AMD has release a six core Phenom II processor for mainstream computing. It is the first to bring this level of computing to the masses at a low price point.The good news is that you can drop a Phenom II X6 into most AM2+/AM3 motherboards with some requiring only a flash BIOS upgrade. AMD is offering these processors in unlocked versions to allow for easy overclocking of the processors. Intel initially allowed overclocking for it's hardware enthusiasts, but then monetized the practice by locking the clock multiplier and offering "Extreme" editions instead. Intel considered this a "safer" route, since silicon is graded according to purity with only the purest silicon able to handle high clock speeds and temperatures. AMD looked to gain market share from Intel by offering enthusiasts an unlocked processor. The Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition offers up to 14% more performance.
AMD also introduces a feature similar to Intel's Turbo Boost feature. It allows programs that are optimized for 1 or 3 cores to throttle up the processor to maintain performance levels similar to programs using 4 or more cores.
Source:
HardwareCanucks
AMD Opeteron X6
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