AMD's first eight-core desktop processors detailed

05.10.2011
Details about Advanced Micro Devices' first eight-core desktop processors, based on its Bulldozer architecture, have appeared on some retail sites ahead of their official launch.

The FX-8150 and FX-8120 processors are part of the re-launched FX family of chips, which are pitched as high-performance parts aimed at gaming machines and other high-end systems. The FX chips are based on AMD's new Bulldozer architecture, which provides a speed boost of 50 percent or more compared to its predecessor, according to AMD.

Last month, AMD said an eight-core Bulldozer microprocessor by running at 8.429GHz. The system was cooled by tanks of liquid helium.

AMD plans to launch the FX chips this quarter but can't yet give a specific date, said AMD spokesman Phil Hughes, who declined to comment further about the chips.

The FX-8150, with eight cores, runs at 3.6GHz and is priced at US$287 and $283 on the retail sites of and . Pre-orders are not yet being accepted by either retailer.

The FX-8120, also with eight ores, runs at 3.1GHZ and is priced at about $237 on and sites.