AMD unleashes speed demon processor

AMD has launched its fastest ever processor, which has smashed records by being overclocked to 6.5GHz.

The AMD Phenom II X4 955 chip has been designed with the gaming, workstation and high-end graphics markets in mind. AMD is claiming that this is its fastest ever quad-core processor and is releasing it unlocked so that overclocking is possible.

“It’s our highest end product today,” said Adam Kozak, who handles platform marketing for AMD.

“Users get the benefits of multicore technology, faster frequency and increased graphics performance that makes it very strong in gaming, content creation and workstation systems.”

He said that normally the processor could not reach 6.5GHz due to heat dissipation problems, so for the speed test a liquid nitrogen cooling system was used.

The new processor does however give significant performance increases over previous AMD chips in the same line - the 940 and 920 - as well as against competing Intel products. For example, benchmarks show greater performance for the X4 955, which is priced at $245, than Intel’s new Core 920 i7, priced at $289, in photo filtering, slideshow rendering and gaming.

AMD is also stressing the upgrade path for the new chip, which it thinks will be popular with those hit by falling spending power.

“The competition has made a hard stop on with its new products where you pretty much have to upgrade everything to use the processor,” Kozak continued.

“With this line you can upgrade to DDR3 when you like, so you don’t lose out on the cost of DDR2 memory.”

Power management features have also been upgraded so that the processor saves 40 per cent of consumption during intensive use, compared with the Phenom X4 955, with 50 per cent savings for low power use and idling.