With the release of the 9950 Black Edition AMD steps up from the 9850 100MHz to 2.6GHz from 2.5GHz but also increases the max TDP to 140W. The Phenom 9950 Black Edition takes over the $235 pricing the 9850 had which will be reduced to $207 starting July 7th, a helpful heads up from AMD. These will still be 9850 Black Editions for a while in the channel but they will move towards normal edition eventually but should be able to get a 9850 Black Edition for a steal in a week.

The other new processors being released are the low wattage quad core processors, the X4 9350e and 9150e which have a max TDP of 65w. Previously 95 was the lowest TDP for Phenoms and it still is for even Intel's lowest clock speed quad core processors giving AMD a 30W advantage here. This could be a boon for HTPCs, file servers, or other computers that are run 24/7.

Other than that though there aren't too many changes to AMD's lineup. We should see some price cuts officially updated some time today on AMD's website but that's about it. So let's move on.

NEW AMD Phenom X4 processors TECH SPECS:
Processor Model / Frequency: X4 9950 / 2.6GHz
Processor Model / Frequency:  X4 9350e / 2.0GHz
Processor Model / Frequency:  X4 9150e / 1.8GHz
L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512 KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes:    512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
L3 Cache Size:   2MB (shared)
Packaging:  Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Fab location:  AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
Process Technology:   65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million
Approximate Die Size:      285 mm2
Memory Controller Type:   Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Types of Memory Supported:   Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
Memory Controller Speed:       X4 9950: up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
X4 9350e: up to 1.8GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
X4 9150e: up to 1.6GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
HyperTransport 3.0 Specification:  X4 9950: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
X4 9350e: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.6GHz full duplex (1.8GHz x2)
X4 9150e: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.2GHz full duplex (1.6GHz x2)
Total Processor Bandwidth: X4 9950: Up to 33.1 GB/s bandwidth
X4 9350e: Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth
X4 9150e: Up to 29.9 GB/s bandwidth
Max Ambient Case Temp:  X4 9950: 61o Celsius
X4 9350e: 70o Celsius
X4 9150e: 70o Celsius
Nominal Voltage:   X4 9950: 1.05-1.30 Volts
X4 9350e: 1.05-1.125 Volts
X4 9150e: 1.05-1.15 Volts
Max TDP:      X4 9950: 140 Watts
X4 9350e: 65 Watts
X4 9150e: 65 Watts
*Note: configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes

 

There isn't a lot of new information go over with AMD's Phenom X3 processors. First all the processors are denoted with an 8x50 series as opposed to the 9x50 of the Phenom quad core counterparts so it should be fairly easy to tell if a CPU is quad or triple core. Also all triple cores released to the channel are the B3 revision with the TLB fix and no performance penalty, although some OEMs have been selling 8x00 series triple core Phenoms without the fix. Due to one less core power consumption is also lower with the Phenom 8x50 processors rated for a 95W max TDP.

The architecture on the triple core Phenom remains unchanged the only difference is one core is disabled for whatever reason, whether a bad core or because one core might be lagging behind in clockspeed compared to the others it allows AMD to use as many dies as possible and provide a processor that fits in between quad and triple cores for a very reasonable price. The 8750 which runs at 2.4GHz will be launching at $195, $165 for the 8650 at 2.3GHz and $145 for the 8450 at 2.1GHz. Three cores for under $150 isn't bad at all. This also allows for AMD to fill out it's Cartwheel platform, with a 780G motherboard for around $100 you get good integrated video, UVD chip for HD decoding, add in a triple for for $145 and for $245, a cost of Intel's cheapest quad core, you can get a very good setup. This seems especially formidable for an HTPC or a computer for those who want multi-tasking power but may not need the fastest processor for gaming or are looking at a second PC.

Here are the technical specs from AMD.

AMD Phenom X3 8000-series processor TECH SPECS:

Processor Model / Frequency: X3 8750 / 2.4GHz

Processor Model / Frequency: X3 8650 / 2.3GHz

Processor Model / Frequency: X3 8450 / 2.1GHz

L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)

L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (1.5MB total L2 per processor)

L3 Cache Size: 2MB (shared)

Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *

Memory Controller Speed: Up to 1.8GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management

Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)

HyperTransport 3.0: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.6GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)

Total Processor Bandwidth: Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth

Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)

Fab location: AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany

Process Technology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology

Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million (65nm)

Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2 (65nm)

Max Ambient Case Temp: 70o Celsius

Nominal Voltage: 1.05-1.25 Volts

Max TDP: 95 Watts

Let's move onto overclocking.

