AMD's octacore processor codenamed "Bulldozer"

AMD is in a move to launch a new processor called Bulldozer with 16-cores in 2011. Kudos to AMD for its great job to get things done in a great fashion. AMD is hoping to regain some mindshare and marketshare in the enthusiast/gamer space. While Intel’s Core i7-980X will retain the top spot, processor-wise, it also costs a small fortune with a $999 MSRP with most retailers selling it for over $1,000. AMD already offers six-core Opteron chips for servers. AMD is expected to release three versions of the Phenom II X6 1000T series. AMD saw the opportunity, and jumped on it, creating the first six-core CPU that normal people can afford – Phenom II X6 (codenamed Thuban). The first two models in the lineup are the 1055T and 1090T.

Intel has already made it clear that their Core i9-980X processor, also known as Gulftown, will be available as soon as this March. But, AMD seem to take some more time for introducing their masterpieces- the Phenom II X6 series processors- 1035T, 1055T and 1075T. Intel thinks it could achieve an additional 20-60% energy savings for "certain tasks" by using a more aggressive scheme called "thread hopping," which would move threads to faster cores as soon as those cores became free. Intel's list price for its six-core Core i7 processors are much higher, with the 3.2 GHz 970 at $885 and the 3.3GHz 980X is $999. Of course, Intel also offers four-core processors for much less, as does AMD.

Intel and AMD will continue to leapfrog each other and move the processing bar. Behind the headlines about advances in 6-core CPU?s, the two processor titans continue research and development of 8, 12, and even 16-core processors. Intel deserves credit for making this top-end processor compatible with the X58 motherboards that are already widely available. You might have to wait for your motherboard manufacturer to release a new BIOS, to support six-core processors. Intel’s newest six-core chip, the Core i7 970, has started showing up in retail, giving DIY system builders a lower priced option to choose from if sticking with Intel. Ready for the bad news?