AMD Triple-core CPUs to Launch in February 2008

[surfsk8snow.jah]

If I read the last article about the phenoms correctly, at the press conference/announcement from AMD, they said that the triple core CPUs are really their quad core chip with one bad core.
It said that the fact that AMD is doing true quad-core (instead of intel's 2x dual core setup in Q6600, etc), is that the risk ratio increases tremendously of having a die go bad. So, they test each CPU, and sell the ones with a single bad die as "Triple Core" CPUs... its really a pretty good efficiency strategy, but I myself now will not trust the Quad Core originals or the Triple Cores...

FOUND THE ARTICLE!

The downside to the single-die quad-core approach is a greater risk of manufacturing defects and thus lower yields. If even one of the cores suffers a manufacturing defect, the entire quad-core CPU becomes defective. AMD has found a solution, if this should ever happen, though. If one of the cores is indeed defective, it is deactivated, and the processor is sold as a three-core model. In an interview in Warsaw, AMD now officially confirmed that the tri-core models are indeed quad-cores with one deactivated core. In the end, this is a boon to the consumer. Where Intel would sell a processor with one defective core in the notebook sector, since the desktop line does not include a single-core Core 2 processor, AMD's customers will be able to purchase an inexpensive tri-core CPU. However, for now it is unclear when the Phenom X3 processors will go on sale.

I'm not down with "We'll sell the broke ones for cheaper..."

 

[FreedomEclipse]

None of this matters to us 939 folks

Id say not having to give a toss is the best possibly result you can ask for. I myself still run a 939 & It looks that way for possibly another 6 months before I eventually decide to go cheap quad core & grab a Intel Q6600 & overlcock the love gravy out of it.

I sit on the fence, I like nVIDIA & I like ATi.....I used to also be a big fan of AMD, that was when they were good for gaming (and Intel were utter shite!)

I stand in the same position. I also use to be a big AMD & ATi fan most of my CPU's & CPU's have been AMD or ATi. & its pretty sad AMD have dropped so far behind. they had some great products in their time. but all you can do now is look to the future & leave all the AMD/Intel rivalry behind & be more open minded as a consumer.

ATi's & AMDs standards have dropped big time. I remember when buying an ATi card was like owning a million pounds. now the feelings not so great anymore.....

 

[hat]

I'm not down with "We'll sell the broke ones for cheaper..."

I am. It's enviornmentally positive. Instead of manufacturing lots of lower-end chips (in this case tri core), let's just use the Quads with a broken core. Saves on manufacturing (less harmful waste products being produced), saves on materials it takes to make them, saves them money, and saves you money (at least when you buy one of these). I garuntee you if they didn't do it that way prices would be higher for at least those products.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

I am not biased towards amd or intel,i buy the cheapest bang for buck.I dont care if its amd or intel.

The triple core chips are just a way for amd to sell off the quads with a duff core,its nothing special.

 

[PVTCaboose1337]

Triple core is one of the most clever things ever.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

Why?,its just a way to use chips that would otherwise be unsaleable.Whats so special about a quad die with one core duff?

 

[kwchang007]

I'm not down with "We'll sell the broke ones for cheaper..."

I would if the price to performance is better than everything else.

 

[PVTCaboose1337]

It's fine to sell a broken chip... thats what they do with GFX cards, why is it not ok now?

 

[suraswami]

What do you think a Celeron or a Sempron is? Duron was nothing but broken cache cores. Works perfectly for more than 3 years now. Overclocked like mad too. I too think its a good idea.

Possible a Dual-core Sempron will also be released.

 

[Deleted member 24505]

I'm not saying the triple core is a bad idea,just nothing new(they bin duff cores lower all the time)/special.

 

[Woah Mama!]

I sit on the fence, I like nVIDIA & I like ATi.....I used to also be a big fan of AMD, that was when they were good for gaming (and Intel were utter shite!)

Same here. This 939 I'm using looks certain to be my last AMD based computer..... Unless they make a tremendously amazing, miraculous recovery that leaves Intel so speechless and dumbfounded that all of the Intel staff and employees collapse in an unbelieving daze and are unable to work. I do hope that ATi survives the ordeal though.

 

[surfsk8snow.jah]

Ok I guess I see your point. Like I said, it is more efficient business practice, and it does give the consumer a cheaper price, but at the same time, AMD cant afford right now to have anything more expensive, so in a way, this isn't something they did "for us," but to keep their own profits positive.
Either way, you guys are right, it's a pretty good deal.

 

[eidairaman1]

im sure later there will be native tricore and 5 core CPUs, but the core battle cant continue cause of problems.