![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xj-j08YO7cQ/SLAsgr7S3sI/AAAAAAAAASw/5toqRbmnoHc/s400/amd_phenom_triple.jpg)
AMD launches the world's first triple-core x86 architecture CPU. The AMD Phenom X3 8000 series triple-core processors provide gamers and digital media enthusiasts with needed performance at mainstream price points.
![](http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_Xj-j08YO7cQ/SLAtk1MosZI/AAAAAAAAATI/mMRwx10JPAw/s400/amd_phenomx3_8750.jpg)
Earlier this year AMD announced the availability of three new AMD Phenom X3 triple-core processors that feature the latest B3 stepping. AMD first announced triple-core processors back in September 2007, but only just recently launched the AMD Phenom X3 8000 series last month. As the world's only triple-core x86 desktop processor, the Phenom X3 processors make for a very interesting product, but enthusiasts and consumers that follow processor launches had some concerns about the new triple-core processors.
![](http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_Xj-j08YO7cQ/SLAspfXHqsI/AAAAAAAAAS4/OYWYgvESejc/s400/amd_phenom_8750.jpg)
![](http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Xj-j08YO7cQ/SLAtLwRntoI/AAAAAAAAATA/nAh4uF2C7Ys/s400/amd_phenom_8750a.jpg)
Without further ado here are the new AMD Phenom X3 processors and their price points.
AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor - (2.4GHz) - $195
AMD Phenom X3 8650 triple-core processor - (2.3GHz) - $165
AMD Phenom X3 8450 triple-core processor - (2.1GHz) - $145
AMD Phenom X3 8650 triple-core processor - (2.3GHz) - $165
AMD Phenom X3 8450 triple-core processor - (2.1GHz) - $145
As you can see triple-core pricing starts at $145 for the 2.1GHz Phenom X3 8450 to $195 for the top end 2.4GHz Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor. While these prices are very competitive, they are really close to that of the AMD Phenom X4 series. For example the AMD Phenom X4 9750 Quad-Core Processor is currently $214.99 shipped on our shopping service. Is it worth the extra $20 to get a quad-core or should one save the cash and go triple-core? You also have the2.2GHz Phenom X4 9550 for the same exact price of $195 plus shipping. If that question isn't tough keep in mind that Intel just cut prices this week, so now you have the 3GHz Intel E6850 for $183 and the 2.4GHz Intel Q6600 for $224.
The processor we will be looking at today is the AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor. The AMD Phenom X3 8750 is a 2.4GHz processor manufactured using AMD's 65nm Silicon on Insulator process technology. The chip has a Max TDP of 95W and has official support for a 1.8GHz memory controller and HT 3.0 frequency with Dual Dynamic Power Management technology. AMD informed Legit Reviews that they do have higher clock frequencies on the road map later this year as well as 65W Phenom X3 triple-core processors. The 65W triple-core processors will be aimed at HTPC users and those looking to build energy efficient computers. AMD will continue to expand and introduce new Phenom X3 processors in the months ahead, so expect to see and hear more about them!
Taking a look at CPU-Z 1.44.2 we can see the details our AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor is being shown correctly! The cache tab of CPU-Z 1.44.2 shows the Phenom X3 8750 has 3.5MB of combined L2 and L3 cache. Notice that each core has its own L2 cache, but shares the 2MB of L3 cache.
Specifications
AMD Phenom X3 8000-series processor:
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 (configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes)
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 bandwidthPackaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)Fab location: AMD's Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
ProcessTechnology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technologyApproximate
Transistor count: ~ 450 million (65nm)
Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2 (65nm)
Max Ambient Case Temp: 70 degrees Celsius
Nominal Voltage: 1.05-1.25 Volts
Max TDP: 95 Watts