Looking at the upcoming 960T, I was more interested in the 3.0 GHz to 3.4 GHz Turbo feature ( 2 cores) within a 95 Watt TDP. The core unlocking comes with uncertainties and is of marginal use for most users.
AMD would gain from releasing a new stepping of the Phenom II 4-core die enabling the Turbo feature. Since a 3.2 GHz Phenom II @ 95 W TDP is just around the corner, a 3.2/3.6 Turbo version within the same power enveloppe is not unthinkable with a new stepping.
It's a tough situation for AMD I hadn't really thought of. No smart buyer would be buying a current quad core CPU without Turbo Core when one that does have this feature is just around the corner (and will probably be about the same price).
Not surprising, I don't think that AMD wants to cannibalize sales of the 945/955/965 just yet. I suspect we'll see more Black Editions and unlockable cores in Thuban as the initial novelty (and volume sales) wears off.
Apologies on the spelling mistake. I'm usually fastidious about these things, but that got past an editor as well! Will scrutinize more in the future :)
I did see etexnix's report, but I've heard nothing from my source, and they don't quote theirs. I have a feeling that at some point AMD will release an X4 Thuban, but what we were told was essentially it won't be the 960T except to OEMs. As always, if we get new information, we'll update you at AT :)
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BernardP - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - link
Looking at the upcoming 960T, I was more interested in the 3.0 GHz to 3.4 GHz Turbo feature ( 2 cores) within a 95 Watt TDP. The core unlocking comes with uncertainties and is of marginal use for most users.AMD would gain from releasing a new stepping of the Phenom II 4-core die enabling the Turbo feature. Since a 3.2 GHz Phenom II @ 95 W TDP is just around the corner, a 3.2/3.6 Turbo version within the same power enveloppe is not unthinkable with a new stepping.
Taft12 - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - link
It's a tough situation for AMD I hadn't really thought of. No smart buyer would be buying a current quad core CPU without Turbo Core when one that does have this feature is just around the corner (and will probably be about the same price).HangFire - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - link
"that you should by the processor you want, "...I suggest you BUY the processor you want.
Not surprising, I don't think that AMD wants to cannibalize sales of the 945/955/965 just yet. I suspect we'll see more Black Editions and unlockable cores in Thuban as the initial novelty (and volume sales) wears off.
IanCutress - Wednesday, May 12, 2010 - link
Apologies on the spelling mistake. I'm usually fastidious about these things, but that got past an editor as well! Will scrutinize more in the future :)All the best,
Ian
I.M.O.G. - Friday, May 14, 2010 - link
Hi Ian! eteknix.com has posted a retraction today, is your source also readjusting his tune after these initial reports?IanCutress - Friday, May 14, 2010 - link
I did see etexnix's report, but I've heard nothing from my source, and they don't quote theirs. I have a feeling that at some point AMD will release an X4 Thuban, but what we were told was essentially it won't be the 960T except to OEMs. As always, if we get new information, we'll update you at AT :)All the best,
Ian
rickcain2320 - Friday, May 14, 2010 - link
The six core is so inexpensive its not worth the effort, and a 4 core Thuban would compete with the 4 core Deneb.cgramer - Monday, May 17, 2010 - link
Hi, Ian. Spotted this in the third paragraph (arrows added):"...so that processors that are manufactured with more --> processors <-- but have some turned off due to defects..."
I think you meant to write:
"...so that processors that are manufactured with more cores but have some turned off due to defects..."
Interesting post, though! Thanks!