AMD slashes prices on triple-core Phenom X3 processors

AMD may have some new dual-core Phenom processors around the corner, but it looks like those wanting to build an AMD rig on the cheap don't have to wait until then, as the company has just slashed the price on its triple-core Phenom X3 processors, a move that follows some similar price cuts just a few weeks ago. As of now, you can get an X3 8450 for $104 (down from $125 in July), an X3 8650 for $119 (down from $145), an X3 8750 for $129 (down from $175), or even an X3 8750 Black Edition with overclocking support for just $134. As TG Daily points out, that pits the processors up against the low-end of Intel's Core 2 Duo offerings, which certainly makes 'em an attractive option for those looking to get the most bang for the buck.

[Andrew @ Sep 10th 2008 3:03PM]

If these didn't have a TDP of 95W, I'd upgrade my fileserver. Guess I'll have to wait out with my BE-2350 @ TDP of 45W for the time being.

Can't wait for 45nm Phenoms!

[Cash @ Sep 10th 2008 4:25PM]

Or the 45nm Nehalems. When in God's name is Intel going to release them? My POS P4 is overclocked as far as I dare, and while I don't have a problem with current tech, I know it's price is gonna drop the second the new chips come out.

Christ, now I know what Apple users must feel like. Waiting for the refresh cycle just plain blows.

[bob sakamano @ Sep 10th 2008 3:07PM]

does Nilay ever write about graphics cards? i feel like he doesn't like video games

[Faisal @ Sep 10th 2008 4:30PM]

Doesn't he? http://www.engadget.com/2008/09/10/ati-radeon-hd-4670-and-4650-released-tested/

Or was that meant as some kind of thinly veiled sarcasm?

[Flashpoint @ Sep 10th 2008 3:08PM]

I was gonna ask what time the world is suppossed to end today.

But if the LHC does create a Black Hole, and time in a Black Hole is infinite, then I guess I shouldn't be worried.

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Sep 10th 2008 3:18PM]

That happened last night or this morning here in the uk.

[Serial 8-Ball Mouse @ Sep 10th 2008 3:21PM]

Worry more about how the rack is going to feel (aka the spaghetti effect).

[JTM @ Sep 10th 2008 10:19PM]

I'm pretty sure the miniature black holes are scheduled for next week or the week after

[eggothewaffle @ Sep 10th 2008 3:09PM]

This would be great for a cheap 1080P-capable HTPC, wouldn't it?

Also, does anyone know why I have keep re-entering my e-mail and password even though I check the "Remember Me" option when posting a comment?

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Sep 10th 2008 3:28PM]

Thats because engadget won't change their commenting system where its needed. This new comment fading system is good and all but 360fanboy and jostiq have had it a long time. The system just doesn't work and adding cosmetic changes don't make it better and they just say " It's not up to us". Gizmodo is looking a better option just lately.

[Dubb @ Sep 10th 2008 3:43PM]

@Eggothewaffle

Are you using any kind of privacy mode? Perhaps Incognito mode in Chrome? I know that browser's with privacy modes don't store user cookies which is what is used to remember your login info. Also, the security on your browser could be a problem as well.

And yes, these should make great HD HTPC's, which is what I plan on using it for.

[absinthe party @ Sep 10th 2008 3:11PM]

Why no love for the AM2 socket, AMD?

Remember all the fun we _used_ to have together? Now we just watch the world pass us by.

[Dubb @ Sep 10th 2008 3:45PM]

What kind of love are you looking for exactly?

[404 @ Sep 10th 2008 3:58PM]

It involves inserting "pins" into "sockets". Need I say more?

[Viaono @ Sep 10th 2008 3:11PM]

2 is just not enough, 4 is just too much ($) so we got 3 ... interestingly good.

[blizz419 @ Sep 11th 2008 11:28AM]

thats why last time i looked you could get a quad core phenom black edition for $235 doesnt sound to expensive to me

[whitephatt @ Sep 10th 2008 3:20PM]

...I'm still waiting for someone to say "X3's are X4's that didn't pass QC"

Apparently, AMD marketing has been good enough to hide that fact. You won't catch me owning one of those.. It just feels too much to me like buying refurbished merchandise. :-)

Besides, me and my 6400+ X2 are holding out for 45nm AM3. :-D

-Matt

[MadMike @ Sep 10th 2008 3:28PM]

I'm with you dude. I used to be all about AMD when they were kicking Intel's ass. Now, even though Intel is still expensive as shit, I can afford it so I am all about Intel.

AMD made a mistake by buying ATi and alienating nVidia in the process. AMD should have partnered with nVidia. nVidia wants to make processors and AMD wants to make video cards - match made in heaven.

But no, they buy the graphics maker known for having the buggiest of graphics cards and even worse drivers. Dumb, Dumb move, AMD.

[absinthe party @ Sep 10th 2008 3:30PM]

Oh yeah... who do I have to blow for engadget to accept my profile picture? Am I just not submitting it hard enough?

[burriot_avatar @ Sep 10th 2008 3:39PM]

All of them. I got half-way through the squad and then I got tired. Hence the name that doesn't match the avatar....

[whitephatt @ Sep 10th 2008 4:07PM]

I believe you have to cup the balls.

[whitephatt @ Sep 10th 2008 4:21PM]

THE X3 IS A BUSTED X4!!! It's true!

READ! http://www.engadget.com/2008/04/23/amd-triple-core-phenom-x3-review-roundup/
There is a link at the bottom from "MaximumPC"
MaximumPC QUOTE: "Basically, it’s a quad core with one core turned off."

Friggin people shooting down my comment (probably engadget themselves because none of the others are ranked up or down).

EPIC TRUTH IS EPIC! :-P

[Thi mam(kris120890) @ Sep 10th 2008 4:57PM]

How long did it take you to work that out since amd said themselves it was a quad core with a core turned off

[AutumnBringer @ Sep 10th 2008 4:59PM]

Hasn't it been presented that way pretty much from the start? I don't even read that much news about CPUs, but I knew that since they were announced.
Wherever it is that I read about it (maybe Tom's Hardware, quite possibly here) they discussed it being a positive for AMD, since they get to make at least a little money off their quad cores that didn't pass QA and customers who don't necessarily need quad core can get 3 cores for a decent price.
I guess that may seem a little odd, but as long as the 3 cores that are there are working fine, I don't understand what your huge issue is with it.

[Wolfticket @ Sep 10th 2008 4:59PM]

"Basically, it's a quad core with one core turned off."

"The general consensus seems to be that the tri-core processors offer no real surprises: it performs better than a dual-core AMD CPU, yet worse than a quad-core AMD CPU."

"As TG Daily points out, that pits the processors up against the low-end of Intel's Core 2 Duo offerings, which certainly makes 'em an attractive option for those looking to get the most bang for the buck."

Quoting is fun.

[Kukawaki @ Sep 10th 2008 6:08PM]

You are going to get voted down each time you post this comment.
It is common knowledge that CPU's that fare worse in quality testing or have parts that don't function are rebranded as lower end parts - Celerons were Pentiums with parts of the cache disabled as were Durons and Semprons to Athlons.
Don't go spewing mindless hate. The X3 is a good cpu.

[Brendon @ Sep 11th 2008 12:31PM]

I guess all PS3s are busted too.

[eiki @ Sep 10th 2008 6:40PM]

it's getting foggy in here!