AMD Launch X3 Triple-Core 8xxx Processors

It seems like just seven months ago that AMD was rumored to be releasing three-core processors. Oh wait, it was seven months ago! Of course, we knew for a while that it was much more than a rumor, and AMD proved that today with the unveiling of their X3 8xxx processors.

Our friends at PC Perspective have taken the latest CPU from AMD for a spin and their conclusions overall were mixed. Not surprisingly, the three-cores were put to use in numerous applications, but in others, the scalability was absolutely minimal. But, like a Quad-Core, only certain applications will take advantage of all the available cores, so the X3’s will offer similar experiences.

Other than that, it’s what you’d expect. It’s a Dual-Core… with an extra core thrown into the mix. But with a 2.4GHz chip for just under $200, the 8750 might just be a great choice and a threat to Intel’s E8400. While that processor is 3.0GHz, it has two cores, so if put to good use, the 8750 might just prove more beneficial. Of course, the E8400 can overclock to 3.8GHz and higher on air… which is hard to discredit. Without question, it’s going to be interesting to see how well these sell and what the initial reaction from consumers will be.

As it stands now from the performance outlook, the AMD Phenom X3 series of parts it pretty intriguing. In most of our tests the performance of the X3 8750 CPU was better than dual-core processors including AMD’s own Athlon X2 6000+ and the Intel X6800 2.93 GHz part. There were some mixed results though including in our multimedia tests where only one of the three video encoders put the X3 8750 ahead of the X6800 or E6750 from Intel.

Source: PC Perspective