The CPUs have 8 cores each and are called FX-9590 and FX-9370

Jun 11, 2013 12:28 GMT  ·  By

About a week ago, we reported on a rumor that Advanced Micro Devices was about to release a central processing unit with a clock frequency of 5 GHz. Now we are here to tell you all that the rumor was true.

In fact, the rumor was just half of it. FX-9000 stands for a line of CPUs, not just one processor. There is a 5 GHz chip, as well as a slightly slower one, for now.

Specifically, the FX-9590 runs at 5 GHz (that's the maximum Turbo Core 3.0 setting) while the FX-9370 has a top speed of 4.7 GHz.

“AMD continues to push the envelope when it comes to desktop capabilities and power performance,” said Wallace Santos, CEO and founder of MAINGEAR.

“In unveiling the world’s first 5 GHz 8-core CPU, AMD continues to lead the way in innovation while providing our customers with a best-in-class experience. We are thrilled to be part of this exciting launch.”

Both newcomers are 8-core central processing units with four Piledriver modules each. They should soon be added to the official FX product page here.

System integrators will begin offering them this summer, but prices continue to elude us.

“At E3 this week, AMD demonstrated why it is at the core of gaming,” said Bernd Lienhard, corporate vice president and general manager, client products division at AMD.

“The new FX 5 GHz processor is an emphatic performance statement to the most demanding gamers seeking ultra-high resolution experiences including AMD Eyefinity technology. This is another proud innovation for AMD in delivering the world’s first commercially available 5 GHz processor.”

AMD's new processors are, of course, open to overclocking. Owners should be careful though. While Advanced Micro Devices is more than willing to allow its buyers to play with frequencies to their hearts’ content, its warranty won't cover damage inflicted as a result of too ambitious overclocking.