Sunnyvale, California-based Advanced Micro Devices is said to be planning the launch of a new high-end processor that will potentially become the company's flagship Phenom II X4 model. According to reports on the Internet, the new chip could be launched sometime in the first half of 2010 and provide users with a choice for an increased processor speed and a quad-core configuration. Dubbed Phenom II X4 975, the new CPU is expected to deliver a frequency increase to 3.6GHz, toping the chip maker's current high-end model, the Phenom II X4 965 Black Edition.

 

Although it can't compete with Intel in the high-end segment, AMD's Phenom II processors have the potential of providing users with an increased level of performance, in a more affordable package, compared to Intel's offering. The upcoming Phenom II X4 975, which, according to an article on Fudzilla, AMD is planning to roll out next year, will enable the world's second largest processor vendor to gain some ground in the performance and high-end segment, where Intel's Core i7 chips are currently dominating.

 

Unfortunately, there aren't many details available at this time but, as the aforementioned report goes, the new CPU model will boast an increased clock speed over the company's current model, the Phenom II X4 965. Said processor is expected to work at 3.6GHz, up from 3.4GHz, with the TPD likely to settle at 140W. There are still rumors, for the time being, but the release of such a CPU model could interest some high-end gamers and PC enthusiasts, who will be looking for a new platform to run some of the upcoming DirectX 11 titles.

 

When launched, the PII X4 975 is expected to be priced close to €200, which would make it a good alternative to the company's current PII X4 965.