AMD Overclocks FX-8150 to 8.4GHz and Bulldozes into Guinness Book of World Records

Posted 09/13/2011 at 6:47am | by Paul Lilly

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AMD just bulldozed its way into the Guinness Book of World Records by overclocking an 8-core FX-8150 Bulldozer processor to 8.429GHz, which officially qualifies as the "Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor." Team AMD FX, a group made up of overclocking gurus and top AMD technologists, are responsible for the record overclock that bested the previous record of 8.308GHz.

Naturally, AMD is using the bragging rights it just earned to further hype its upcoming Bulldozer launch scheduled for some time in the fourth quarter of this year.

"The record-breaking processor speed that resides in the AMD FX CPU clearly demonstrates performance gains for the new AMD ‘Bulldozer’ multi-core architecture, which will provide x86 computing power for this CPU and future AMD Accelerated Processing Units," said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Group at AMD. "Along with world-record frequencies, the AMD FX processor will enable an unrivaled enthusiast PC experience for the money – extreme multi-display gaming, mega-tasking and HD content creation."

As you can see in the embedded video above, reaching upwards of 8.4GHz requires extreme cooling. And if you're into the liquid nitrogen scene, AMD claims it witnessed "no cold bug, the bane of overclockers, which often stops modern processors from functioning in extremely cold conditions." Though it required liquid nitrogen (as insanely high overclocks often do), and even liquid helium, AMD says this proves the "AMD FX CPU is a clock eating monster, temporarily able to withstand extreme conditions to achieve amazing speed."

That's well and great, but what if you don't have the time, money, or desire to fool around with liquid nitrogen and/or liquid helium?

"Even with more conservative methods, the AMD FX processors, with multiplier unlocked throughout the range, appear to scale with cold. We also achieved clock frequencies well above 5GHz using only air or sub-$100 water cooling solutions," AMD stated in a blog post.

At least one online vendor has revealed pre-order pricing for a handful of Bulldozer processors, including the FX-8150, which tipped up at $266.28 online. AMD has yet to announce official prices for Bullldozer parts, though a source who wishes not to be identified tells us the pre-order pricing information is correct with a tentative ETA of October 1, 2011 for the first batch of processors.

Check out some up close photos and more details here.

Image Credit: AMD