AMD Launches their Quad-Core Phenom II Processor

AMD has continued its rivalry with Intel’s Core i7 processor with the introduction of their two new quad-core Phenom II processors.

The new Quad-Core Phenom II is built using 45-nm processor technology, which makes the chips more complex and lower power consumptions than previous AMD’s processors. The 45-nm process also allows AMD to put more memories on the processors compared with their previous 65-nm technology.

The processors comes in two versions, which is X4 920 (2.8 GHz) and the X4 940 Black Edition (3.0 GHz) with up to 8MB of cache, and offering the performance level in between Intel’s Core 2 Quad and Core i7 processors.

The chips also come with built-in overclockability, which is targeted to enthusiasts and gamers that are looking for a good gaming system, the company said.

Compared with the previous Phenom II chips, the Quad-Core Phenom II has additional 4MB cache, and support for DDR3 memory. The Quad-Core Phenom II will still compatible with the current AM2+ socket, then transformation to a new AM3 socket. AM3 socket is expected to be released in the next few months.

The new processors will be part of AMD’s new Dragon platform, which includes AMD Phenom II X4 processor, 790-Series motherboard chipsets and ATI Radeon 4800-series for media-intensive and gaming desktops.