AMD announces triple-core CPUs

Author: Phil Cogar
Published: 18th September 2007

AMD is covering all of your bases with quad, triple, and dual-core offerings.

In what could be a brilliant marketing move or a gimmick to some, AMD has revealed a new line of CPUs on its roadmap - triple-core processors. Based off of the Phenom quad-core design, triple-core are set to fill the void between current dual-core and quad-core offerings.

Arriving sometime in the first quarter of 2008, these new processors should be cheaper than their four-cored compatriots while still offering more power than its dual-core siblings. While many applications have still yet to see full support of multi-core CPUs, users will still see an increased performance boost when multitasking.

“With our advanced multi-core architecture, AMD is in a unique position to enable a wider range of premium desktop solutions, providing a smarter choice for customers and end users,” said Greg White, vice president and general manager, Desktop Division, AMD. “This innovation is a direct result of our development of the industry’s first true, native quad-core design, coupled with AMD’s manufacturing flexibility, to create multi-core processors in two, three, and four computational core configurations on a single die of silicon. As a customer-centric company, AMD is committed to working with our OEMs to deliver compelling value propositions across their multi-core product families with capabilities that address their requirements and aspirations.”

While AMD was adamant that there have been no yield problems with its quad-core processors, this introduction may give some proof to there really being one. This part could just be a quad-core CPU that had problems with one of the cores but instead of completely binning the processors, it has disabled the faulty core and labelled it as a triple-core. Even if this is the case, it wouldn't be the first time that a manufacturer has done something like this and it won't be the last.

Will the triple-core offerings end up being like the middle child of a family: often ignored and forgotten about. Or will it really prove to fill the niche between not having the money to spend on a quad-core but still wanting more than a dual-core? Time will tell but come early next year, you can expect a review from us to see if it will suit your needs.

Discuss your thoughts on this new offering over in the forums or in the comment section below.