AMD 8-core 3.6GHz Bulldozer CPU only $266

Sep. 12, 2011 (8:30 am) By: Matthew Humphries

Last week AMD revealed that the 16-core server version of its new 32nm Interlagos Opteron Bulldozer CPUs had started shipping. The so-called Opteron 2600 chips had been delayed, but will still make it into servers before the end of 2011.

So what of the desktop variant of Bulldozer? They were expected to arrive this month, but with the 6200 getting delayed it was widely expected AMD would announce a delay for the FX desktop processors too.

Those FX chips are now expected in the fourth quarter, so next month at the earliest. If that’s disappointing to hear, you’ll be glad to know the price of the FX chips looks likely to be a lot lower than anyone expected.

The FX Bulldozer chips are expected to launch in 4-, 6-, and 8-core variants, with the FX-8120 and FX-8150 being the top performance offerings. The 8120 operates at 3.1GHz with 16MB of cache and 125W TDP. The 8150 pushes the operating speed up to 3.6GHz and maintains the 16MB cache and 125W TDP.

We’d expect both those chips to be $300+, but that’s definitely not the case. Pre-order pricing has revealed AMD wants $221 for the 8120 and $266 for the 8150. CPU World believes by the time those chips get to retail they’ll be no more than $200 and $245 respectively. And don’t forget, these are the high-end 8-core chips, so expect the 6-core and 4-core variants to carry much lower prices. For example, the 6-core FX-6100 is available on pre-order for $188.

If we compare that pricing with the current prices of Core i7 chips, in the same price range, you’ll get a quad core 3.06GHz chip running at 130W TDP. The closest Intel gets in terms of operating speed and cores is the Core i7-990X Extreme Edition at 3.46GHz and six cores. But then you’ll be paying around $1,000 for that chip.

We won’t know how Bulldozer performs next to the latest generation Sandy Bridge Core chips until after release and some real world tests are performed. However, an 8-core 3.6GHz processor for under $250 sounds like fantastic value to me, even if it does fall short of the Core-i7s in performance.

More at CPU World

Tags: $266, 3.6GHz, 8-core, 8120, 8150, amd, bulldozer, chip, cpu, fx, processor

Rudi Christanto

ah, i heard its performance even beats the i7 2600k?
Lincoln

Judging by the leaked SiSoft Benchmarks, the 3.6Ghz model should edge out the 2600k. Very impressive for AMD, though there lead might be short lived (Sandy Bridge E is just around the corner), it should help to make intel lower it’s frankly ridiculous prices.
Gsxrme

I dont buy a CPU for cores nor value. I dont use slow PCs. I get CPU that has performance. I use an Intel.

2600k 5.1ghz DDR3 @ 2200Mhz cas7
Gsxrme

No it beats the 2500k factory vs factory only if its using onboard video and anyone using onboard video with those procs needs to shot and killed
Gsxrme

$320 for a highend CPU “2600k” that can hit 5Ghz on a H70 isn’t ridiculous.
ShrekJr

Those SiSoft benches shows otherwise, losing badly to Sandy Bridge.
http://www.facebook.com/people/Eric-Braun/688823938 Eric Braun

Do they have them in x86?
Porkchops4all

Bulldozer doesnt have an integrated GPU. Thats what Trinity will bring.
QuasarZ71

Those SiSoft benchmarks turned out to be fake. I’ll wait for real benchmarks before passing judgement.
Airwicc

I can’t wait for this. definitely going to put this in my next build. @ Gsxrme dude you’re all opinion nothing more. Some people are intel some are amd users.
http://www.facebook.com/daryl.wins Daryl Dela Cruz

I’m
pretty sure the reason they price low is to try and actually lure some
of the LGA1155 market. It would be done at no loss because the chips are
still smaller and cheaper to manufacture for AMD compared to Phenom II
x6/Thuban (smaller die size and pay-per-die). If the processors were
about equal or slightly better but not a big and worthy difference,
chances are satisfied people already on LGA1155 won’t bother to make the
switch. The lower prices may lure people to convert again for low cost,
resulting in more customers for AMD, while still netting AMD a good
profit per chip. Good marketing strategy IMO.

Regardless of AMD pricing, Intel would’ve probably lowered LGA1155 processor price anyway. This is good anticipation as well.The value is ridiculous, and awesome
michael jones

so if a cpu thats %5 slower but 1/4 of the price of the same intel chip you would not buy it……

the only thing slow around here is your brain
Anton Markov

AMD get new world record for overclock http://bit.ly/rv2z6X
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QOTCSTXUKNPYJUZXW67MFQBVG4 John Smith

Fanboi…I’m sure he shows up at Sci-Fi conventions dressed up in an intel bunny suit.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QOTCSTXUKNPYJUZXW67MFQBVG4 John Smith

Fanboi…I’m sure he shows up at Sci-Fi conventions dressed up in an intel bunny suit.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QOTCSTXUKNPYJUZXW67MFQBVG4 John Smith

Fanboi…I’m sure he shows up at Sci-Fi conventions dressed up in an intel bunny suit.
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QOTCSTXUKNPYJUZXW67MFQBVG4 John Smith

I’m always suspect of any benchmarks because even the software used to write/compile benchmarks has libraries optimized for intel, not AMD processors. Talk about stacking the deck from the start!
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QOTCSTXUKNPYJUZXW67MFQBVG4 John Smith

I’m always suspect of any benchmarks because even the software used to write/compile benchmarks has libraries optimized for intel, not AMD processors. Talk about stacking the deck from the start!
http://pulse.yahoo.com/_QOTCSTXUKNPYJUZXW67MFQBVG4 John Smith

I’m always suspect of any benchmarks because even the software used to write/compile benchmarks has libraries optimized for intel, not AMD processors. Talk about stacking the deck from the start!
Warmonger1337

I cant wait for these, they completely mop the floor with the 2600k in gaming benchmarks. Tho 4 fast cores are still faster at crunching numbers then 8 slow cores. The i7 can crunch harder then the bulldozer still. But it loses badly in gaming performance.
Anton Markov

Zambezi FX-8XXX, also have 4 cores containing two physical parts each of them We wait real test now! I have inner info for start of mass production of Zambezi from today. The purpose of that have not yet officially announced the new processor is to satisfy pre-orders and to accumulate stocks. Samples also was send to hardware labs for start to analised and this week will get first preview of new processors.

Chips Archives

Search:

Recent Chips Activity

Cobo55

I have a Inspiron 530s Desktop. I currently have a 2.20 GHz processor looking forward to getting a better processor t...
Posted In: Chips Read More »
dwadey90

So I bought this laptop for general purpose ...
Posted In: Chips Read More »
matee

i format my computer and i lost my video controller.I need to install it ...
Posted In: Chips Read More »