A Closer Look
Although the new Phenom processors are not terribly different from the B3 revision Phenoms already released, there are some specifications that have changed. I outlined many of the Phenom’s features and architectural changes in my recent Phenom X3 review, for anyone interested.
Here are the technical specifications for the new Phenom models (provided by AMD):
- L1 Cache Sizes: 64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512 KB total L1 per processor)
- L2 Cache Sizes: 512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor)
- L3 Cache Size: 2MB (shared)
- Packaging: Socket AM2+ 940-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
- Fab location: AMD’s Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
- Process Technology: 65-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
- Approximate Transistor count: ~ 450 million
- Approximate Die Size: 285 mm2
- Memory Controller Type: Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller (configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes )
- Types of Memory Supported: Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz)
- Memory Controller Speed: 1.6GHz, 1.8GHz or 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management (X4 9150e, 9350e and 9950 respectively).
- HyperTransport 3.0 Specification: One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 3.2GHz, 3.6GHz or 4.0GHz (X4 9150e, 9350e and 9950 respectively).
- Total Processor Bandwidth: Up to 29.9, 31.5 or 33.1 GB/s (X4 9150e, 9350e and 9950 respectively).
- Max Ambient Case Temp: 61o C for X4 9950 and 70°C for 9350e/9150e
- Nominal Voltage: 1.05-1.30 Volts for X4 9950 and 1.0-1.125 Volts for X4 9350e and 9150e.
- Max TDP: 140Watts for X4 9950 and 65 Watts for 9350e and 9150e
The first thing that hit me is the incredibly high 140W TDP of the Phenom 9950. In the real world, it is unlikely that the 100MHz higher clock it possesses over the 9850 would equate to a 15W increase, especially with the same operating voltage. None the less, this is not a chip you would want to run in smaller uATX boards and in HTPC setups with a TDP that high. Once again, it appears that AMD has stretched their 65nm process about as far as it will go without getting heat and power consumption out of hand. I can’t see AMD taking the Phenom much farther using a 65nm SOI process. The 9950 reminds me a lot of the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ and 6200+. They were the top tier dual core processors based on a 90nm manufacturing process. They pushed the power envelope and stretched 90nm about as far as it would go.
Being a “Black Edition” processor, the X4 9950 is clearly targeted towards the enthusiast. It employs an unlocked CPU multiplier, allowing the buyer to increase the overall CPU clock without adjusting the reference clock. Overclocking “BE” chips can be incredibly easy, and does not require a terribly overclocking-friendly motherboard. With a TDP of 140W, AMD clearly intends for this chip to find its way into higher end, CrossFire-X enabled 790FX series motherboards.
The other end of the spectrum proves to be a lot more interesting. The 9350e and 9150e have TDP values of only 65W and a maximum operating voltage of 1.125V. Clock speed is understandably lower to obtain these low TDP values and to keep voltage low. AMD also reduced the hyper transport and memory controller frequency of the 9150e by a notch to 1600MHz—200MHz slower than most of the Phenom X4s. At only 65W, these processors are a perfect choice to mate with AMD’s 780G chipset. Not everyone needs a highly clocked quad, and many would prefer a cooler and greener solution. The launch of these two processors are very important in my opinion, as the Phenom was never competitive with Intel’s 45nm offerings in the energy efficiency department. What will be most important, however, is to keep the 9350e and 9150e aggressively priced—there are already too many well priced Intel alternatives that don’t consume a lot of electricity and perform better. I’ll be getting more into AMD’s pricing and lineup in a moment, but for now, I wanted to focus on some uses for a low-power quad.
First and foremost, these processors will have an impact on the HTPC market in a big way. Excessive heat, as a product of higher power consumption is never good in small and confined spaces. AMD still wears the IGP crown with their fantastic 780G chipset and they now finally offer some efficient processors to match it with. A 1.8 or 2GHz Phenom quad should be plenty of horsepower for HTPC related activities.
Second, and probably not as obvious, is in an office environment. More and more businesses are focusing on reducing their carbon footprint, and if they can save 20-30 watts per workstation, that can add up rather quickly. Not just in direct electricity savings, but by saving in HVAC costs in the summer as well. Even with a lower clock speed, these ‘e’ Phenoms pack a lot of punch and are a great choice for business multitaskers. It would not surprise me to see 9350e and 9150e processors in OEM workstations targeted to a corporate audience.
Third, is to the enthusiast. Although it may not be an obvious choice for someone seeking a performance oriented chip, energy efficient processors typically overclock better than their “regular” counterparts. With a lower than average default voltage and higher temperature tolerances, they are well suited to push beyond their default operating frequencies. The biggest problem with the 9150e and 9350e is that they have a rather low 9x and 10x CPU multipliers. Unless you can really crank the reference frequency (which is sometimes challenging with Phenoms,) high frequencies may not be possible. I’ll be trying my luck overclocking a 9350e that AMD has provided to us.
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