Today we're looking at the Phenom X4 9850 Black Edition processor from AMD specifically. That's right again we're seeing a few name modifications from AMD. The "X" is back designating the number of cores as Phenom now is released in a triple core version officially as well. Currently these are OEM only versions and not for the channel, the X3 Phenom 8600 and 8400 at 2.3 and 2.1GHz. They should be around $175 to $150 in thousand unit prices. They also are the "B2" revision of the processors and do not have the TLB fix already applied, which shouldn't be as much a problem for OEMs than end users.  AMD does plan to launch triple core "B3" revisions of Phenom but not to the channel just yet but shouldn't be too far off due sometime in the next month. Today these B3 revision Phenoms are launching in with the Phenom 9550, 9650, 9750, and 9850 Black Edition. The high-end 9850 is the only B3 Black Edition at this party and only available as a Black Edition. Luckily pricing also isn't too far from the current "B2" Phenoms with the 9550 due for $195 and the highest-end 9850 Black Edition for $235.

AMD is also launching a lower power Phenom the X4 9100e running at 1.8GHz and with a TDP rating of 65W. That also though isn't due for the channel but something we should be seeing in a month or so. As always we'll keep you updated. $50 or so should be the price between a triple core and a quad core processor.

The 9850 we're looking at runs at 2.5GHz, has a TDP of 125W, 2MB of L2 cache and 2MB of L3 and should sell for $235 in thousand unit quantities. As with other Black Editions if features an unlocked multiplier and also it boasts a new 2GHz Hypertransport speed, above the 1.8GHz of other Phenoms. As soon as it is available at e-tailers we'll let you know.

Back to the TLB fix the new 9x50 or 8x50 Phenoms contain a chip level fix for the TLB errata. No more disabling or enabling the fix in the BIOS, worrying about performance loss or crashes or anything of the sort. Although we never ran across the problem our selves and don't know of any in the enthusiast community who encountered or could repeat the error it is definitely good that AMD have at last addressed this in the hardware and it is currently a non-issue so they can turn their attention towards ramping the clockspeed and hopefully 45nm. This alone makes it much easier to recommend Phenoms for everyone rather than something with the potential for either performance loss or crashes however slight the chance.

Here are the 9850 tech specs.

AMD Phenom X4 9850 processor TECH SPECS:

Processor Frequency: 2.5GHz

L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)

L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)

L3 Cache Size: 2MB

Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *

Memory Controller Speed: Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management

Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)

HyperTransport 3.0: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)

Total Processor Bandwidth: Up to 33.1 GB/s bandwidth

Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)

Fab location: AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany

Process Technology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology

Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million (65nm)

Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2 (65nm)

Max Ambient Case Temp: 61o Celsius

Nominal Voltage: 1.2-1.3 Volts

Max TDP: 125 Watts

Overclocking the processor we adjusted the Northbridge and were able to reach a stable overclock of 2.83GHz which resulted in a few extra frames per second and some time saved in our benchmarks. Not an amazing overclcock for but for a quad core processor fairly decent.

A few weeks ago the Athlon 64 X2 6400+ hit the market. This ?new? processor came to be AMD?s new top of the line processor for the socket AM2. This processor hit the market with little fan fair. Reasons being that it was only 200MHz faster than the previous top dog the Athlon X2 6000+, it was based on the three year old 90nm Windsor core, and it did not come with a boxed cooler. The seemingly worst of witch is the old core technology, but the 65nm Brisbane core only has 512KB of L2 cache per core compared to the 1024KB cache per core of the Windsor. Also the speed of the Brisbane is less than stellar 2.6GHz being the fastest in the market. So it is easy to see why they went with the Windsor core.

Now looking at the positives of this processor the multipliers are unlocked from 4 ? 16 on my abit KN9 motherboard. This is a good thing if you are into the overclocking business. It also runs your memory at the full DDR2 800 frequency unlike some of the other Athlon 64 models.

We reviewed it here first.