AMD Extends the Mainstream Value of Dragon Platform Technology with 45nm AMD Phenom™ II Triple-Core Processors and Foundation for Memory Transition

SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--AMD (NYSE: AMD) extended the value and lifespan of its heralded Dragon platform technology today with five new additions to its AMD Phenom™ II processor family, including the industry’s only 45nm triple-core processors and three new AMD Phenom II quad-core processors. These AMD Phenom II processors deliver choice and lay the foundation for memory transition; they fit in either AM2+ or AM3 sockets and support DDR2 or next generation DDR3 memory technology. AMD continues to enhance the Dragon platform technology value to OEM and channel partners as well as Do-It-Yourself (DIY) consumers who build and customize their own PCs.

“With the combination of the infrastructure compatibility and the introduction of the AMD Phenom II triple-core processors, AMD has made two very strategic design decisions that our competitor cannot duplicate at the component or platform level.”

With a substantial performance boost over the previous generation of AMD Phenom processors, new AMD Phenom II processors deliver an amazing experience at mainstream price points and can help eliminate the substantial cost required by competing platforms which force an immediate upgrade to DDR3 memory. AMD’s strategic architecture design lets consumers customize a PC upgrade path that’s right for their budget and overall experience without being forced to pay substantial amounts of money to upgrade their motherboard and memory technology.

“Whether buying a new desktop PC or upgrading components in an existing system, AMD recognizes consumers are looking for value more than ever before,” said Leslie Sobon, vice president of product marketing, AMD. “With the combination of the infrastructure compatibility and the introduction of the AMD Phenom II triple-core processors, AMD has made two very strategic design decisions that our competitor cannot duplicate at the component or platform level.”

“PC buyers are looking to leverage their technology investments as much as possible in these challenging economic times,” said Bob O'Donnell, IDC vice president, Clients and Displays. “Companies that can provide solutions that help offer strong performance and flexibility at attractive price points are clearly going to be at an advantage.”

Extending Triple-Core Innovation

All things being equal, it is an established fact that three cores offer more performance than two, but not as much as four. Typically, the cost of cores would scale in a linear fashion. But what if you could get triple-core performance at a price competitive with dual-core systems? This is the market need that AMD Phenom II triple-core processors have filled. First introduced at 65nm, these new 45nm AMD Phenom II triple-core processors deliver the improvements over the previous generation AMD Phenom processors exhibited by all AMD 45nm desktop processors: better energy efficiency, improved idle power consumption and incredible headroom for tunable performance.¹ AMD continues to deliver competitive and affordable solutions addressing the diverse needs of customers and consumers; whether dual-, triple- or quad-core, AMD can provide a platform-level solution that exceeds expectations – all at a competitive price.

Platform Compatibility

When upgrading desktop PCs, the design compatibility of the new AMD Phenom II processors will allow consumers to keep their existing microprocessor technology across AM2+ and AM3 infrastructures. That means AMD Phenom II processors work equally well with either DDR2 or DDR3 memory, allowing customers to choose if and when they wish to upgrade. AMD customers and partners will be able to take advantage of its innovative multi-core technology and experience a compelling solution, especially when combined with AMD’s chipset and graphics processors.

Pricing and Availability

The new triple-core and quad-core AMD Phenom II processors are available immediately at the following frequencies:

AMD Phenom™ II X4 910 - (2.6GHz)
AMD Phenom™ II X4 810 - (2.6GHz)
AMD Phenom™ II X4 805 - (2.5GHz)
AMD Phenom™ II X3 720 Black Edition - (2.8GHz)
AMD Phenom™ II X3 710 - (2.6GHz)

The triple-core AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition processor is competitively priced at $145 while the Intel Core 2 Duo E8400 processor is priced at $165; the AMD processor allows users to get more cores for less money. The quad-core AMD Phenom II X4 810 processor (2.6GHz) is priced at $175 compared to the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 processor (2.33GHz) at $170.²

Click for more detail on AMD Phenom II processor pricing
Get more information on AMD Phenom II processors
Read what AMD’s Ian McNaughton has to say about triple-core on AMD Blogs
Find out more about Dragon platform technology and see it in action
Check out the video and images of the new AMD Phenom II processors

About AMD

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home and play. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

©2009, Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, ATI, the ATI logo, AMD OverDrive, AMD Phenom and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

¹ AMD warranty does not cover damage caused by overclocking, even when using AMD OverDrive™ software.

² Intel pricing reflects prices available on www.newegg.com February 4, 2009; AMD pricing reflects suggested retail pricing.