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