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PCWizKid takes a close look at AMD's flagship 6-Core Black Edition CPU, the Phenom II X6 1090T released just last week in April/2010. Code named Thuban, AMD's 45nm based consumer generation of six-core processor debut also includes a 2.8Ghz version, the Phenom II X6 1055T.  Both models are architecturally identical.  They are both hexa-core designs with 128KB L1 cache per core (64KB instruction and 64KB data), 512KB of L2 cache per core, and a shared 6MB L3 cache.

A quick update,  along with the launch of the Phenom II X6 1090T in April 2010, AMD has also introduced a 2.8Ghz 6-Core CPU the 1055T. Here is a quick price chart to show you how things are priced. Essentially the flag ship model 1090T gives you about a $50 per core which is a great value.  The 1055T is an even more attractive choice for what you are getting.

Another thing to note is the T in 1055T and 1090T? It designates Turbo Core which is AMD's newly added boost at improving single threaded performance. The Turbo Core feature of the Phenom II X6 1090T can increase the operating frequency of up to three cores to 3.60GHz, which is a 400MHz overclock from the default operating frequency. The Phenom II X6 1055T on the other hand can boost itself from 2.80GHz all the way to 3.30GHz, which is a 500MHz frequency jump.

Phenom II X6 1090T Specifications

PCWizKid's AMD "Leo" Platform System

Testing Notes:
With the release of the Phenom II X6 1090T, AMD has a newly designed platform named "Leo" which uses the Phenom II X6 processor, the new 890FX based motherboard chipset (with faster USB 3.0 and SATA 6.0Gb/s interfaces) and the blazing fast 5800 series ATI graphics cards.  This is what we will be using today in this review.

- AMD Phenom II X6 1090T CPU @ 3.2Ghz to 4Ghz overclocked.
- Asus Crosshair IV Formula 890FX Motherboard
- OCZ Black Edition 4GB DDR3 Memory - 1600Mhz at 8-8-8-24 Timings
- PowerColor ATI Radeon HD5870 Graphics Card
- Raidmax Monster 1000 Watt Power Supply
- Kingston

• Game settings for benchmarks are always maxed out at either Very High or Enthusiast levels when available.
• 3dmark06, 3dVantage, SiSandra 2009, Everest,CPU-Z and many other of the latest PC Game titles, tools and utilities were

Video Review

Conclusions

Applications like video encoding and 3D rendering show the real strengths of the Phenom II X6. Add the Turbo Core boost and you don't give up any performance in less threaded applications also. While this is a new AM3 socket CPU, AMD knows that If your needs are for a performing six core CPU and you have a older AM2+ motherboard you can save purchasing a new AM3 motherboard and reuse your older board which makes this a economical CPU in the long run which can be upgraded later to a newer AM3 socket motherboard. Make no mistake, these processors cannot compete with the $1000 Intel Core i7 980 Extreme CPU. What AMD have managed to come up with is a 6-Core CPU that gives Intel quad core i7's such as the 860, 920, 930 and 950 series a run for its money at far lower price point. A terrific example of best bang for the buck once again.

AMD Phenom II X6 1090T Black Edition 3.2GHz Socket AM3 125W Six-Core Desktop Processor

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