Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Vital Signs & Overclocking

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 Vital Signs & Overclocking

The Q8400 operates at 2.66GHz with a 333MHz front side bus speed. It is manufactured using Intel's 45nm process technology and has a 95W thermal design power (TDP). The CPU can operate using core ratios from 6 to 8 and has 4MB of L2 cache.

Intel's Q8400 fills the $180 price point in Intel's line up that competes directly with AMD's Phenom II X4 940 BE processor. But the Q8400 has a tough fight on its hands as the X4 940 BE runs at 3GHz and offers an unlocked multiplier.
CPU-Z reveals the processor's details and settings. Note the 4MB (2MB x 2) L2 cache shown above. This is the only difference between this processor and the more expensive 2.66GHz Q9400, which has 6MB of L2 cache. We will show you the performance difference between the two chips later on in this review.
We love free upgrades. One of the best ways to get more performance from your PC is to overclock the processor. From a stock frequency of 2.66GHz, we overclocked the Q8400 to an impressive 3.92GHz using a TRUE 120 and 1.36V. We started with a 333MHz FSB and raised it slowly while testing for stability along the way. It wasn't until we passed 490MHz FSB that we ran into any issues so we backed it back down and settled for the 3.92GHz overclock. We would like to note that we stayed within Intel's recommended operating voltage (0.85V - 1.3625V) to achieve this overclock. With higher voltages and more powerful cooling, even higher frequencies are likely possible.

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Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 CPU

Intel Core 2 Quad Q8400 CPU

It was not too long ago that the web was buzzing with dual-core versus quad-core debates. Sides were taken and lines were drawn. At that time, one of the main arguments against quad-core processors was their high asking price. But as time passed and manufacturing refinements were made, costs steadily decreased and quad-cores found their way into the more mainstream market segments. And before you knew it, a price war was imminent.

Intel and AMD have been going at one another for years. With AMD unable to compete well at the ultra high-end of the market, however, their focus shifted towards the mainstream market segments. As always, Intel responded and their most recent salvo comes in the form the affordable Core 2 Quad Q8400 processor. Since the Q9400, a 2.66GHz Yorkfield quad-core, was already on the market, why did Intel feel the need to release another, affordable quad-core model? One reason could be to increase yield and utilize dies that would otherwise be discarded. Another reason would be to position another product at the same price point as AMD's. Whatever the case may be, competition is always good for the consumer as it usually drives prices lower and provides more options to choose from. With that in mind, let's take a look at theIntel Core 2 Quad 8400 to see if it's worthy of consideration for your next build...

There isn't a shortage of options for those on the market for a 45nm Intel quad-core CPU. From the 3.2GHz Extreme Edition QX9770 to the 2.33GHz Q8200, Intel has the entire price spectrum covered. Those looking for a low power option can also choose from the S-series processors, which sport lower 65W TDPs. Where exactly does the Q8400 fit in to the mix?

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WinUtilities 7.0

Win Utilities 7.0

WinUtilities is an award winning collection of tools to optimize and speedup your system performance. this suite contains utilities to clean registry, temporary files on your disks, erase your application and internet browser history, cache and cookies. you can control startup programs that load automatically with windows, find duplicate files, fix broken shortcuts and uninstall unneeded software. other features include secure file deletion, recycle bin shredding, and cleaning tasks scheduling.

Currently, these tools listed below included in WinUtilities:

Disk Cleaner
A tool for cleaning disks from information that clogs your system and reduces the performance of your computer. With the help of this tool you can search and delete temporary files and folders and other applications, search for invalid links to documents that don't exist, and delete Cookies.

Registry Cleaner
Scans the Windows registry and finds incorrect or obsolete information in the registry. By fixing these obsolete information in Windows registry. The backup and restore function of the tool let you easily backup your whole Windows Registry or restore the Windows Registry to an earlier backup.

Startup Cleaner
Helps you to easily manage program execution at windows startup. this tool is used to administer the programs executing on startup and the files to be loaded at start up.

History Cleaner
This cleaning utility erases all traces of activity on your computer, saves space, protects your privacy, and leaves no history behind.

