What's a flagging microprocessor company to do after an absolutely tumultuous 2007 (and start to 2008)? Why, dish out its own desktop family, of course! At least that's what AMD is reckoning judging by the abrupt introduction of the Business Class desktop. Obviously the firm's very first computer brand, the series is aimed at small and medium-sized businesses, but it's noted that even the "biggest corporate clients" can find something to love. The company is planning to move the units via Acer, HP, Dell, Fujitsu-Siemens and Lenovo, and they'll be available with Athlon X2 dual-core, Phenom X3 triple-core and Phenom X4 quad-core CPUs. Oh, and if you're own outfit is totally over these "desktops," AMD is looking to unveil Business Class laptops during the second half of 2008.

For the indecisive among us who need a bit more than two but just can't wrap their wallets around four, AMD's out to show you exactly what three cores of computing magic can do. Make no mistake, we've been waiting quite some time for these buggers to ship, but they've finally made it into the capable hands of reviewers web-wide. 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. Needless to say, it tends to lag even further behind an Intel quad-core. Still, the Phenom X3 wouldn't be a terrible option if quad-core Intel chips were still as pricey as ever, but with it slashing prices a few weeks back, the X3 seems to lack the value AMD was hoping we'd see. Still, don't take our word for it -- there's lots and lots of words on the matter right down there.

Read - HotHardware (...the X3 8750 should also appeal to modders on a budget.)
Read - MaximumPC (Basically, it's a quad core with one core turned off.)
Read - TweakTown (...a perfect choice to replace Athlon 64 X2s...)
Read - PCPerspective (...isn't a slam dunk in performance or value...)
Read - Bit-Tech (...Phenom X3 8750 is a good processor in isolation...)
Read - Computer Shopper (...a worthy choice for Athlon X2 owners on a tight budget...)

While there have certainly been questions surrounding AMD's ability to deliver its Phenom 9700 / 9900 chips on time, it looks as if the chip maker is right on target with the launch of its triple-core lineup. Just as we expected it to, AMD has indeed began shipping its Phenom 8400 (2.1GHz) and 8600 (2.3GHz) to Dell -- for use in its OptiPlex 740 -- and HP (respectively), which has it mounted in the AL195AW desktop. Reportedly, the CPUs are only shipping in volume to PC manufacturers at the moment, and unfortunately, it failed to spill the beans on when they'd be available on a wider scale. Nevertheless, those parked across the pond can get their fix of tri-core sweetness by picking up one of two Mesh Computer rigs that are being made available as we speak.

[Via PC World]
Read - Dell OptiPlex 740 [PDF]
Read - HP AL195AW
Read - Mesh Computer Matrix xXx Plus
Read - Mesh Computer Matrix xXx Pro

TG Daily's reporting that Dell's on the verge of releasing a new OptiPlex called the 740 Enhanced with options for triple and quad-core Phenom processors. It won't be any big deal for the majority AMD-spurned end users, but if you're an AMD-loving systems buyer your ears probably just perked up a bit.

[Thanks, Schnucki, Tom]