AMD Phenom X3 Triple-Core Processors Officially Launched - Updated!

Wed 2008-04-23 - Posted by Patrick "MACMAC" MacMillan

After having been teased with details for months, AMD’s Phenom X3 triple-core processors have finally officially launched. The initial models will be the Phenom X3 8450 (2.1GHz), the 8650 (2.3GHz) and the 8750 (2.4GHz), each with 3.5MB of combined L2 and L3 cache.

Here is a list of reviews for your reading pleasure:

Anandtech: Three Cores vs. Two: AMD Phenom X3 8750 Review.
Bit-Tech: AMD's Phenom X3 8750 processor.
Bjorn3D: AMD Phenom X3 8750: Entering the Triple-Core Era.
ComputerShopper: AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core CPU review.
FiringSquad: Phenom Goes Triple-Core: AMD's Phenom X3 Processors.
GamePyre: AMD Phenom 8750 Triple Core Processor.
Guru3D: AMD Phenom X3 8750 review.
Hexus: AMD Phenom X3 8750: tri-core Phenom to challenge Intel's Core 2 Duo?.
HotHardware: AMD Phenom X3 8750 Triple-Core Processor.
Legit Reviews: AMD Phenom X3 8750 Triple-Core Processor Review.
OverclockersClub: AMD Phenom X3 8750 Review.
PC Perspective: AMD Phenom X3 8750 2.4 GHz Triple-Core Processor Review.
SharkyExtreme: AMD Heads for Third: Phenom X3 8750 Triple-Core Review.
TechwareLabs: AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core 8750 Processor.
TweakTown: AMD Phenom X3 Triple Core CPU.
Viper Lair: AMD Phenom X3 8750 Triple Core Processor.

I believe that PC Perspective summarized the Phenom X3’s the best: “AMD's new triple-core Phenom X3 8x50-series of processors isn't a slam dunk in performance or value compared to existing AMD parts but they do add a new twist to the constantly raging budget computer battle.” At $195, the 8750 is overpriced in my opinion, since you can buy a fully-fledged Phenom X4 9750 for only $20 more. The $165 8650 and $135 E8450 would have been interesting products if Intel hadn’t just released the $163 E8300 (2.83Ghz, 6MB Cache, 1333MHz FSB) and $133 E7200 (2.53GHz, 3MB cache, 800Mhz FSB). Having said that, if AMD can drop Phenom X3 prices by $25-30 across the board, they will dominate the budget sector.

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