File Splitter
File Splitter can split any type of file into smaller pieces and rejoin them to the original file. It helps you copy the split ones to floppy disk or CD/DVD, or send them via e-mail.

File Shredder
File Shredder makes sure that no data thief can get his hands on your sensitive data. The tool deletes files permanently, with no chance of recovery.

File Lock - EXE Protector
EXE Protector is a system utility that allows you to password-protect any Windows executable file. Whenever you try to open protected executable file you will see the prompt that asks you to enter the valid password.

Memory Optimizer
Memory Optimizer optimizes the Memory Management of Windows. No special configuration is needed, Memory Optimizer will auto configure itself. Within minutes you can activate unused resources of your Windows System.

Duplicate Files Finder
Duplicate File Finder helps you to free disk space by finding and removing duplicate files from your system. it is intended to search your system for duplicate files.

Shortcuts Fixer
Shortcuts Fixer tool provides you with an easy and convenient way to address these invalid shortcuts. It scans your system, finds all the invalid shortcuts and reports back to you so that you can remove it from your system.

Process Manager
Process Manager allow you to check your system's performance and manage the running processes on Windows platform. It can Kill all processes that the Windows Task Manager could not or view all process dependencies and launch all known file type in Windows.

Uninstall Manager
Uninstall Manager is an easy to use utility to manage the programs installed on your system. It is used to uninstall the programs from your system and lets them remove from the list of programs appearing in the control panel.

System Information
System Information is a utility which lets you view at a glance all the details of your system. In a easy to use and user friendly interface, it provides you with complete information about your system.

Registry Backup and Restore
Registry Backup/Restore tool is a handy utility for making backups of Registry keys and their sub keys. always make a backup of your registry before making any important changes. this tool will allow you to go back to your original settings if you need to.

::Download Link ::

http://www.ylcomputing.com/content/view/12/31/

Registry Search
Registry Search is a handy utility for searching the registry by specific keyword or wildcard.

BHO Remover
BHOs (Browser Help Objects) are software that put a toolbar on Internet Explorer or otherwise integrates other software into it. Many (Acrobat Reader, Google Toolbar) are desirable. However, spyware companies also install BHOs on your computer. These can be difficult to remove. BHO Remover lists the BHOs that are currently installed. You can then remove those you don't want to keep.

Auto Shutdown
Use this tool to easily schedule your computer for log off, stand by, hibernate, or shutdown on specified of time.

Windows Tools Manager
Manages Windows Tools, provide a easy way to launch these tools build in Windows

System Control
Organizes and manage Windows Settings

Task Scheduler
Use this tool to easily configure cleaning tasks that take place automatically. also, it can manage the system scheduled tasks.

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Intel Expanding Core Branding, Killing Centrino

Intel Expanding Core Branding, Killing Centrino

Just recently, we were able to sit down with Intel and talk shop about its newest (and most powerful) Core i7 yet, and apparently the company is really fond of that "Core ix" naming convention. So enthused, in fact, that it has just announced plans to phase out some of its brands -- including "Centrino" in order to hone in on fewer top names. Granted, we've certainly seen Intel and others try this re-branding thing before. Remember when megahertz ratings were all the rage?


Now, Intel will stop using Centrino and start using more "Core" names, but the re-brand won't go into effect until next year. Oddly, Centrino will no longer about to just personal computers; instead, it will refer to Wi-Fi and WiMAX-based wireless products. Which certainly feels confusing to us, but hey, who are we to judge? Also, sub-brands such as "Core 2 Duo" will also be shoved out the door, again using a supposedly simpler "Core ix" moniker to refer to different variations of products.

To quote: "The company plans to repackage its Core family of microprocessors with a simpler naming scheme -- the Core i3, Core i5 and Core i7 -- describing basic, mid-range and high-end features within the Core line, respectively." Of course, this announcement also proves that the Core i5 mid-range chip is more than just a rumor, with recent reports slating its launch "in the coming months."

To complicate the simplification further, Intel's hanging onto Atom, Celeron and Pentium. Easier, huh? Whatever you say, Intel!

