AMD unveils Six-core Thuban Processors

AMD has released six-core Thuban family of processors for consumer desktops. Details of these six-core 'Thuban' microprocessors were leaked last month. Branded as AMD Phenom II X6, this family of processors includes 1035T, 1055T, 1055T (with higher TDP), 1075T and 1090T models, reported Xbit Labs. All these six-core processors have CPU clock ranging between 2.60GHz to 3.20GHz and 9MB cache. AMD has also introduced new quad-core Zosma processor with 8MB cache.

Last month, it was reported that AMD will release 45nm fabrication process made Phenom II X6 codenamed Thuban processors this year. These new Thuban processors are a part of AMD's Leo desktop platform which includes AMD 890FX+SB850 chipset based motherboards. The new Phenom II X6 CPU lineup has Turbo Core technology that will enable boosting clock speeds of six-core CPUs without exceed the Thermal Power Design rating of the microprocessor. This sounds quite similar to what Intel's Turbo Boost technology does with Intel Core microprocessors.

When three or less cores are being fully used, the Turbo Core feature puts underutilized cores to into low power consumption and low clockspeed state. Hence, by downlocking the power consumption and clockspeed, the processor is able to perform better at the same Thermal Power Design ratings.

Intel had announced its first six-core Gulftown processor Intel Core-i7-980X at the Game Developers Conference 2010 last month. New AMD Phenom II X6 processors will work with existing Socket AM3 and Socket AM2+ based motherboards with appropriate BIOS support.

As mentioned earlier, all Phenom II X6 processors will have 9MB cache. Phenom II X6 1035 CPU has a clockspeed of 2.60GHz which can be boosted to 3.10GHz at the same TDP rating of 95W. The 1055T CPU comes with two TDP variants - 95W and 125W but the clockspeeds (2.80GHz) as well as the Turbo-speed for both remain the same at 3.30GHz.

Similarly, the 1075T comes with a clockspeed of 3.00GHz, TDP of 125W and is deemed to arrive in the third quarter of 2010. Finally, the 1090T processor runs at 3.20GHz clockspeed that can be boosted to 3.60GHz at the same TDP of 125W. At this moment, Phenom II X6 1055T and Phenom II X6 1090T are priced at $199 (Rs. 9,600 approx.) and $295 (Rs. 14,200 approx.), respectively.