First Phenom II X4 955 Already Bought, Poses for the Camera

As some of you probably already know, Sunnyvale, California-based AMD is expected to update its Phenom II X4 lineup with the introduction of the Socket AM3-ready Phenom II X4 955 processor. The technical specifications of this new model have been previously leaked on the Internet on several occasions, but it now appears that some lucky users in Hong Kong have already managed to get their hands on an early sample of the upcoming CPU.

According to a recent article on TechPowerup, someone was able to purchase an early sample of AMD's latest Deneb-based product, which he has photographed in its retail “processor in a box” package. The CPU was apparently bought from Golden Computer Parts Center for a price tag of around HKD 2170, or about US$280. Unfortunately, no testing of the product has been done, but the information provides us with some details as to what to expect from AMD's upcoming flagship Phenom II processor, in terms of pricing and market placement.

The Phenom II X4 955 is expected to come as a 3.2GHz processor, featuring an L2 cache of 512KB and an L3 cache of 6MB, according to previous rumors. Based on AMD's latest Deneb core and the 45nm process technology, the Phenom II X4 955 Black Edition will be compatible with both AM3 socket motherboards and the existing AM2+ platforms. However, installed on an AM3 motherboard, which also offers support for DDR3 memory, the new CPU could turn out as a real alternative to some of the current Intel Core 2 Quad processors.

AMD's Phenom II X4 and the new AM3 motherboards should be a favorite choice among computer and overclocking enthusiasts, especially since they are expected to provide an impressive performance/price ratio. With motherboard makers trying to keep the prices of their AM3 boards under the $250 mark and expecting the price tag of the Phenom II X4 955 to be roughly in the same segment, computer users will be able to take advantage of the latest technology in a system that is priced at about $1200 or less.