to mainstream Intel Core 2 Quad products. Models listed at right are excellent performers.* Socket AM3 models are compatible with DDR3 RAM.	The Phenom II X4 series represents a major improvement to the AMD lineup. Phenom II processors are competitive to the Intel Q8200 through Q9300 and are in some respects better. The 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. Models such as the 810 and 805 with a total of 6 MB Cache RAM have partially disabled L3 Cache memory. However, this does not impact reliability as the defect is permanently isolated during manufacture. Phenom II X4 45nm "Deneb" AM3 125W 955 3.2 GHz 8MB Black Edition 950 3.1 GHz 8MB 945 3.1 GHz 6MB 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 810 2.6 GHz 6MB 805 2.4 GHz 6MB
Phenom X4 9000 Socket AM2+ Phenom X4 9000 processors are suitable quad-core processors when priced below all Intel Core 2 Quad CPUs.	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. AMD's final Phenom 9000, the overclockable X4 9950 Black Edition, is well positioned in the mainstream but has much higher power consumption than equivalent performing Intel competition. The list below shows model number, core clock frequency, Thermal Design Power (TDP) in watts, and AMD Business Class nomenclature, if applicable: Phenom X4 9000 65nm "Agena" 9950 2.6 GHz 125W Black Edition Review 9650 2.3 GHz 95W aka 9600B The above two processors are the only 65nm X4 models that I recommend.
Athlon II X4 Socket AM3 AMD Athlon II X4 processors are new mainstream processors with zero L3 Cache. They are expected to market later this year.	Except as noted, all models will have 512KB L2 Cache per core and no L3 Cache. More data will be forthcoming.

Tri-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X3 Socket AM3 Phenom II X3 is now available. This is an excellent tri-core line derived from "cache-defective" X4 CPUs.	This is the 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 720 2.8 GHz 7.5MB Black Edition 710 2.6 GHz 7.5MB 705e 2.5 GHz 7.5MB 65W
Phenom X3 8000 Socket AM2+ Phenom X3 models are fair lower-cost alternatives for multi-core shoppers.	The Phenom X3 8000 series was an industry first; a triple-core processor made by disabling one quarter of a quad-core Phenom X4 CPU. All models have a total of 1.5 MB L2 Cache (512 KB/core) and 2 MB shared L3 Cache. Phenom X3 8000 65nm "Toliman" - (95W TDP 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
Athlon II X3 Socket AM3 Athlon II X3 will ship later this year.	Except as noted, all models will have 512KB L2 Cache per core and no L3 Cache. More data will be forthcoming.

Dual-Core Processors	Details
Phenom II X2 Socket AM3 This new line has just become available.	Except as noted, all Phenom II X2 models are manufactured with 45nm technology and have 512KB L2 Cache per core plus 2 MB shared L3 Cache. Phenom II X2 45nm "Callisto" 80W TDP 550 3.1 GHz Black Edition
Athlon X2 Dual Core Socket AM2+ AMD K10 processors derived from the Phenom X4.	This series are 65nm Phenom X4 models with two disabled cores, leaving one megabyte total L2 Cache plus two megabytes L3 Cache. Athlon X2 65nm "Kuma" 95W TDP 7850 2.8 GHz Black Edition 7750 2.7 GHz Black Edition 7750 2.7 GHz 7550 2.5 GHz
Athlon II X2 Socket AM3 Athlon II X2 is available now.	Except as noted, all Athlon II X2 models will have 512KB L2 Cache per core and no L3 Cache. Athlon II X2 65nm "Regor" 65W TDP 250 3.0 GHz
Athlon X2 Dual Core Socket AM2 Athlon X2 65 watt and 45 watt processors are good processors for entry level and mainstream systems at low prices. However, the era of Athlon 64-based processors is ending. This microarchitecture is being phased out as more powerful and efficient 45nm K10 models come to market.	The AMD64/K8 Athlon X2 series are AMD's entry-level and lower mainstream dual-core microprocessor lines for home and office desktop PCs. Following is a partial listing of Athlon X2 processors with links to Newegg prices. Information displayed includes the model number, internal clock speed, total on-chip Level 2 Cache memory, Thermal Design Power (TDP) in watts (W) if different from the primary category listing, and alternate CPU names for AMD Business Class, if applicable. Athlon 64 X2 90nm "Windsor" 6400+ 3.2 GHz 2MB 125W The aging technology 90nm 6400+ periodically show up from field inventories for clearance. Officially it has been discontinued. Athlon X2 65nm "Brisbane" - 65W TDP (except as noted) 6000+ 3.1 GHz 1MB 89W 5800+ 3.0 GHz 1MB 89W OEM (no heatsink/fan) 5600+ 2.9 GHz 1MB aka 5600B 5400+ 2.8 GHz 1MB (Black Edition) 5400+ 2.8 GHz 1MB aka 5400B 5200+ 2.7 GHz 1MB aka 5200B 4400+ 2.3 GHz 1MB OEM Some OEM models are not listed here. For higher efficiency for basic computers and in business fleets, the following 45 watt processors are recommended: Athlon X2 65nm "Brisbane" 45W TDP 5050e 2.6 GHz 1MB 4850e 2.5 GHz 1MB aka 4850B 4450B 2.3 GHz 1MB Athlon X2 65nm "Brisbane" 25W TDP 3250e 1.5 GHz 1MB OEM and tray only

Single-Core Processors	Details
Athlon LE Socket AM2 Decent high efficiency single core processors now marketed mainly with low-end OEM systems. The Athlon 2650e is actually a renamed Sempron processor running at reduced core clock speed and reduced voltage.	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 higher efficiency Athlon LE is the newest version. Athlon "Lima" 65nm 45W TDP LE-1660 2.8 GHz 1MB LE-1640 2.6 GHz 1MB aka 1640B Athlon "Sparta" 65nm 15W TDP 2650e 1.6 GHz 512KB OEM and retail box This model is designed to compete with the Intel Atom.
Sempron LE Socket AM2 *Budget processors for entry-level computers.* This line is being further scaled back and marketed with the lowest of low-end OEM systems.	The Sempron is AMD's entry-level single-core processor. Most commonly offered in Socket AM2 format, current production Sempron processors are 64-bit capable but have reduced onboard Level 2 Cache memory when compared to the Athlon LE series. Low voltage models are known as Sempron LE. Sempron LE 65nm "Sparta" 45W TDP LE-1300 2.3 GHz 512KB LE-1250 2.2 GHz 512KB

Upcoming processors and technologies:	AMD have 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 in late 2010 or early 2011. Bulldozer is expected to be based on a 32nm process. Due to global economic conditions, AMD is splitting into two companies. Their manufacturing division is being moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE. The deal was necessary due to the high-cost of fabrication foundries.

6/29/2009

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