14 DAY TRIAL // Sunnyvale, California-based Advanced Micro Devices is expected to update its line of 45nm-based Phenom II processors with the introduction of a new, high-end model. Dubbed Phenom II X4 955, the new AM3-ready processor will be capable of providing users with a core speed of 3.2GHz, consequently becoming AMD's fastest 45nm Phenom II processor. Given the overclocking capabilities of AMD's latest microarchitecture, computer enthusiasts should expect the Phenom II X4 955 to provide them with an enhanced overall computing performance.
We still have to wait until the chip maker officially launches the new processor, to know how it can compete with Intel's high-end Core i7 lineup. There's little hope that the 3.2GHz Phenom II X4 955 will manage to compete with the latter's high-end rivals, but it will certainly provide users with a lot of performance inside a more affordable package.
According to a recent news-article on fudzilla, the upcoming Phenom II CPU should be priced at around $320, considerably lower than Intel's extreme-performance Core i7 processors. Pricing will play a critical role in the success of AMD's upcoming Phenom II X4 model, especially since the company is still one step behind its main competitor, Intel.
As far as technical specifications go, the new PII X4 955 will be factory clocked at 3.2GHz and will boast a cache size of 8MB, while the TDP level will be rated at 125W. It will be part of AMD's Black series of processors, meaning it will be marketed for the high-end and enthusiast market segment.
No word on a specific release date but, according to previous rumors, the Phenom II X4 955 should become available sometime later this month. Meanwhile, you can already place your pre-orders for the product, as it has been listed on the websites of several online retailers.