AMD preparing more Athlon II processors for FM2 platform

AMD’s Athlon II line up was phased from the mainstream AMD platform, the AM3/AM3+, after the introduction of Bulldozer. They were initially transfered to the FM1 Llano platform with the Athlon II X4 641, 645 and 651 being the main new Athlon II processors. These Athlon II FM1 parts were simply Llano APUs without the integrated graphics.

The next series of APUs, Trinity, will also get a similar Athlon II product line. Again it appears AMD has scrapped everything but quad core Athlon II processors, so no more Athlon II X2 or X3 since they just can’t compete in terms of performance anymore. FM2 will get three Athlon II processors all without integrated graphics. The three processors will be as follows:

• Athlon II X4-730: quad-core, 2.80 GHz, 4 MB total cache, 65W TDP
• Athlon II X4-740: quad-core, 3.20 GHz, 4 MB total cache, 65W TDP
• Athlon II X4-750K: quad-core, unlocked BClk multiplier, 3.40 GHz, 4 MB total cache, 100W TDP

AMD adding an unlocked Athlon II processor is a bit of an unprecedented move from AMD. Athlon II processors have traditionally allowed overclocking but through bus speed increases which wreak havoc on memory, north bridge and hyper transit frequencies. Now with an unlocked multiplier Athlon II processor, you can expect to overclock as easy as you would on the Bulldozer or Phenom II platforms – except without the premium price point.

What is worth noting is that since these processor do not come with integrated graphics, and neither does the A75 chipset, you will need a discrete graphics card solution in order to run a system from these processors.

Pricing wise the Athlon II X4 730 will probably hit the £65 price point,  the Athlon II X4 740 is likely to be £75 and the Athlon II X4 750K should be £85 as not to put too much price pressure on the Trinity APUs.

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