AMD Quietly Introduces X2 3600+

In order to counter Conroe’s growing market share, AMD decided to launch a stripped down version of their dual core CPU. Based upon the Windsor core, the new CPU runs at 2GHz and uses 2x256KB level 2 cache, derived from its single core Sempron counterpart. The new AM2 socket, coupled with DDR2 memory, produces a good contender in the dual core value segment and quite a performer, especially when overclocked. The launch was said to take place in the third quarter of 2006. However, the CPU was quietly introduced into the market during late October in order to compete against the Pentium D 915/925/945 and Core 2 Duo-series E4200.

With the launch of X2 3600+, AMD plans to stay ahead of competition, at least until K8L architecture comes in sight, provided they launch their new 65nm CPUs at the same time. The AMD processor will be priced at $130-140, according to internal sources.

INTEL’s new value CPU, Conroe 4200 (1.6GHz, 2 MB unified level 2 cache, 800 FSB) is supposed to come out before the fourth quarter of 2006 and will be the only CORE 2 DUO using 800MHz FSB. At the same time, the existence of older CPUs based upon NetBurst architecture complicates AMD’s plans even more. Because INTEL has a very aggressive low price policy, CPUs like Pentium D 915/925/945 are still a good choice for a single-user PC.