AMD Introduces Phenom Processor with x86 Quad-Core Architecture

Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) unveiled its Phenom family of quad-core processors aimed at enhancing performance in multitasking, computing-intensive environments and multithreaded applications as well as gaming.

It also introduced a platform called FASN8, targeted at PC enthusiasts, digital content creators and mainstream users.

The silicon-based next-generation eight-core FASN8 platform includes two quad-core AMD Phenom processors, the DirectX 10 ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT, as well as a next-generation chipset, due in the second half of 2007.

"We continue to focus on listening to and addressing users' evolving needs," said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president and general manager of the AMD desktop division.

"AMD is confident the performance enhancements enabled by true quad-core client technology in computing-intensive environments will allow them to realize new possibilities and find new inspiration."

According to AMD, all Phenom processors will feature an integrated double data rate 2 (DDR2) memory controller, HyperTransport technology links and 128 b floating point units for use in floating point calculations.

With the quad-core design, cores communicate on the die rather than through a front side bus external to the processor. According to AMD, direct connect architecture on-chip ensures that all four cores have access to the integrated memory controller and integrated HyperTransport links so that performance scales well with the number of cores.

The design includes a shared L3 cache for quicker data access and Socket AM2 and Socket AM2+ infrastructure compatibility for a seamless upgrade path, the company said.

"[The] AMD quad-core processor rollout will put more computing horsepower at PC users' fingertips," said Nathan Brookwood, research fellow at Insight 64. "Quad-core innovations come at a time when many users are finding that the combination of Microsoft Vista, multithreaded applications and DirectX 10 no longer delivers the crisp performance they experienced on last year's fastest systems running last year's software."

Neil Hand, vice president marketing, Dell consumer product group, said the quad-core technology offered by the AMD Phenom processor family will enable Dell customers to use their PCs in new ways.

"With a quad-core CPU [central processing unit], the desktop PC can now truly act simultaneously as a server for home digital media devices, while keeping customers secure and productive in their mainstream use," Hand said.

AMD Phenom FX processors are designed for systems that offer megatasking capabilities. Quad-core platforms and octa-core platforms with the dual socket direct connect (DSDC) architecture can provide enthusiast-class features and performance that enable customers to deliver professional-grade results, according to AMD.

The AMD open platform approach allows for AMD Phenom processors and platforms that are compatible with a range of motherboards and chipsets. Quad-core and dual-core Phenom-based desktop systems will ship in the second half of 2007.