AMD Names the Next PC Computing Thrill Ride: The AMD Phenom(tm) Processor

**Ferrit** · May 14th, 2007, 07:54 PM

SUNNYVALE, Calif. - May 14, 2007 - Delivering a four-core foreshadowing of innovations to come for PC enthusiasts worldwide, AMD today unveiled the upcoming AMD Phenom(tm) processor family name and publicly demonstrated the first all-AMD enthusiast platform, codenamed "FASN8." The industry's only true quad-core client processors are expected to deliver the ultimate visual experience, especially when paired with AMD's new DirectX 10 ATI Radeon(tm) HD 2000 series, which began shipping today (see related press release: "AMD Introduces the ATI Radeon(tm) HD 2000 Series, Delivering The Ultimate Visual Experience(tm) for Desktop and Mobile Platforms"). AMD expects true quad-core and dual-core AMD Phenom-based desktop systems will ship in the second half of 2007.
In a demonstration in San Francisco, AMD previewed an eight-core platform, codenamed "FASN8," pronounced "fascinate," to show the first AMD silicon-based next-generation eight-core platform. The demonstration platform includes two true quad-core AMD Phenom processors, the new DirectX 10 ATI Radeon HD 2900 XT, as well as an upcoming AMD next-generation, high-performance chipset, due in the second half of 2007. This platform illustrates AMD's leadership in developing a single solution with increased levels of integration to boost real-world performance.

**slgrieb** · May 15th, 2007, 05:16 PM

Of course I'm anxious to see the new AMDs, but why is it that we get saddled with all these wissy, girly-man names for CPUs! How about something with a little punch, marketing droids? You know, something like the Bloodfang, or the Disembowler. Just some doggone name that could be advertised on Spike TV between all those Natural Male Enhancement commercials without inviting shame and ridicule! No doubt Intel's next generation processor will be named the O'Keefe Orchid and only advertised on Oxygen.

**Platypus** · May 15th, 2007, 11:46 PM

Originally Posted by slgrieb

How about something with a little punch

We could change Phenom to Venom...

**slgrieb** · May 15th, 2007, 11:59 PM

Just wonderful! Of all the things I didn't need tonight, I find a post that incites me to a serious and thoughtful response! Oh, well, better go in and say "Hi!"

omg, there are lots of variables in processor performance, and if the amount of cache memory were the only (or even the most) significant factor in CPU performance, we'd just see a race to squeeze cache on a die instead of all these design issues about clock speed, memory bandwidth, latency, etc.

Intel's "quad core" processors actually aren't. They are two dual core CPUs on a single chip. In theory, AMD's new chips (which are truly quad core designs) should provide the potential for enhanced performance because data doesn't have to be exchanged between cores. In the past, while Intel may have been first to market with an "enhanced" design (such as a dual core CPU) AMD has had an implementation that performed better, albeit often late to market.

Since the "Phenom" hasn't been released, it is really way to early (understatement and sarcasm) to attempt a comparison.

**slgrieb** · May 16th, 2007, 12:03 AM

Platypus, I could get behind the AMD Irwin CPU.

**Ferrit** · May 16th, 2007, 01:26 PM

Originally Posted by OMGmissinglink

Examination on AMD's quad core CPU the cache is attached on one core, Intel IMHO still holds an advantage 2X greater cache paired over 2 core's.

I think you need to rethink or re discover your information source
Intel Quad cores are merely 2dual cores stitched together and still having to send the information out through the front side bus to talk to each other while the Phenom is a true quad core with all 4 cpu's talking directly to each other.
http://multicore.amd.com/us-en/AMD-M...Barcelona.aspx

Estimates range anywhere from 30 to 40% better performance then the other.
The quad core is in testing atm and will be released sooner then one would expect.