Saturday, June 27th 2009
AMD Readying Phenom II X4 965
Following its roadmap, AMD is continuing with new processor releases based on the Deneb core with increases in the multiplier. The Phenom II X4 965 comes with a clock speed of 3.40 GHz, and an FSB multiplier of 17.0x, giving it a 200 MHz increase over the 955 Black Edition. It is not known if 965 comes in a Black Edition branding, one which could determine its pricing. If launched as a Black Edition (version with unlocked bus multiplier), It could either be priced above the 955, or could displace it and position itself at US $249.99. Without the BE branding it could be priced slightly lower. The new chip will be based on the AM3 package, supporting DDR3 1333 MHz and DDR2 1066 MHz. It comes at a time when AMD is releasing the RS880-based AMD 785G chipset. AMD will dispatch samples of the Phenom II X4 965 starting next week.
Source:
Tweaktown
102 Comments on AMD Readying Phenom II X4 965
At least until Intel responds, this might drive Intel prices down which is good for everyone.
the overheating core i7 can't increase stock speed beyond 3.3, overheats too much because of hyperthreading, phenom II is power efficient and stays cool, which gives room for increasing stock speed using stock cooler
920
945
955 - I believe Intel will be releasing a 955?
965
build a new system like I want to :(
Wonder how the overclockability will be on it
But I'll be real. The i7 is a great processor, the most powerful on the market, and certain very specific models are a good value, but on the whole Intel is losing to AMD's package approach. With better marketing (and smarter OEM's), the Dragon platform presents the absolute best solution for middle-class gamers around the world, who aren't afraid to get their hands dirty squeezing out power for pennies. And besides...
Real men use real cores.
For my current 24/7 settings, my CPU, which is far from being the best 920 out there, needs 1.18v, and with the said 37$ cooler loads to the low 60 degrees C in very hot weather (Lowest ambient we see now is in the low 30 degrees C). I can also run 3.2Ghz at1.04v, which would be well attainable on the stock cooler - Since it is less volts than stock voltage on my chip (!) and sub 1.0v 3Ghz i7 920s aren't very rare.
Besides, aren't the higher end Phenom IIs, namely the 940 and 955, 125W TDP chips, and 5W aren't anything to get fussed over ? True, but the Extreme Edition CPUs are not meant to compete against AMD's Black Edition chips. The vanilla 920 does that just fine. I consider anyone buying the EEs as either nuts (not neccesarily in the bad way, actually), or simply rich enough to not care. There is no argument there. The 710 and 720BE at their price points are very hard for Intel to beat (Currently, they aren't beat, at least not here). But the situation at the higher end of the spectrum is different. The i7 920 is priced well when compared to the higher end Phenom IIs, and the price of very, very good X58 motherboards is compared to the price of the higher end AM3 motherboards, at least here. Granted, you can build a Ph2 920 rig for cheaper by using a cheap motherboard, but if you're going that route, you might be better off with a 720BE altogether for a cheaper setup altogether. And much good does it do them ?
Now, before I am being accused of fanboyism. I am a fanboy of nothing. I recommend AMD builds several times a week, and I do not remember when I last recommended an Intel build which wasn't an i7 for someone of sufficient budget, or wasn't E5200+G31 based for people with next to no budget. Additionally, I was choosing between my current i7 920 and the Ph2 940 less than two months ago. I chose to go the i7 route, since it got me a platform that will happily run both SLI and CF and perform better while doing either, for under 100$ of difference back then. The difference hasn't grown since.
In the bottom line, Intel has nothing to compete against AMD's excellently priced triple-cores, but with the prices of the i7 920 being what they are, AMD has a very tough fight on their hands. This is not to say that Intel isn't losing ground, it probably is (But not according to the Steam HW survey), but not due to AMD's high-end chips. I do think that Intel is somewhat neglecting the "mainstream" for the past few months, since they are focusing on their Lynnfields, and it might cost them more than they have planned for. On the other hand, Lynnfield based CPUs might give AMD a sound beating come September. Time will tell.
one of many
''Cons: Doesn't have a truly unlocked core multiplier. I can't get mine above 21x. I heard the i7 965 has a completely unlocked multiplier (don't actually know).
The stock cooler is awful. With stock clocks, under full load its temps got up to 80+ degrees Celsius.''
www.newegg.com/Product/ProductReview.aspx?Item=N82E16819115202
Comparing a intel cpu/board for heat production and power efficency to power is like a pinto running with vettes.
And yes, this is all true, they are hot chips. And still, there are more i7s hitting 4Ghz on air than Phenoms, at least if this board and the reviews are any measure.
Youre right about the tricores, those bring value like nothing else Well, if intel makes a dualcore with HT stuff can change(Low price, good performance, low tpd),but ATI pushes prices like never before, there is one videocard, ONE that is close to ati's pricing and thats the GTX260, in all other price segments, there is no other way that the ati way.
AMD is making greater and greater platforms, and trying to secure some market share, cause stuff is about to become harsh out there with intel going in with graphics!(which i reccon will suck until 2012!) and then be acceptable, takes time to jump on that stuff i guess.
Tricore + 4890 4850 4770 4830 4730 4670.... does nvidia/intel build have anything to match those cards in performance/price ? i cant see it in my country, nor UK.