AMD Phenom X3 8750 Tested and Overclocked

The Phenom X3 8750 is a processor from AMD that has the following features:

• 2.4GHz
• AM2+
• three cores
• AMD Balanced Smart Cache, a shared L3 cache of up to 2MB between the cores (in addition to 512K L2 cache per core)
• HyperTransport technology
• Integrated memory controller bypasses a discreet memory controller for faster, more streamline memory access to DDR2 system RAM

ExtremeTech put the Phenom 8750 head-to-head with an Intel Core 2 Duo E8400:

"AMD has an excellent argument for going with a CPU with an odd number of cores. The triple-core equipped CPU performed admirably most of the time. ,,, If you consider that it runs at a mere 2.4GHz compared to the 3.0GHz Core 2 Duo we tested it against, you must conclude that the extra core had, at the very least, some positive effect on the benchmark results. ... at its factory frequency, it's a solid contender in the midrange CPU market-something AMD hasn't been able to brag about in a very long time. " [ ExtremeTech | 8750 Review ]

Then the Phenom 8750 was overclocked:

"The battle was finally over. I threw up my white flag, once again a victim of a Phenom CPU with very little factory overspec to speak of." [ExtremeTech | 8750 Overclocking]

So is the Phenom X3 8750 worth it? I say yes. Just don't have your hopes up on having a decent overclock.

Technorati : 8750, amd, overclock, phenom, processor, test, x3

Three New Phenom X4 Processors Tested

Recently announced were 3 new Phenom X4 CPUs: 9950 Black Edition (2.6GHz, US$235), 9350e (2.0GHz, US$195), and 9150e (1.8GHz, US$175).

All 3 processors feature:

• 4 cores
• (64KB + 64KB) x 4 L1Cache
• 512KB x 4 L2 Cache
• 2MB L3 Cache
• Integrated Dual Channel (up to DDR2-1066) memory controller
• AM2+ packaging
• 65nm SOI process technology
• "Agena" processor codename

The 9950 Black Edition consumes 140 Watts maximu, while the 9350e and 9150e, being the energy-efficient Phenom X4s, consume no more than 65 Watts.

AnandTech.com tested the Phenom X4 9950, 9350e and 9150e processors:

"... AMD's CPU division is finally competitive again. The return to competition isn't because of an increase in performance or architectural changes, it's simply through very aggressive pricing. ... The Phenom X4 9950 BE and 9850 BE are reasonably competitive with the Q9300 and Q6600, although we would still opt for the Intel solutions thanks to lower power consumption and significantly better overclocking potential. ... The Phenom X4 9550 is the sweet spot of AMD's product line and it does do well against Intel's dual-core E8400, as do the X3 8650/8450 against Intel's E7200. " [AnandTech | AMD's Phenom X4 9950, 9350e and 9150e]

HardwareZone.com tested the Phenom X4 9350e and 9150e , and found them to be 'Energy Efficient'at the expense of performance :

"... we can only think of one scenario where the new Phenom entrants would be of potential value and that's when you consider AMD's balanced system slogan, exemplified by AMD's mainstream Cartwell platform. Such a platform would marry an AMD 780G motherboard with a low TDP quad-core processor like these new Phenoms and make for a powerful, yet compact little system to play your Blu-ray movies or equivalent HD video content, with decent gaming potential thrown in. ... As we found in our real-world games testing, the minute you consider discrete graphics for better game performance, an AMD-based system would only hinder your overall graphics performance. So for the performance-concerned enthusiasts, you would do well to stick with an Intel processor. " [HardwareZone | Energy Efficient CPUs Ahoy!]

If you are looking to build a new quad-core system, and care less with overclocking, the Phenom X4 9950 BE looks to be a good processor, being at par with the Q9300 and Q6600 Intel CPUs.

Technorati : 9150, 9350, 9950, amd, black, cpu, edition, phenom, processor, review, test, x4

New AMD Phenom X4 9000 Series Processors Tested

AMD has a new Phenom X4 processor lineup that consists of the 9850 'Black Edition', 9750, 9650, and 9550.

Features:

• Phenom X4 9850 'Black Edition' (US$235)
• • 2.5GHz clock speed
  • 512KB x 4 L2 cache
  • 2MB L3 cache
  • 2.0GHz HyperTransport Bus
  • 2.0GHz memory controller
• Phenom X4 9750 (US$215)
• • 2.4GHz clock speed
  • 512KB x 4 L2 cache
  • 2MB L3 cache
  • 1.8GHz HyperTransport Bus
  • 1.8GHz memory controller
• Phenom X4 9650 (OEM only)
• • 2.3GHz clock speed
  • 512KB x 4 L2 cache
  • 2MB L3 cache
  • 1.8GHz HyperTransport Bus
  • 1.8GHz memory controller
• Phenom X4 9550 (US$209)
• • 2.2GHz clock speed
  • 512KB x 4 L2 cache
  • 2MB L3 cache
  • 1.8GHz HyperTransport Bus
  • 1.8GHz memory controller

HardwareZone wasn't very pleased with the performance of the new Phenoms:

"... Seriously speaking, there is nothing to look-forward to with the AMD Phenom X4 processors with performance not far off from Intel's dual-core solutions. If you need performance, Intel's Core 2 Quad is the answer and they've got performance better than the entire Phenom series more than a year ago. If you're hoping that the future Phenom X4 9950 to have any positive impact, our testing tells us nothing of that sort. ... Don't misunderstand us; the Phenom X4 processor works fine and all, but it's just not living up to expectations set by AMD nor of any impact/consideration when compared with Intel's offerings . " [HardwareZone | AMD's New Phenom X4 9000 Series]

As of now, the Intel Core 2 Quad is the reigning performance champion in the processor realm. If you are already using an AMD platform rig, and looking to upgrade to a quad core processor, it would be best to wait for the next Phenom series that would hopefully sport 45nm process technology.

Technorati : amd, core, cpu, phenom, processor, quad, review