AMD has launched its AMD FX family of desktop CPUs, which includes its eight core processor for multi-display gaming and high definition content creation. According to the company, this marks the first retail availability of Bulldozer, the codename for its new multi-core architecture, which is included in AMD’s upcoming server CPU (codenamed “Interlagos”) and the next-generation of AMD Accelerated Processing Units.

The real good news is that the new AMD FX series is carrying with it a surprisingly cost-effective price tag – from RRP’s of $115 (R899) for the entry level FX-4100, which has four cores and is clocked at 3.6 GHz, up to a RRP of $245 (R1900) for the top of the range FX-8150, which has eight cores and is clocked at 3.6 GHz. In between is the six core FX-6100, clocked at 3.3 GHz and with a $165 (R1291) for the budget-conscious PC user who still wants above average performance.

Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Group at AMD explained that “while overclockers will certainly enjoy the frequencies the AMD FX processors can achieve, PC enthusiasts and HD media aficionados will appreciate the remarkable experience that AMD FX processors can provide as part of a balanced, affordable desktop system.”

The new family of processors consists of the following:

• FX-8150: Eight cores, 3.6 GHz CPU base (3.9 GHz Turbo Core, 4.2 GHz Max Turbo), $245 (R1900)
• FX-8120: Eight cores, 3.1 GHz CPU base (3.4 GHz Turbo Core, 4.0 GHz Max Turbo), $205 (R1600)
• FX-6100: Six cores, 3.3 GHz CPU base (3.6 GHz Turbo Core, 3.9 GHz Max Turbo), $165 (R1291)
• FX-4100: Four cores, 3.6 GHz CPU base (3.7 GHz Turbo Core, 3.8 GHz Max Turbo), $115 (R899)

Easy overclocking

The company added that all the AMD FX CPUs offer completely unlocked processor clock multipliers for easier overclocking, “paving the way for PC enthusiasts to enjoy higher CPU speeds and related performance gains.” Additionally, these processors use AMD Turbo Core Technology to dynamically optimise performance across CPU cores, to squeeze out  their maximum performance in response to intense workloads.

AMD added that with the new range of CPUs, and without spending a small fortune, users can combine an AMD FX CPU with an AMD 9-series chipset motherboard and AMD Radeon HD 6000 series graphics cards, to create the AMD Scorpius platform, for an “astounding” gaming and HD entertainment experience.

As part of the Scorpius platform, the new AMD FX CPUs also support AMD CrossFireX technology, which allows the combination of multiple graphics cards in a PC along with AMD Eyefinity technology, which supports up to six monitors. The new processors are set for global availability from this week. However, local availability and pricing has not been confirmed as yet.