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Intel Hopes To Enter Smartphone Chip Market

Intel Hopes To Enter Smartphone Chip Market

Intel already holds a strong position in the personal computer and server market. But, like other companies, Intel wants more. Moving forward, Intel’s executives believe there’s a good potential to increase Atom's traction in adjacent markets by targeting these low-cost, energy-efficient chips at various multifunctional consumer gadgets including smartphones and other portable devices that access the Internet. “Atom is Intel's growth engine,” said Intel spokesman Bill Calder.

Breaking into the smartphone market won’t be easy, however. The market is currently owned by companies such as Qualcomm, Texas Instruments , STMicroelectronics, MediaTek, and Infineon Technologies. All of these companies use a very successful chip design that is licensed from a small United Kingdom firm, ARM. ARM’s design has been popular because it uses little power which is crucial for battery life in mobile electronics.

Intel’s high-performance microprocessors typically consume too much power for mobile phones, which is part of the reason Intel created the Atom platform. As Intel’s smallest chip, Atom is relatively inexpensive. Atom is also designed to use little power. Atom has already found great success in the netbook market and has also been tapping into the Mobile Internet Device market. However, Atom has not yet entered the Internet-capable phone market.

Sharp WS016SH Running Windows Vista

Next year, Intel plans to introduce a new version of Atom that is even more power efficient than the one we have today. Code-named Moorestown, the chip will offer a 50x power reduction at idle and reportedly will deliver enough horsepower to handle 720p video recording and 1080p quality playback. In 2011, Intel plans to introduce an even smaller and less power hungry version of the chip known as Medfield. With this upcoming chip, Intel will begin targeting the smartphone market.

Medfield will be built on Intel's budding 32nm process technology and is said to offer the opportunity to reduce board size, operating and standby power dramatically. Medfield's displacement area is targeted at about half the size of a credit card.

Intel will certainly face some competition in attempting to displace ARM-based chips. Not only are the chips ubiquitous in phones, but now they’re also starting to target other mobile computing markets Intel is currently pursuing. For example, in May, an HP executive said the company is considering making netbooks using ARM chips. In June, ARM announced that four personal computer manufacturers are planning to introduce ARM-based netbooks sometime this year.


Analysts are mixed as to whether this latest attempt from Intel will succeed or not. Some are concerned that Atom could cut into Intel’s sales of pricier microprocessors, hurting the company overall. Intel dismisses these concerns, saying Atom is opening new markets and hasn’t had a major affect on the sale of its other chips.

Regardless, Intel will enjoy a lower profit margin for the low-priced Atom than from other microprocessors. As a result, Intel will have to sell large quantities of Atom chips in order to make the product worthwhile.

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TBS Cover Editor 1.7

TBS Cover Editor 1.7

Create 3D box shots, DVD Cases, Member Cards, CD and book covers in a single program!
No matter what product you make and sell: software, e-books, music, movies, video or audio records, books, or even corn flakes. The TBS Cover Editor is a unique tool that will help you create any virtual cover image for your product presentation. Adding a photorealistic cover image to your website, banner, article, or print ad will attract more attention to your product and will bring more customers and sales to your business.

Save yourself time: create virtual covers without overheads and superfluous operations
With the TBS Cover Editor you can create your 3D box shot, DVD, CD or book cover design in a single flat worksheet. Say goodbye to separate designs for each side; no more design slices in many image files. The single-sheet concept of the TBS Cover Editor allows you editing of all box or cover sides on a single screen. The real time 3D preview immediately shows how your 3D cover output image looks like without switching between different windows or applications.

Save yourself money: no extra designers or tools are require
With the TBS Cover Editor no additional expensive third party tools are required. The program supports all the steps of box shot and cover creation: from drafting and design, to 3D scene setting and image rendering. The TBS Cover Editor has a rich toolkit for graphics creation and processing, including simple shapes, text labels, bitmap images, artistic texts and vector objects. You can quickly create a nice looking box cover by combining special effects that were previously only available in high-priced professional image processing programs. The TBS Cover Editor comes with a large clipart library of common shapes and signs. You can create professional-quality 3D box shots, CD, DVD or book covers with no extra expense in a single program.

