AMD has just released their Athlon II X4 620 and 630 processors clocked at 2.6 and 2.8 GHz and built with the Propus core, a Phenom II (Deneb) without L3 cache.These processors aim at AM3 and AM2+ platforms. They are rated for a 95W TDP and feature 4*512 kB of L2 cache.
If you look at pure performances, the 620 model sold at $99 performs like an Intel Q6600. This processor is the cheapest in his area, and has no direct competitor.
AMD could have made better choices regarding the power consumption of this processor if they had decided to provide it with a VID lower than 1.4V (1.12V idle/1.396V under full load), which is definitely inordinate. 620 model is indeed able to operate at his stock clock with only 1.15V (0.864V idle/1.152V under full load), which leads to 30W cut in power consumption of the entire machine. We don't know if AMD decided to indirectly favor overclocking of these processors, but the test sample has been able to easily reach 3.2 GHz with his 1.4V voltage.
PCINpact published (in French) a series of 3 small articles about these processors that you might want to read if you wish to learn more :
Introducing Athlon II X4 620 and 630
Lowering voltage of the 620 model
Overclocking the 620 model
toTOW
On: 09/17/09
