AMD Athlon II X4 620 The First Sub $100 Quad Core

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

AMD Athlon II X4 620 The First Sub $100 Quad Core

Industry’s First Sub-$100 Quad-Core CPU Powers New AMD Mainstream Desktop Platforms: Multimedia Entertainment is More Affordable than Ever

Designed as the optimal balance of CPU performance and graphics excellence, this AMD platform is designed to take advantage of new Windows 7 enhancement

As part of the new desktop platform designed for mainstream consumers, AMD today announced the first ever quad-core processor for less than $100 Suggested System Builder Price (SSBP). By balancing the power of new AMD Athlon II X4 quad-core processors and the AMD 785G chipset featuring ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics, AMD delivers smooth HD visuals and the foundation for a great Windows 7 experience.

When matched against similarly priced competitive processors, the AMD Athlon II X4 620 processor delivers superior multitasking performance allowing mainstream users to do more in less time, for less money. The AMD Mainstream Desktop Platform leverages AMD software to help enhance the overall experience. ATI Stream technology, for example, enables hardware acceleration that can speed HD video conversion-time so content can be ready faster for use on-the-go.

Combining the efficiency of 45nm processors and this platform’s built-in power management technologies for a cool and quiet PC, an AMD Athlon II processor-based platform can serve-up an amazing Blu-ray movie experience using less energy than a standard 75 watt light bulb. This platform also can improve business users’ experience as part of AMD Business Class technology. With this second generation commercial platform, AMD industry partners can offer a variety of form factors with superior value, exceptional energy efficiency, advanced visual productivity. This platform also has support for essential manageability, security and virtualization features that today’s businesses demand.

“Our goal is to deliver a great computing experience and maximize value for our customers,” said John Cook, vice president of marketing, global PC business, HP. “The new AMD quad-core processors offer the right balance between excellent performance and price, and allow HP to continue to be a best-in-class provider of consumer technology.”

“Designed with customer needs in mind, Windows 7 simplifies and improves the computing experience,” said Mike Ybarra, general manager of Windows Product Management at Microsoft Corp. “The introduction of the new AMD Mainstream Desktop Platform coupled with Windows 7, allows end users to enjoy their digital entertainment with a faster, higher performing experience at an attractive price point.”

My thoughts:

AMD might have hit a home run with the mainstream market here. A low powered, low cost chip that overclocks well should fit the bill for many pc enthusiasts out there. This chip would run cool and quiet and provide more than enough power to run a high end HTPC or even a low end gaming rig.

At less than $100 if this little chip lives up to the early benchmarks and testing we should see them flying off the shelves. They've tested in line with Intel's Q8200 and Q8400 but with a savings of anywhere from $50-80. Match that savings with a very affordable 785G based motherboard and you've got yourself a very nice everyday PC.

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