::Download Link::

http://www.trueboxshot.com/DownloadTBSCoverEditor

Get instant results: quick start, easy work, and immediate output
The TBS Cover Editor comes with a brilliant collection of software cover design templates for various types of software, e-books, movies, and other products. The Design Wizard helps you to get started quickly. You can make a cover in less than two minutes. Choose a template and just add your product info such as product name, company, and web site URL to create a custom cover design. You can easily tweak the templates or create new cover templates with your corporate identity style. In two clicks you can set up a 3D scene and render your box shot image.

Professional output: create realistic looking box shots and covers without designer skills
The TBS Cover Editor has a powerful rendering engine that produces realistic 3D box shots, CD, DVD, or book covers by applying original 3D rendering and ray casting algorithms. The advanced mechanisms of the TBS Cover Editor produce 3D images with high precision which leaves no chance for fuzzy edges, making images look clean and nice (beautifully clear). Your design and image processing skills don't matter when creating eye-catching box shots and covers for your products with the TBS Cover Editor. Your every cover will look as if it is made by a studio.

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Magic Camera 5

Magic Camera 5

Want to present your best look when chatting via Instant Messenger? Want to remotely share desktop to your colleagues? Want to save the video when you are chatting with your family from far away? Magic Camera will empower you with all these dreaming magic via simply adding a virtual camera on your computer.
This is more than magic.:-) Magic Camera is an advanced accompanying virtual camera for instant messenger or any video chat software. It is adoptable for most popular chat software such as MSN Messenger, Yahoo Messenger, AIM, ICQ, Camfrog Video Chat, Skype, and etc.

Magic Camera operates via adding a virtual camera to your system, Windows 2000/XP and Vista included, and allows you to use it exactly the same as a real camera.

You can use this virtual camera without a physical webcam installed. Simply play a pre-recorded video will give a virtual image of yourself on IM or video chat software to make fun with your friends.

Magic Camera also enables you to share desktop screen with your friends by doing a live screen capture/sending. With this option you can share your documents with your colleagues, show visual demonstration on IM or video chat software, keep your privacy by pretending to be some one else or even do a real-time video forwarding via this virtual camera.

To use it with a webcam already, simply switch this virtual camera to the physical one. By adding lots of funny photo frames and do image overlays to your webcam, Magic Camera makes your video chatting more interesting!

Want to save your video conversations? Use Magic Camera to do it! Start to record your or your friends' live video to disk and even play back to them in the virtual camera later!

There are still more functions! Magic Camera includes video effect functionality. More than 20 amazing video effect can be added to your real/virtual video.

Start the trial today! We are offering free trials and you’ll see more fun, more flexibility, more security and more magic in your video chat with this simple small software. Start the fun today and enjoy it!

::Download Link::

http://www.shiningmorning.com/software/MCSetup.exe

Key Features

Add a virtual camera to your instant messenger or video chat software.
Split real webcam into virtual camera for using with multiple programs simultaneously.
Share your desktop screen or windows with your friends in the messenger by selecting this virtual camera.
Add lots of funny photo frames and do image overlays to your webcam.
Record webcams or activity on screen and encode them to video files for later playback in virtual camera. With this, you can save your video conversation.
Play pre-recorded videos to your friends without even having a physical webcam.
Add various fantastic video effects to your web camera/video files/photos/screen and show it to your friends.
Do a live desktop screen streaming by capturing screen as well as sending it out at the same time. With this option, you can send back your friend's live video like a mirror. Also, using this virtual camera, you can keep your privacy by pretending to be some one else. Even more, freely add magic video effects to the video!
Slide Show your photo albums in your favorite IM.
Easily switch video input between your real camera and other virtual sources.
Check update automatically.
Easy to use; Simple installation that will have you up and running this powerful virtual camera in minutes.
Text overlay enabled.
Easily add widget, face to webcam.
Picture in Picture.
Video and Animation overlay;
Change background of webcam;
On screen edit by mouse drag;
Users can add or customize their own effects.
Optimized performance if multi-core is available.
Continually added lots of funny effects.
Support FLV files.
Three transparent modes.
Download online effects by one click.

