Amd Phenom 2 X2 550 & Athlon 2 X2 250

INTRODUCTION

AMD has been fielding new CPU's faster than any other company has in recent history. They are unveiling the Phenom 2 X2 550 BE and Athlon 2 X2 250 at Computex (2009). Two new reasonably priced dual core CPU's that promise to be excellent values as well as promising to be good overclocker chips. Coming in at 3.0 GHz on the Athlon 2 X2 250 and 3.1 GHz on the Phenom 2 X2 550 they provide enough speed out of the box for most mainstream users and the overclockability of the new 45nm CPU's promises enough excitement for the overclocker crowd.

With new lost cost alternative motherboards like the Gigabyte 770T-UD3P coming in at around $85 USD and overclocking like a champion you can be setting on a Motherboard/CPU combination for around $170 - 180 depending on the CPU you choose. Not to shabby for a nice fast dual core setup but how will they compare to existing CPU's like the E8400? Well we don't expect a chip that cost $102 to compete with a chip that cost $160 but it would be nice if the new Athlon 2 and Phenom 2 CPU's perform at enough of a level to compete with chips like the E7400 and provide a cost friendly alternative to more expensive Intel rigs.

About AMD

Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is an innovative technology company dedicated to collaborating with customers and partners to ignite the next generation of computing and graphics solutions at work, home, and play.

Vision

A world where the amazing power of AMD technology improves the quality of people's lives.

AMD set a goal to enable affordable, accessible Internet connectivity and computing capabilities for 50 percent of the world's population by the year 2015. Learn more about AMD’s 50x15 Initiative.

Mission

Lead through innovative, customer-centric solutions that empower businesses, enhance the digital lifestyle, and accelerate global digital inclusion.

Values & Beliefs

AMD's culture is characterized by an indomitable will to succeed and prosper in one of the world's most challenging industries. At the heart of our unique and strong culture is the belief that people are the ultimate source of our competitive advantage. By living these core values, each one of us helps to deliver on our promises to customers, maximize shareholder value and ensure our enduring success.

Respect for People

We respect people, honor diversity and treat each other fairly. These are the cornerstones of our culture and key to our ability to work successfully as a global team. Learn about what it’s like to work at AMD.

Integrity

We operate with the highest standards of honesty and responsibility—as individuals and as a corporation—to be a role model worldwide through our business practices, community involvement and environmental stewardship. View our corporate responsibility mission and achievements.

Our Customers' Success

We ensure our customers' ongoing success by forging deep relationships founded on our commitment to meet their diverse technology needs and a shared passion for excellence. Read about how AMD drives customer success.

Customer-Centric Innovation

We lead through innovation—championing creative ideas and solutions that enable our customers to truly differentiate their solutions in the marketplace.

Initiative and Accountability

We deliver on our promises to our customers, stakeholders and to each other by taking risks, seeking proactive solutions and assuming ownership of the results.

At AMD, we take a measured approach to evaluate and continually improve global environmental efficiency, from how we run corporate facilities to how we develop products that deliver superior performance-per-watt. Learn more about AMD’s Green initiative at: www.amd.com/climate.

Fair and Open Competition

We believe that fair and open competition places the freedom of choice in the hands of customers, allowing the widest population to have access to the best possible technology.