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Hardware 2.0

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

AMD unveils new 'budget' processors

By | January 27, 2010, 3:43am PST

AMD is launching an array of new CPUs targeted at those looking to spend as few of their hard-earned dollars as possible.

Here’s the new line-up:

  • AMD Athlon II X2 255  65W  3.1 GHz  $74
  • AMD Athlon II X3 440  95W  3.0 GHz  $84
  • AMD Athlon II X4 635  95W  2.9 GHz  $119
  • AMD Phenom II X2 555  80W  3.2 GHz  $99
  • AMD Phenom II X4 910e  65W  2.6 GHz  $169

Note: Prices are for trays of 1,000, retail prices will be somewhat higher.

All these processors are based on existing technology, so there’s no new hardware innovations here. However,what we do have is new frequencies, new model numbers, and new, attractive pricing.

Poll

Your favorite CPUs are made by:

Three highlights from the list:

  • The new AMD Phenom II X2 555 Black Edition processor is AMD’s fastest dual-core desktop processor to date, humming along at 3.2 GHz. This piece is an ideal choice for the budget-conscious consumer wanting a cheap Windows 7 system platform, priced at an affordable $99
  • The new AMD Athlon II X4 635 processor is designed to provide exceptional quad-core performance to handle the demands of multitasking and multi-threaded applications
  • The AMD Phenom II X4 910e is an energy-efficient part, making it ideal for applications such as home theater because a cooler CPU means less cooling is needed, making for a quieter system. It also means you can put all the parts into a smaller chassis

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Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology.

Disclosure

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

All opinions expressed on Hardware 2.0 are those of Adrian Kingsley-Hughes. Every effort is made to ensure that the information posted is accurate. If you have any comments, queries or corrections, please contact Adrian via the email link here. Any possible conflicts of interest will be posted below. [Updated: February 23, 2010] - Adrian Kingsley-Hughes has no business relationships, affiliations, investments, or other actual/potential conflicts of interest relating to the content posted so far on this blog.

Biography

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes

Adrian Kingsley-Hughes is an internationally published technology author who has devoted over a decade to helping users get the most from technology -- whether that be by learning to program, building a PC from a pile of parts, or helping them get the most from their new MP3 player or digital camera.

Adrian has authored/co-authored technical books on a variety of topics, ranging from programming to building and maintaining PCs. His most recent books include "Build the Ultimate Custom PC", "Beginning Programming" and "The PC Doctor's Fix It Yourself Guide". He has also written training manuals that have been used by a number of Fortune 500 companies.

Adrian also runs a popular blog under the name The PC Doctor, where he covers a range of computer-related topics -- from security to repairing and upgrading.

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If AMD Leads In The Survey Of Favorite?
dennyc5@... 28th Jan 2010
If AMD processors are so popular in the survey in this article and just about everyone that I know that's a computer geek mostly uses AMD then why do they lag behind Intel? They have a great product now!
After checking some benchmarks it seems the X4 635 competes well with the Intel i3 530 which is similarly priced (but which requires a much more expensive MoBo).
For tighter budgets the bit older X4 630 that runs just a bit slower should be a good option.
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I've preferred the AMD products over the Intel going back to the K-6. The only Intel product I've ever owned is a 17" Gateway gaming laptop that had a price too good to pass up.
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Phenom II's a nice improvement
stano360 27th Jan 2010
I've been happy with my Phenom II X2 550, it sounds like the 555 is not too different. Btw a certain big box store that focuses on computers and electronic gear and sounds like Fly's has them with a Mobo for $70!

Mine opened up to a quad core and easily oc'ed to 3.5mhz. If your on a budget AMD has a great power to price ratio. Sure I'd love an i7, but I just can't justify it.
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If AMD Leads In The Survey Of Favorite?
dennyc5@... 28th Jan 2010
If AMD processors are so popular in the survey in this article and just about everyone that I know that's a computer geek mostly uses AMD then why do they lag behind Intel? They have a great product now!

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