Taiwanese motherboard makers claim AMD continues to have problems with its new Phenom processors. VR Zone writes the Phenom 9900 processor may have a thermal design power of 140W due to problems with AMD's 65nm SOI process.
Industry watchers have high hopes on Phenom as AMD 's hidden ace, yet difficult fabrication issues coupled with external pressure has forced AMD to release Phenom early (possibly without the full possible optimisations). Given that Phenom could possibly debut at just 2.3GHz, disappointment could ensue.
Though the Phenom 9700 clocked at 2.4GHz is just 100MHz faster than the Phenom 9600, TDP is raised by some 30W. Taiwanese mainboard makers have revealed that power issues on the SOI process could possibly be solved by 2008Q2 at best.
Phenom 9900 with its 140W TDP is also a cause for concern of mainboard makers. Thermal stresses, particularly on the Voltage Regulation Modules would be significant enough to impact failure rates and production costs. Considering the case of Prescott's takeover on Northwood boards, history could repeat itself if TDP does not fall to 125W or less.
Roadmaps put the Phenom 9700 and Phenom 9900 at US$283 and US$320 respectively for 1kU, hitting shelves in 2008Q1.
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