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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
GPhorce
September 13, 2011 at 9:40am
AMD is only making me more angry and impatient. I'm sure atleast a handful of these overclockers could have been processing orders instead of goofing off with crap 1 percent of the potential customer base will ever do or actually care about. If you can break records with it, why don't I have one? Intel is looking better and better considering that AMD doesn't have one GEN 3 board available yet they are screwing around with this stuff.
Kinetic
September 13, 2011 at 12:29pm
Agreed. I'm starting to think that along with crushing past clock records, AMD is trying to break the current record for most production delays.
It doesn't matter how awesome your processor is if no one can buy it.
ozziekun
September 13, 2011 at 9:33am
Sooooo, when can we expect liquid nitrogen coolers to hit the market?
Brad Nimbus
September 13, 2011 at 9:15am
Holy shit! Now only if software could catch up to hardware.
Whats with the bullshit overlay?
Virgnarus
September 13, 2011 at 8:37am
Without even seeing the video, the initial screenshot shows the guy cupping his hand to prevent liquid helium from spilling onto the motherboard should it occur...
grexxman
September 13, 2011 at 6:23am
Yes! I can finally reinstall Vista!!!
j.k....
But seriously... HURRAAAAY for future Christmas presents to myself!
iceman08
September 13, 2011 at 6:21am
As stupid as I sound, I wanna see how it compares with Sandy Bridge in real-world applications
arkarkwin
September 13, 2011 at 8:54am
You are right, after all, this is the only thing that's matter to end user. I want to play game and run application on the fly. Not living like Mr. Freeze in my room with all these nitrogen. I have high hope for AMD, otherwise, I would have gotten Sandybridge this summer.
iceman08
September 13, 2011 at 10:12am
Don't get me wrong, 8.4GHz is awesome, and I'd love to have that kind of stable speed right now, but if there's no real gain for me in my games, then there's no reason for me to be excited
