AMD's Phenom X3 Processors

Specifications and Detail

AMD is launching three triple core processor today—the 8750, 8650 and the 8450. The only varying specification between any of these three models is the operating frequency.

• AMD Phenom X3 8750: 2.4GHz
• AMD Phenom X3 8650: 2.3GHz
• AMD Phenom X3 8450: 2.1GHz

The pricing of the X3 lineup at launch is as follows (1KU):

• AMD Phenom X3 8750: $195
• AMD Phenom X3 8650: $165
• AMD Phenom X3 8450: $145

All other aspects of the three processors are identical. The specifics from AMD are provided below for reference:

• L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (384KB total L1 per X3 processor)
• L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (1.5MB total L2 per X3 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: 70° Celsius
• Nominal Voltage: 1.05-1.25 Volts
• Max TDP: 95 Watts

So there you have it—literally B3 Phenom quads with one core disabled. All of the other specifications are the same. I found it interesting that AMD decided to launch a 2.1GHz ‘8450′ part, as opposed to a 2.2GHz ‘8550′. There are no Phenom X4 processors running as low as 2.1GHz today—I suspect that the 8450 is AMD’s attempt to squeeze a very inexpensive model into the lineup.

You’ll also notice that the full 2MB of L3 cache is still available to the three cores. In effect, there is more L3 cache per core available than with an X4 Phenom. This may actually improve core efficiency slightly in some heavy multi-threaded situations. Since the L1 and L2 cache is dedicated per core, whatever was available to the disabled core is also cut off from the rest of the processor.

You’ll also notice that all of the X3 processors are rated for a maximum thermal design power of 95 watts. This means that the Phenom X3 should work well in just about any “lower budget” motherboard. After hearing many stories of failing VRM components on cheaper boards running 125W CPUs like the Phenom X4 9850 and Athlon 64 X2 6400+, I was pleased to see this. Keeping the TDP down is especially important with chips targeting the value and mainstream segments of the market—buyers won’t be throwing these in $300 motherboards.

The Phenom X3 operates at 1.25V unless Cool’n'Quiet is activated, at which point it can drop down to about 1.05V.