Like the superheroes of old, the AMD Phenom streaks out of the night to lay waste to your enemies with 3 2.3GHz cores. The triple-core Phenom processor has L1 and L2 caches for each core and 2MB of L3 cache is available to handle really heavy loads or large data sets.
Memory transfers get faster than ever. HyperTransport Generation 3.0 mode allows up to 16.0GB/s of bandwidth. Add that to the 17.1GB/s from the integrated memory controller for an amazing 33.1GB/s of memory bandwidth. This unprecedented bandwidth is needed to feed the data hungry AMD64 with Direct Connect Architecture cores.
You'd think that all of this power would be too hot to handle. Think again. AMD's Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 technology works with CoolCore Technology to minimize heat while keeping power and efficiency up. Now the cores can shut down unused parts of the processor when not in use. This saves power and helps to reduce the amount of heat generated. This function is built in so there's no need for drivers or BIOS updates.
AMD64 Triple-core TechnologyAMD64 is designed to enable simultaneous 32- and 64-bit computing with no degradation in performance. With Triple-Core technology, three complete processor cores on a single die run at the same frequency to deliver exceptional multi-tasking power, allowing users to surge through the most demanding processing loads, including advanced multitasking, critical business productivity, complicated visual design and modeling, serious gaming, and visually stunning digital media and entertainment.
Integrated DDR2 DRAM Memory ControllerThe AMD Phenom 8650 Triple-Core processor is integrated with a DDR2 DRAM memory controller capable of supporting unbuffered DRAM. The integrated memory controller changes the way the processor accesses main memory, resulting in increased bandwidth, reduced memory latencies, and enhanced processor performance.
HyperTransport TechnologyHyperTransport Technology (HT or HTT) is a high-speed, low latency, point-to-point link designed to increase communication speeds between integrated circuits in computers, servers, embedded systems, and networking and telecommunications equipment. With HT 3.0 technology the AMD Phenom 8650 Triple-Core processor enjoys 3600MHz system bus speeds.
AMD Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 TechnologyAMD's Cool'n'Quiet 2.0 technology is an enhanced solution available on AMD Phenom X3 processor-based systems that can effectively lower power consumption and enable a quieter-running system while delivering performance-on-demand.
AMD VirtualizationVirtualization on desktop computers allows a single PC to act like multiple virtual machines. AMD Virtualization can enable client computers to seamlessly support multiple operating environments. And it also helps make it easier for PC enthusiasts to upgrade and maintain their PCs through emulation.
AMD CoolCore TechnologyAMD CoolCore Technology reduces processor energy consumption by turning off unused parts of the processor. Power can be switched on or off within a single clock cycle so that energy is saved without compromising performance.
Pros: Actually runs very well, I can`t tell a difference between this and my 9550 quad. Vista x64 gives this a 5.4 rating, as opposed to a 5.8 for the 9550. The AM2 Brisbane I once had installed in my system got a 5.0. It turns out that the BSOD`s I had been getting WERE NOT related to the CPU. Whether or not anyone really needs a 3-core CPU is debatable, but you can`t deny the uniqueness of it. I had looked forward to buying one these when they were first announced, I now have one, and I LOVE IT.
Cons: Knowing what I know now, NONE. I wrote the "JUNK!!!" review, which has since gone up in flames...as well it should. OK, once I cooled down and collected my wits, I found out that the BSOD`s and error codes were different from the ones I got with that 9500 I owned; it was the "IRQ not less or equal" code, which is far different than the infamous "Clock interrupt" code which plagues many (including the one I had) B2-stepped Phenoms. What a relief! The IRQ errors are quite fixable. I simply did a repair install, installed all updates & SP1, and the machine ran for more than 8 hours straight with NO PROBLEMS WHATSOEVER last night. I`ve run the box about two hours so far today, and it`s run flawlessly.
Overall Review: Yes, I ripped AMD in my last review, but it`s like arguing with your mom...you may say things you regret, but once it`s all said & done, you still love her, right? Same deal here. I know I should`ve waited before writing the other review, but I was livid and not thinking straight. The bad experience I had with that @#$%^&* 9500 still has me on edge. As I said in the title, I was wrong about this CPU, it`s great. In this case I`m GLAD I was wrong. Oh, and thank you to the one dude who voted "helpful" in my other review. =} One last thing: As always, the N-tel sheep are out in full force around the web on this CPU...they`re spreading FUD about the "faulty" disabled fourth core. I strongly urge you to do research on this, it doesn`t mean jack . Personally, I`ve never cared WHAT`S under the heatspreader...1 or 100 disabled cores, a bag of chips, Jimmy Hoffa, or whatever. Do the research and discern for yourself.