Date:
Sunday , February 08, 2009
Category:
CPU / Processors
Manufacturers:
AMD
Author:
Kyle Bennett

Phenom II Gets Affordable with DDR3 & AM3

AMD comes back today with the launch of its Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition and Phenom II X4 810 processors built on the AM3 socket platform that now allows enthusiasts to take advantage of the bandwidth that DDR3 has to offer. Along with that, these CPUs come in with very sub-$200 price points.

Introduction

Most of you reading this are very aware of the recent release of the Phenom II. We have stayed firm on our opinions that the X4 940 Black Edition simply does not bring the value to the customer that it should. However, its tumbling price has certainly made it more attractive as it is about $50 to $75 less expensive than it was on launch day. If you are considering a new gaming build and are looking to keep the prices down, AMD today brings us something that seems a bit “off” on the surface, but once you see how they run, you might just fall in love. In fact, after AMD’s last CPU fiasco, it looks like it got this one right.

Socket AM3

The picture below shows a Phenom II AM3 45nm die which is at the heart of the two processors we have here to review. One processor is an “X3” and the other is an “X4.” The X3 is of course the triple core processor that we have been hearing about while the X4 is the quad core, both are Phenom II branded processors.

These new AM3 processors support both DDR2 and DDR3! Yes, you can use these processors in an AM2+ motherboard or an AM3 motherboard.

Article Image

Phenom II X3 720 BE & X4 810 Specifications

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 (2MB total L2 per processor for X4s / 1.5MB total L2 per processor for X3s)

L3 Cache Size: 4MB or 6MB (shared)… See above

Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *

Memory Controller Speed: Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management (all current AM3 processors)

Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) -AND- PC3 (DDR3-1333MHz)**

HyperTransport 3.0 Link: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)

Total Processor Bandwidth: Up to 33.1 GB/s total bandwidth

Packaging: Socket AM3 938-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)

Fab location: Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany

Process Technology: 45-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology

Approximate Transistor count: ~ 758 million (45nm)

Approximate Die Size: 258 mm2 (45nm)

Max Ambient Case Temp / X4 CPUs: 71o Celsius

Max Ambient Case Temp / X3 CPUs: 73o Celsius

Max TDP: 95 Watts (all current AM3 processors)

*Note: MC configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes

Pricing

AMD's Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition processor: $145 suggested PIB 1KU

AMD's Phenom II X4 810 processor: $175 suggested PIB 1KU

Other Models in the Wild

AMD's Phenom II X3 710 Available in PIB at AMD's suggested 1KU price of $125 each

AMD's Phenom II X4 910 Available in tray only

AMD's Phenom II X4 805 Available in tray only

Model Specifications

Model Number / Processor Frequency / L3 Cache Size / Nominal Voltage / OPN(s):

X4 810 / 2.6GHz / 4MB L3 / 0.875-1.425V / Tray: HDX810WFK4FGI; PIB: HDX810WFGIBOX

X3 720 BE / 2.8GHz / 6MB L3 / 0.850-1.425V / Tray: HDZ720WFK3DGI; PIB: HDZ720WFGIBOX

X3 710 / 2.6GHz / 6MB L3 / 0.875-1.425V / Tray: HDX710WFK3DGI; PIB: HDX710WFGIBOX

X4 910 / 2.6GHz / 6MB L3 / 0.875-1.425V / Tray: HDX910WFK4DGI

X4 805 / 2.5GHz / 4MB L3 / 0.875-1.425V / Tray: HDX805WFK4FGI