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Focus Photoeditor 6.0

Focus Photoeditor 6.0

Its a powerful image and photo editor, picture retouching tool, web albut creator, image browser and Photoshop Filters Host Application for Windows 95/98/NT/2000/XP.

Besides its excellent ability to correct digital photos, it has many rich tools and effects found in much more expensive professional tools.
more ...
» Faster refresh during drawing

::Download Link::

http://www.focusphotoeditor.com/download_focus_photo-editor.htm

Improved RGB curves
» Better color gradients
» Added support to layers

» Priority Support

» Unlimited Free Upgrades

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Vista Manager 3.0

Vista Manager 3.0

Vista Manager is a system utility that helps you optimize, tweak, and clean up Windows Vista. It will increase your system speed, improve system security, and meet all of your expectations. It's compatible with Windows Vista SP1 entirely!

Why Should I use Vista Manager?
Windows Vista is the new Operating System for home users and professionals alike. Windows Vista brings clarity to your world, so you can more safely and easily accomplish everyday tasks and instantly find what you want on your PC.

Vista Manager is the powerful software tool to tweak and optimize your Windows Vista, it bundles more than 30 different utilities in one and help your system faster and more stable, secure and personal!


Features and Benefits of Vista Manager
Information
Get detailed system and all hardware information on your system; show all detailed information of running processes and threads on your machine; Vista Manager offers 1-clicking cleans your system automatically.

Optimizer
Tweak your system to improve windows startup and shutdown speed; tweak your hardware to increase system speed and performance; Optimize Task Schedule to turn off unnecessary system tasks.

Cleaner
Find out which files or folders engross your disk space and shown with chart; Find and clean junk files to increase Hard Disk space; Duplicate Files Finder can scan your computer for files with the same size, name and modification time; Registry Cleaner can easily checks your registry and repair incorrectly linked registry entries, automatically remove invalid entries; Registry Defrag rebuilds and re-indexs your registry to reduce application response time and registry access time.

Customization
Control what is started on Windows startup; tune up Vista boot menu; edit context menus of mouse Right-Clicking; customize system desktop, menus, toolbar and notifications settings; automatically change your desktop wallpaper on background.

Security
You can improve desktop, menus, Windows logon securities, and enable numerous hidden performance options of system, disable system updates and error reports; hide and restrict to access drives, specify which applications are not allowed to be executed on your computer; encrypt/decrypt and shred files, change the location of system folders; Privacy Protector can maintain your personal privacy by eliminating the tracks that you leave behind; create lots of randomization password once.

::Download Link::

http://www.yamicsoft.com/vistamanager/software/vistamanager.exe

Network
Optimize your Internet connection speed, manage all shares items; tweak your Internet Explorer easily.

Misc. Utilities
Show the collection of Windows utilities; help you find out the installation key of Windows, Office products; shutdown your PC or remind you automatically.

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Hardcore Phenom II Overclocking--6.2GHz

Hardcore Phenom II Overclocking--6.2GHz Anyone?

Earlier today, Gigabyte sent us a link to a video featuring some hardcore overclocking that we thought many of you would like to see. In the video, Chew*, a member of the XtremeSystems community, overclocks an AMD Phenom II X4 955 processor on GIGABYTE GA-MA790FXT-UD5P and GA-MA790FX-UD5P motherboards, and shows his results using air, phase change, dry ice, and liquid nitrogen cooling.

When all was said and done, Chew* was able to break 3DMark06 records for dual Radeon HD 4850s and 4890s running in CrossFire mode and achieved stability at processor speeds in the 5.7 - 6.2GHz range.

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AMD intros Athlon X2 chips featuring Phenom design

AMD intros Athlon X2 chips featuring Phenom design

AMD has introduced new dual-core desktop processors aimed at the value end of the consumer market. Available now, the new Athlon X2 7000 series are the company’s first dual core chips based on its Phenom quad design, which means they have three levels of cache and support the faster HyperTransport 3.0 bus.

The new series comprises the 2.5GHz Athlon X2 7550, which will be available only to system builders, and the 2.7GHz Athlon X2 7750 'Black Edition' with an unlocked multiplier for improved overclocking priced at $79 – check out some benchmarks here. Both processors include 512KB of L2 cache per core and a shared L3 cache of 2 MB. The chips are part of AMD’s latest Cartwheel platform aimed at the budget market, which also includes the AMD 780G chipset and ATI Radeon 3200 integrated graphics.

