AMD introduces first dual-core Phenom

 

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By Darien Graham-Smith

Posted on 2 Jun 2009 at 11:51

CPU underdog AMD has added two new dual-core CPUs to its ballooning range of 45nm processors, at the Computex expo in Taipei.

The Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition is the first dual-core Phenom. It's based on the same design as existing triple- and quad-core parts, using the Socket AM3 interface and bringing 6MB of L3 cache, along with 1MB of L2 cache, divided evenly between its two cores.

Its stock speed is 3.1GHz, but as with all of AMD's 'Black Edition' CPUs, the multiplier is unlocked, allowing enthusiasts to push the chip as fast as they dare.

The second CPU introduces the new Athlon II brand. To date, Athlon CPUs have been less sophisticated than Phenom chips, but the new Athlon II X2 250 uses fundamentally the same silicon design as the Phenom II X2 550.

There are a few key differences: the Athlon II range has no L3 cache whatsoever, but L2 cache is doubled to 1MB per core. The 250 ships with a stock speed of 3.0GHz; slower chips are expected to follow shortly.

As usual, pricing has initially been announced only in US dollars, but AMD is clearly aiming for the value market: the Phenom II X2 550 sells for around $100, while the Athlon II comes in at a little under $90.

In the UK those prices could well translate to around £70 and £60 respectively, putting the new chips up against Intel's Pentium Dual Core range.

The proof, of course, will be in the performance: keep watching for full PC Pro benchmark results shortly.