Finally, AMD has released its first quad-core desktop processor. This is the part of AMD’s new performance desktop platform, which is known as Spider. You would be amazed with the power and performance of this processor. The AMD Spider platform consists of the AMD Phenom processor, an ATI Radeon HD 3800 series graphics card and an AMD 7-Series chipset. AMD has put all functionality inside of this processor.

The AMD Spider platform combines the first true quad-core processors (AMD Phenom), ATI Radeon HD 3800 graphics chip with Microsoft DirectX 10.1 support, AMD 7-Series chipsets with AMD OverDrive and CrossFireX technology. AMD has claimed that the Spider platform is a major milestone on the path to Accelerated Computing.

Couple of days ago, AMD has launched AMD Phenom processors, the AMD Phenom 9600 (2.3 GHz) and 9500 (2.2GHz) that available at the price of US$283 and US$251 respectively in 1,000-unit pricing. Previously, AMD was going to launched the AMD Phenom 9700 (2.4GHz) and AMD Phenom 9900 (2.6GHz) quad core. However, AMD decided to hold it until Q1 2008.

The launch of the AMD Phenom 9600 and AMD Phenom 9500 will now coincide with the introduction of CrossFireX. We should wait for AMD’s higher performance processors that will follow the introduction of the AMD Phenom 9700 and 9900 models. AMD will announce its 3.0GHz model in Q2 2008. Moreover, AMD will offer an unlocked (Black Edition) 2.3GHz Phenom later in Q4 2007 at the same price as a locked version. Therefore, if you are a processor-freak then you should try AMD’s Black Edition processors for your over-clocking hobby.

AMD Phenom Processors Specifications:

• Model / Clock: AMD Phenom Processor Model 9600 / 2.3GHz
• Model / Clock: AMD Phenom Processor Model 9500 / 2.2GHz
• L1 Cache: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)
• L2 Cache: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
• L3 Cache: 2MB
• Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller, capable of being configured for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes
• Memory Controller Frequency: Up to 1.8GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management
• Types of Memory: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
• HyperTransport 3.0: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3600MHz full duplex
• Total Processor Bandwidth: Up to 31.5 GB/s bandwidth
• Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA) (backward compatible with Socket AM2)
• Fab location: AMD’s Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
• Manufacturing Process: 65nm (.065-micron) Silicon on Insulator (SOI)
• Approximate Transistor count: approx. 450 million (65nm)
• Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2 (65nm)
• Nominal Voltage: 1.1-1.25 Volts
• Max Ambient Case Temp: 70 degrees Celsius
• Max TDP: 95 Watts
• Future Memory Controller Note: Future 45nm processors versions are planned to include support for DDR3 memory