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AMD's Phenom goes on a budget with the Athlon X2 7000 series

AMD's Phenom goes on a budget with the Athlon X2 7000 series

Hot on the heels of word that the 45nm Phenom II chip is up for grabs, AMD has announced that its 65nm predecessor has been relegated to budget duty. The new Phenom-based Athlon X2 7000 chips are now available, replacing the aged X2 6000 and delivering an affordable HyperTransport bus boost to 3.6GHz, 2MB of L3 cache, but still just 1MB on L2. It's a dual-core processor, unlike the higher-spec Phenoms, and consumes 95-watts. That's a handy drop from the X2 6000's 125-watt rating, but isn't exactly frugal compared to some of AMD's other Phenom offerings. The 2.7GHz X2 7750 black edition is available now in bulk for just under $80, and appears to be retailing for around $90. Meanwhile a paler, cheaper, 2.5GHz version is shipping just for OEMs -- but that shouldn't stop you home builders from finding one if you're really inclined.

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Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Edition Processor

Intel Core i7 975 Extreme Edition Processor

When you consider Intel's recent success at introducing new, cutting-edge processor architectures as of late, you can't help but appreciate the fact that the company is executing extremely well. The cold, hard fact of the matter is, even their last generation Core 2 architecture competes admirably with AMD's most recent update of the Phenom II, dollar for dollar and clock for clock. In fact, Intel's Core 2 architecture has done so well, that further roll-out of Intel's newer Core i7 line-up has been limited, no doubt in part because Intel doesn't absolutely need their fledgling new chip architecture to compete vigorously with their rival. There's no question, AMD's Phenom II is a solid alternative to the Core 2 but playing catch-up to Intel's legacy architecture is still not a very exciting position to be in, obviously.

Thus far there have been a mere three different models of Intel's new Core i7 processor that have been released to any channel, OEM or retail - the Core i7-920, Core i7-940 and the flagship Core i7-965 Extreme Edition. With clock speeds starting at 2.66GHz and scaling to 3.2GHz, Intel's new Core i7 proverbially lights up , anything from AMD's high end line-up right now, even comparing the chip's slowest speed bin, never mind at like clock speeds. That said, the semiconductor business is pretty much a ruthless and relentless game of one-upsmanship; or in Intel's case currently, perhaps its two or three-up. As such, you can be sure Intel is looking for another kill shot, whenever they can.

Today Intel is finally releasing new Core i7 models and speed bins to the market, as well as announcing a new flagship chip, the Core i7-975 Extreme Edition. Though it will definitely command a hefty price tag, at a stock clock speed of 3.33GHz and Intel Turbo Boost speeds at 3.45GHz (all cores) and 3.6GHz (single core), you can bet this new Core i7 is one hot-rod of a quad-core CPU. In the pages ahead, we'll wind it out around the test track and show you what the fastest desktop processor on the planet can do when it's tuned up for a touch more horsepower at the factory and made ready for production.

The new Core i7 chips being announced today are Intel's new top-dog, the Core i7-975 Extreme Edition, as well as the new upper mid-range Core i7-950, which in fact will supplant the Core i7-940. These new chips share identical Intel Nehalem-based microarchitectures, with the Core i7-975 offering a faster 6.4GT/sec QPI (Quick Path Interconnect) serial link to Intel's X58 Express Northbridge chipset, as well as a faster 3.33GHz core clock speed with a stock 25X multiplier and a 133MHz reference clock. The Core i7 950 has a 23X stock multiplier that is locked for higher multiples but can be dialed down, while the Core i7-975 is unlocked for higher multiples as well, since it is an "Extreme Edition" product.

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AMD Ships 'Istanbul' Six-Core Opteron Server CPU

AMD Ships 'Istanbul' Six-Core Opteron Server CPU

We aren't quite calling this the turnaround of the decade just yet, but with just six months to go until 2010, AMD is doing its best to make a late run for said crown. In years past,Advanced Micro Devices had become notorious for delaying products. Now, they're doing their best to right the ship by unveiling a product's availability some five months ahead of schedule. In CPU years, five months is an eternity.

