Now, AM3-based AMD Phenom CPUs, which use an hybrid DDR2-1,066/DDR3-1,333 memory-controller - for, it is claimed, slightly higher performance with the faster RAM - are available on pre-order at a well-known UK etailer.
If the above information is correct, AMD will be releasing, imminently, at least three DDR3-compatible Phenom II CPUs, split over a single quad-core and two triple-core processors.
We know that pre-order pricing can be a touch high, but at £160 for a 2.6GHz part - X4 810 - the direct competition is with the DDR2-only Phenom II 920, running at 2.8GHz.
The smart money is on AMD not (immediately) launching AM3 Phenom II X4s at either 2.8GHz or 3.0GHz - P2 920 and 940 speeds - because doing so would inevitably cannibalise present sales.
Remember, whilst AM3 CPUs will work on AM2 boards, one won't be able to run AM2+ chips in AM3 boards.
AMD's AM3 processors are destined to arrive in a few days time, and the company will further pack the already-congested mid-range space between £75-£150. The buying decision is about to get that much more complicated.
