Advanced Micro Devices on Monday unveiled its first dual-core processors targeting gamers and performance enthusiasts. The new chips competes against the recently releases Intel Pentium Extreme Edition model 955 central processing unit and they both set the bar for the highest-performing computing platforms.

AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 operates at 2.60GHz, contains 2MB (1MB per core) cache, sports built-in dual-channel PC3200 memory controller and is drop-in compatible with the 939-pin infrastructure. The part features x86-64 capability along with essential SSE2 and SSE3 instruction sets, however, it does not sport virtualization technology, unlike the rival from Intel, but does support Cool’n’Quiet power-saving feature, somethat the competitor lacks.

“As more and more games and applications support multi-core environments, PC enthusiasts can experience the true advantages delivered by the AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 dual-core processor,” said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president, desktop division, microprocessor solutions sector, AMD.

The new processor is made using proven 90nm silicon-on-insulator process technology and its thermal design power remains in 110W envelope. According to X-bit labs’ measurements, the maximum real-world power consumption of the chip is 110W, slightly more compared to AMD Athlon 64 X2 4800+, but much less compared to Intel’s Pentium Extreme Edition 955.

“By launching their new dual-core Athlon 64 FX-60 processor, AMD responded worthily to Intel’s Pentium Extreme Edition 955. There were quite a few cases when the new Intel CPU could probably shaken AMD’s leadership, however, the just launched AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 doesn’t leave the competitor even a single chance in almost all of them. Among the indisputable advantages of the newcomer from AMD targeted for the high-end pricing segment of the market I should list lower power consumption and heat dissipation than that of the competitor’s solutions,” said Ilya Gavrichenkov, an analyst at X-bit labs in his article “AMD Athlon 64 FX-60 CPU Review”.