AMD Phenom X3 8750 Triple-Core Processor Review

AMD Goes Triple-Core, But Will it Sell?

Just hours ago AMD announced the availability of three new AMD Phenom X3 triple-core processors that feature the latest B3 stepping. AMD first announced triple-core processors back in September 2007, but only just recently launched the AMD Phenom X3 8000 series last month. As the world’s only triple-core x86 desktop processor, the Phenom X3 processors make for a very interesting product, but enthusiasts and consumers that follow processor launches had some concerns about the new triple-core processors. AMD states that the triple-core processors integrate three computational cores on a single die of silicon, but in reality it is a quad-core processor with one of the cores disabled. The initial batch of triple-core processors also suffered from the same TLB erratum that was found on the quad-cores since they made from the same B2 die steppings. When AMD announced the 50-series of quad-core processors they brought hope to AMD fans around the world as the TLB erratum was fixed thanks to a new and improved B3 stepping. AMD has finally brought the ‘B3′ stepping to the triple-cores and has announced three new AMD Phenom X3 triple-core processors that make up the new ’50-series’. Without further ado here are the new AMD Phenom X3 processors and their price points.

• AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor – (2.4GHz) – $195
• AMD Phenom X3 8650 triple-core processor – (2.3GHz) – $165
• AMD Phenom X3 8450 triple-core processor – (2.1GHz) – $145

As you can see triple-core pricing starts at $145 for the 2.1GHz Phenom X3 8450 to $195 for the top end 2.4GHz Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor. While these prices are very competitive, they are really close to that of the AMD Phenom X4 series. For example the AMD Phenom X4 9750 Quad-Core Processor is currently $214.99 shipped on our shopping service. Is it worth the extra $20 to get a quad-core or should one save the cash and go triple-core? You also have the2.2GHz Phenom X4 9550 for the same exact price of $195 plus shipping. If that question isn’t tough keep in mind that Intel just cut prices this week, so now you have the 3GHz Intel E6850 for $183 and the 2.4GHz Intel Q6600 for $224.

The processor we will be looking at today is the AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor. The AMD Phenom X3 8750 is a 2.4GHz processor manufactured using AMD’s 65nm Silicon on Insulator process technology. The chip has a Max TDP of 95W and has official support for a 1.8GHz memory controller and HT 3.0 frequency with Dual Dynamic Power Management technology. AMD informed Legit Reviews that they do have higher clock frequencies on the road map later this year as well as 65W Phenom X3 triple-core processors. The 65W triple-core processors will be aimed at HTPC users and those looking to build energy efficient computers. AMD will continue to expand and introduce new Phenom X3 processors in the months ahead, so expect to see and hear more about them!

Taking a look at CPU-Z 1.44.2 we can see the details our AMD Phenom X3 8750 triple-core processor is being shown correctly!

The cache tab of CPU-Z 1.44.2 shows the Phenom X3 8750 has 3.5MB of combined L2 and L3 cache. Notice that each core has its own L2 cache, but shares the 2MB of L3 cache.