eWEEK content and product recommendations are editorially independent. We may make money when you click on links to our partners. Learn More.
Advanced Micro Devices is rolling out its first triple-core Athlon processors for PCs.
The four Athlon II X3 triple-core chips were among eight new processors that AMD unveiled Oct. 20 in an effort to bulk up its offerings for PCs and smaller form factor devices, including all-in-one desktops.
The new Athlon II X3 chips mean AMD can offer systems makers such as Dell, Acer and Hewlett-Packard products at a price point between its dual- and quad-core processors.
The chips come with power envelopes that range between 45 watts and 95 watts, and speeds of between 2.2GHz and 2.9GHz.
Price per 1,000 units shipped ranges from $76 to $102.
The chips also are a way for AMD to differentiate its offerings from those of rival Intel, which offers dual- and quad-core PC processors, but no triple-core chips.
AMD officials said they see the ability to offer a wide range of chips for multiple sizes of PCs as an important step, given the release Oct. 22 by Microsoft of its new Windows 7 operating system, which has features designed for smaller form factors.
In addition to the triple-core processors, AMD also rolled out two new quad-core Athlon II processors and two more dual-core chips, all designed to offer high performance and low power consumption.