AMD to Introduce 3-Core Processors

In what can only be called a bizarre move, AMD has added a new range of 3-core processors to its upcoming Phenom line of multi-core processors. This new range will fit in the slot between the highly competitive dual-core market and the currently evolving quad-core market. The new range will feature three processing cores on a single die, and will be developed on the Barcelona architecture.

As Dailytech has reported here:

"The new triple-core processors will feature similar specifications as its upcoming Phenom X2 and X4 brethren. The Socket AM2+ processors feature 512KB of L2 cache for each core and a shared pool of L3 cache. Essentially, the Phenom triple-core processors are quad-core variants with one core disabled.”

The introduction of this new lineup could open up a new price war. AMD has been not doing so well against Intel in the dual-core market and is trailing in the quad-core market. Intel recently slashed its entry level quad-core prices to $266. If AMD can price itself right, it could introduce these processors for around $200 and give the Intel dual-cores a run for their money.