AMD looks to be preparing a new top model for the Phenom II family before the launch of the new Bulldozer architecture and AMD FX processor family. Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition use four cores clocked at 3.7 GHz. AMD sets a new clock frequency record for its retail processors.
AMD's focus on the mainstream echoes to a certain extent its GPU strategy: focus on the bulk of the customers first, then address the smaller high end of the market. Despite an overly controlling stance on overclocking and issues with B2 stepping 6-series chipsets, Intel's Sandy Bridge (Core ix-2xxx) dominates the high end. AMD will make a go for that market later this year with its Bulldozer architecture. It's still too early for an accurate preview of Bulldozer performance, although the time for such a thing is quickly approaching.
Until Bulldozer's unveiling, the Phenom II remains as AMD's high end platform. Today, that very platform gets a little boost.
AMD has released the latest member of the quad core socket AM3 family with the Phenom II X4 980 Black Edition.
lol. Phenom II is running dry with each new proc just a minor speed bump, one that could be achieved on a previous chip with just a small OC. Really no point in getting any chip after the 965 BE as the rest are the same, just clocked 100MHz higher.
the phenom series is on its last leg like the lga 776 socket. its time to move on.
Agreed and it sucks to say this as I love amd. As it stands right now when I'm probably in the market for a new build I'm gonna go with the 2500k intel. Unless they can come up with that their new line asap. An it competes directly or better. I mean 4Ghz plus on the stock cooler for the 2500k I can't argue with that. An out performing anything it comes across in gaming or on par with the best.
