This is the highest clocked quad-core so far. It is 200MHz faster than the Phenom II 955 and 400MHz faster than Intel's Q9650. Intel's Core i7 975 EE runs at 3.33GHz, and it will still offer superior performance, but it's about four times pricier than the new Phenom II.

AMD in June rolled out its six-core “Istanbul” Opteron chip, which can run on servers with two or more sockets. Both AMD and Intel boasted of improved performance and energy efficiency in their new processors, as well as enhanced virtualization capabilities.

AMD appears to be making some gains. Intel still holds a huge majority of the global microprocessor market, but AMD in the first quarter of this year gained a bit of ground, according to research firm iSuppli. In that quarter, Intel’s market share dropped 2.5 points, to 79.1 percent. AMD’s market share rose 2.3 points, to 12.8 percent.

For those in the channel who are in the market for an upgrade, the choice would appear to be tipped in AMD's favour. After all, why buy a socket 775 Core 2 Duo when you can just go with an AM3 that is backwards and forwards compatible with AMD's current roadmap? That would appear to make more sense as it gives users a chance to upgrade at a later stage, if they feel the urge to bung a little more oomph into their machines.

Called the AMD Phenom II X4 42 Black Edition TWKR processor, it is not for sale, and not covered by AMD’s product warranty. This processor is provided “as is” and AMD is not liable for any damages, of any type or character (including without limitation, system damage, loss of data or personal injury) caused as a result of using this processor. The processor will be distributed at this time solely through AMD promotional means.