The new six-core AMD Opteron (codenamed " Istanbul")is shipping out to OEM customers today, and the chip should be available to consumers by the end of this month. Hailed as the world’s first six-core server processor with Direct Connect Architecture for two-, four- and eight-socket servers, this chip has up to 34 percent more performance-per-watt over the previous generation quad-core processors.in the exact same platform. Over the next few weeks, systems will begin to creep out from Cray, Dell, HP, IBM and Sun Microsystems, and support from motherboard and infrastructure partners will follow suit. Also of note, HE, SE and EE versions of the six-core AMD Opteron processor are planned for the second half of 2009.

For those concerned about upgrade costs, chew on this: six-core AMD Opteron processors leverage existing platform infrastructure and a low-cost, power-efficient DDR2 memory architecture. Nice going, AMD -- let's hope this is the start of an all new way of doing business.

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AMD Athlon II and Phenom II X2 Processors Debut

AMD Athlon II and Phenom II X2 Processors Debut

AMD is using the prominence of the Computex show in Taipei to unveil a slew of new, affordable desktop processors. A few of them are based on the existing core employed within their Phenom II processor line-up, but one of them is comprised of a new piece of silicon that pays homage to the once mighty Athlon brand.

We've got four new AMD processors on tap for this article, low power quad- and triple-cores, and a pair of new dual-cores. The 3.1GHz AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition is positioned as AMD's fastest dual-core processor ever, while the Phenom II X3 705e is a low-power triple-core CPU. The Phenom II X4 905e is a low-power 65w quad-core, and the brand new Athlon II X2 250 is AMD's latest high-performance, budget-class dual-core processor.

All of these processors share some similarities, of course, but each one is positioned for a somewhat different market segment. Take a look at the specifications and features below, and then we'll move on to the juicy details...

AMD Athlon II and Phenom II X2 Processors

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All of the Phenom II processors launching today are based on the same core, codenamed Deneb, used in the current generation of Phenom II processors. As such, they all share the same platform specifics and base feature set, and differ only in their clock speeds, and core and cache allotments. We've covered the details of AMD's Phenom and Phenom II processors and supporting chipsets a number of times in the past, so we won't do the same again here. We would, however, recommend taking a look at a few of our previous articles if you'd like a refresher on all of the pertinent details regarding the Phenom II.

The Enter the Dragon: AMD Phenom II X4 940 article listed above talks about the changes brought forth by AMD's 45nm Phenom II processors. And the various 7-series chipset, Phenom processor, and Spider / Dragon platform related articles cover the remainder of the platform specifics.

The Athlon II X2 processor series is a somewhat new animal, though. It is based on a new 45nm, native dual-core design that supports faster HT link speeds than current Athlon X2s, it is compatible with DDR2 or DDR3 system memory, and socket AM2+ or socket AM3 motherboards. As you can see in the specs above, the Athlon II X2 is comprised of roughly 234M transistors and has a die size of only 117.5mm2--less than half the size of a Phenom II. It's small die should made the Athlon II very economical for AMD to produce, and incedentally, inexpensive to purchase.

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AMD Athlon II and Phenom II X2 Processors Debut News

AMD Athlon II and Phenom II X2 Processors Debut News

AMD is using the prominence of the Computex show in Taipei to unveil a slew of new, affordable desktop processors. A few of them are based on the existing core employed within their Phenom II processor line-up, but one of them is comprised of a new piece of silicon that pays homage to the once mighty Athlon brand.

We've got four new AMD Processors on tap for this article, low power quad- and triple-cores, and a pair of new dual-cores. The 3.1GHz AMD Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition is positioned as AMD's fastest dual-core processor ever, while the Phenom II X3 705e is a low-power triple-core CPU. The Phenom II X4 905e is a low-power 65w quad-core, and the brand new Athlon II X2 250 is AMD's latest high-performance, budget-class dual-core processor.

All of these processors share some similarities, of course, but each one is positioned for a somewhat different market segment.

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