AMD readying six-core Thuban CPU for consumer desktops
updated 11:15 pm EDT, Mon September 21, 2009
New chip will be compatible with AM3, AM2+ sockets
AMD has confirmed that it is readying a six-core processor, codenamed Thuban, that is geared for consumer desktops. The component is based on the company's six-core Opteron series that was recently announced for server configurations.
“We are all about platform longevity and long-lived upgrade paths," a company representative told MaximumPC. AMD has argued that its products provide greater flexibility for customers, as many new Intel chips require a unique socket design. The Thuban CPU, however, will be backwards compatible with current AM3 and AM2+ motherboards.
The Thuban chip is expected to be officially branded the Phenom II X6 when it hits the market, although the name choice is not yet finalized. AMD will build the six cores onto a 45nm die, while integrating 3MB of L2 cache and 6MB of L3 cache. Clock speeds have yet to be announced.
Pricing for the Thuban components remains unknown, although the chips are expected to be released sometime next year.
