Value

The AMD price list includes the Phenom II X3 720 BE at $145 and the Phenom II X4 810 at $175, in quantities, but expect street prices to be very close. This compares to the Phenom II 920 ($195) and X4 940 ($225), and the Phenom X4 9650 ($142), 9750 ($153), 9850 ($163), and 9950 ($173). Both of these new Phenom II processors are nice values, especially the Phenom II X3 720 BE, which not only sports an unlocked multiplier and a 2.8 GHz clock, but a full 6MB of L3 cache as well.

On the Intel side, these latest Phenom II X3 720 and X4 810 processors are priced lower than competitive Core 2 Quad processors, as the Core 2 Quad Q6600 is $200 and both the Core 2 Quad Q9300 and Q9400 sell for $230. The Core 2 Duo has a much better shot, as the Core 2 Duo E7300 ($125), E7500 ($150) and E8400 ($165) represent the true price challengers to the Phenom II X3 720 BE. The Core i7-920 ($290) would seem to be a value contender, but platform costs are much higher.

* Please note that these prices were taken at the time of review and are not meant to reflect long-term trends.

Conclusion

The first wave of 45nm Phenom II processors showed that AMD still has a real chance in the desktop processor market, and that the company finally has a potential Core 2 killer. This latest release does shore up some questions about Socket AM3, and gets the core back on a full 2.0 GHz HT link, but it still doesn't do anything to raise performance. The 2.6 GHz Phenom II X4 810 is a good release for bargain hunters, but the more important one is certainly the Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition, as this not only provides a better-than-dual core alternative to the Intel Core 2 Duo, but also brings hardcore overclocking to the entry-level.

Phenom II X3 720 BE Ratings

Pros:

• Unlocked Multiplier & Serious Overclocker
• Low Power Consumption
• 2.8 GHz + 6MB L3
• Excellent Value

Cons:

• Lower Multi-Threaded Performance

Ratings:

Phenom II X4 810 Ratings

Pros:

• Low Power Consumption
• Full 2 GHz HyperTransport
• Lowest Cost Phenom II X4

Cons:

• 4MB of L3 Cache
• Black Edition X4 940 Only Slightly More Expensive

Ratings: