AMD Delivers Complete and Balanced Solutions for Desktop PCs

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the availability of three new AMD Phenom™ X3 triple-core processors that, when combined with the AMD 780 series chipset, can give consumers a full HD experience and visually stunning gaming and digital performance. As the world’s only triple-core x86 processor, AMD Phenom X3 processors bring multi-core technology to a broader audience in search of desktop processors that easily handle today’s multi-threaded digital entertainment workloads.

The proliferation of digital media devices and entertainment changes the way consumers use PCs and creates stronger demand on the processing and graphics capabilities. Two of the biggest determinants of the user experience when purchasing a PC are graphics and processors, with consumers weighing trade-offs. AMD solution-based PCs can free consumers from this dilemma with balanced platforms that enable the Ultimate Visual Experience complete with scalability and great value.

“In today’s market customers are too often forced to weigh the benefits of one component over another while sifting through one-sided marketing claims,” said Leslie Sobon, AMD director of Product and Brand Management. “AMD is the only company in the world that is able to deliver a balanced platform solution without compromise, delivering a thrilling visual experience and powerful multi-threaded application performance.”

True multi-core technology based on AMD’s Direct Connect Architecture has enabled AMD to bring the industry’s first and only triple-core desktop processor to market. These unique processors possess benefits similar to those available with AMD Phenom X4 quad-core processors and are designed to increase performance for today’s multitasking usage models and multi-threaded digital media and game applications in comparison to dual-core processors at the same clock speed. The new AMD Phenom X3 triple-core processors respond to market demand for increased performance with multi-core capabilities, as well as real world scenarios like running state-of-the-art applications on Windows Vista®.

“AMD multi-core technology, including AMD Phenom X4 and AMD Phenom X3 processors, lead the growing trend toward power and performance improvements in desktop computing,” said Keith Smith, director for the Microsoft Developer Division at Microsoft Corp. “As an industry leader taking advantage of multi-core technology, we are planning to utilize the powerful processing technology of AMD Phenom X4 and AMD Phenom X3 processors to benefit customers using the Microsoft suite of products.”

AMD solution-based desktop platforms allow channel partners flexibility and choice, while providing platform differentiation to meet the varying demands of their end-users. AMD has unique mainstream value with AMD Phenom X3 processors and AMD 780G chipsets; platforms based on this solution can deliver the processing and visual performance users have historically received only in higher end systems. The addition of ATI Radeon™ graphics processors enables a range of compelling, premium desktop offerings, delivering the ultimate gaming and digital media entertainment experience. Specifically, ATI Hybrid Graphics Technology can accelerate performance by harnessing the power of both the ATI discrete graphics card and the motherboard’s AMD 780G integrated graphics for outstanding performance and value.

Industry Support
“By using the combination of AMD Phenom™ X3 triple-core processors and the latest AMD 780G motherboards, we now have the ability to create incredibly powerful high definition home entertainment systems for our customers. When customers witness the smooth playback of their Blu-Ray movies and their other high definition content on our machines, they are just blown away!”
Todd Swank – VP of Marketing, Nor-Tech

“The AMD 780G chipset and AMD Phenom™ X3 processors are fantastic additions to our award-winning luxury PCs. They provide an elegant platform for our Axess HD media center with full support for Blu-ray and digital cable at full HD 1080p resolution - without the need for a discrete video solution. In addition, Hybrid CrossFire gives an edge to our Dash Friends and Family PC with more powerful 3D performance for today’s demanding games. We couldn’t be more thrilled with the AMD Phenom X3 processor and AMD 780G chipset from AMD.”
Wallace Santos – CEO and Founder, Maingear

“Our Gamer Ultra Series are proud to feature the latest AMD Phenom™ X3 8000 Series triple-core processors paired with the robust AMD 780G chipset; this unique pairing enhances video quality and efficiency in desktop computing, enabling Cyberpower PC to bring customers superior gaming solutions at an incredible price.”
Eric Cheung – CEO, Cyberpower

Availability
AMD Phenom X3 processors are expected to be available from AMD’s leading channel providers.

* AMD Phenom™ X3 8750 triple-core processor - (2.4GHz) - $195
* AMD Phenom™ X3 8650 triple-core processor - (2.3GHz) - $165
* AMD Phenom™ X3 8450 triple-core processor - (2.1GHz) - $145