AMD hits back at Intel with triple-core chip

AMD has unveiled two new Phenom X3 8000 chips, the world's only triple-core processors.

AMD's two triple-core Phenom processors, the X3 8400 (2.1GHz) and 8600 (2.4GHz) are aimed squarely at the gaming and digital media markets and support DirectX 10. The chips are based on a 65nm architecture, and contain 450 million transistors.

According to analyst firm Gartner, AMD's shipped 550,000 units in 2007, compared to Intel's 1.76 million. AMD's hold on mobile processors is even smaller — less than a tenth of Intel's — shipping 160,000 units next to Intel's 1.77 million last year.

AMD's Phenom quad-core chips have now been released to consumer and business desktops.

In addition to its triple-core chips, AMD also released five new quad-core chips as an update to its Phenom line. These include four high performance chips and an energy-efficient desktop processor, the Phenom X4 9100e, which operates at a maximum of 65 watts.

HP is currently offering AMD's X3 and X4 quad-core chips in its business PCs, and Dell is expected to follow suit. With the update to the AMD Phenom range, HP will now offer AMD's latest quad-core chips in its consumer desktops.