AMD readying low-power Phenom GE chip
updated 01:30 pm EDT, Tue July 3, 2007
AMD Phenom GE Roadmap
A low-power version of the next-generation Phenom processor is in the works that could give AMD an edge over Intel's current designs, based on details revealed in the latest chip roadmap from the company. Titled the Phenom X2 GE, the dual-core CPU will match some of AMD's latest low-power Athlons in terms of power consumption, using only 45W at peak compared to the 65W used by many of Intel's desktop Core 2 Duo chips. Every version should have the latest version of the HyperTransport bus clocked at 3.2GHz to ensure a steady flow of traffic between the CPU and all its individual components, as well as 512KB of level 2 cache per core and a 2MB level 3 cache to share information between the cores.
AMD will release three speed grades of the Phenom X2 GE on its launch, including the 1.9GHz GE-6400, 2.1GHz GE-6500, and 2.3GHz GE-6600. All clock speeds should drop directly into Socket AM2-based mainboards with support for the chip, and are currently pegged for an early 2008 release as a stand-alone processor and in pre-assembled, low-profile desktops. [via DailyTech]
