AMD's new Phenom II chips take on Intel

 Advanced Micro Devices added new Phenom II desktop models on Monday, including triple-core processors, as it tries to outdo Intel desktop price-performance.  The Phenom II "Dragon" line of desktop processors uses AMD's new 45-nanometer technology and comprises both quad-core (X4) and triple-core (X3) parts. The triple-core Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition processor is priced at $145, which AMD compares to Intel's Core 2 Duo (dual-core) E8400 processor, priced at $163. The quad-core x4 810 processor (2.6GHz) is priced at $175 versus the Intel Core 2 Quad Q8200 processor (2.33GHz), priced at $163. The Phenom II processors fit in either AM2+ or AM3 sockets and support DDR2 or next generation DDR3 memory technology. Models include:

• AMD Phenom II X4 910 - (2.6GHz)
  
  
• AMD Phenom II X4 810 - (2.6GHz)
  
  
• AMD Phenom II X4 805 - (2.5GHz)
  
  
• AMD Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition - (2.8GHz)
  
  
• AMD Phenom II X3 710 - (2.6GHz)
  

The processors are available immediately, AMD said.

• Engadget's recession antidote: win a Razer Lycosa Mirror!