X-bit labs

AMD Launches Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition.

Category: CPU

by Ilya Gavrichenkov

[ 08/20/2007 | 09:33 AM ]

As we have predicted, AMD today announced their new dual-core Athlon 64 X2 6400+ processor. Working at 3.2GHz frequency, this CPU becomes the fastest desktop solution from AMD these days.

However, Athlon 64 X2 6400+ is still based on the old K8 micro-architecture and uses Windsor core manufactured with 90nm process. The 3.2 GHz dual-core processor features an integrated 128-bit dual-channel memory controller, DDR2 memory up to and including PC2 6400 (DDR2-800) unbuffered memory, and a dedicated 2MB L2 cache. The AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor 6400+ Black Edition is now available in the channel in North America, Japan, Korea and parts of Europe, priced at $251 WOF (without a fan) for PIB (Processor in a Box).

The launch of Athlon 64 X2 6400+ processor is no revelation. AMD has been shipping 3.2GHz CPUs manufactured with 90nm process for a while now. They are the server Opteron 2224 SE and Opteron 8224 SE. Just like them, the new Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition feature higher heat dissipation than their slower counterparts: 125W.

Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition is a niche solution, it is unlikely to enjoy very wide demand in the market. The competitor’s products, for example, the dual-core Core 2 Duo E6850 costs less, offer higher performance and lower heat dissipation level. So, looks like the newcomer is most likely to become of interest only to dedicated AMD fans. That is why AMD decided not to arrange any big launch events and simply sent out a press release.

Besides launching the Athlon 64 X2 6400+, the company has also made a few changes to their price list. Mobile Turion 64 X2 processors in Socket S1 form-factor welcomed a new addition to their line-up – a Turion 64 X2 TL-58 (1.9GHz) processor featuring to cores and 2 x 512KB L2 cache, which is officially selling for $184. At the same time they also dropped the price on their Turion 64 X2 TL-56 (1.8GHz) from $184 to $154. They also included a dual-core mobile Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 in Socket S1 form-factor. It is made with 65nm process, supports 1.7GHz nominal clock speed and 1600MHz HyperTransport, features 2 x 256KB L2 cache. This CPU is already used in notebooks from leading manufacturers. Its TDP is 31W. Athlon 64 X2 TK-53 is selling for $144 (wholesale price).

Besides, they have also included into the price list a low-cost 65nm Sempron LE-1150 (2.0GHz, 256KB L2, 45W TDP) for Socket AM2 systems.