AMD Announces Phenom X6 CPUs and 890FX Chipset

AMD has today announced its long-awaited Phenom X6 six-core processor line-up, which at current time includes just two models: 1090T and 1055T. More than just a six-core processor, these “Thuban” models introduce AMD’s Turbo CORE feature, which aims to compete with Intel’s Turbo. Unlike most of Intel’s most recent releases though, AMD can also boast backwards compatibility, as you can install its new six-core CPUs on either an AM2+ or AM3 motherboard (with an appropriate BIOS update of course).

AMD prides itself on the fact that for hundreds of dollars, you can get hooked up with a barebones six-core AMD rig, or you can spend $999 alone for Intel’s only six-core offering. Intel’s offering is undoubtedly faster, but it’s impossible to deny the raw value of AMD’s platform. You could purchase the 1090T, an HD 5870 and a sweet motherboard for as much as $900… that’s not bad, at all.

Currently, AMD is selling the 1090T at 3.20GHz for $299, and the 1055T at 2.80GHz for $199. The former is a Black Edition so it has no overclocking limits. If you’re lucky, you may even see the CPU’s selling for less. On early Tuesday, you could find both for $50 under SRP with the help of a mail-in rebate at Tiger Direct, but at current time, the product has sold out. It seems there is real demand for six-core CPU’s!

We’re a bit behind on our review of AMD’s latest offering, but you can expect to see it posted for your perusal tomorrow. Even without touching the CPU though, it’s easy to tell that compared to Intel’s Core i7-980X, AMD’s 1090T at $300 is going to offer quite the bang for the buck.

AMD (NYSE: AMD) announced the immediate availability of the AMD Phenom™ II X6 processor and AMD 890FX chipset ushering in a new era of immersive 3D entertainment and visualization. Trailblazing consumers seeking immersive 3D entertainment and high definition multi-monitor display now can affordably upgrade to six-core performance and award-winning ATI Radeon™ HD 5000 series graphics. Today also marks the availability of the flagship AMD Phenom™ II X6 1090T Black Edition processor, AMD’s fastest and most tunable desktop processor ever.