It took more than a year for the first dual core processors based off the Phenom architecture to be released from AMD. Phenom hit in late 2007 and it wasn't until late 2008 finally we saw dual core processors based somewhat off the Phenom architecture with the Athlon X2 7750. Luckily that isn't the case with Phenom II, launched early this year dual core processors will be in stores soon and being announced now during Computex. We'll be looking at two of these: the Phenom II branded X2 550 and the Athlon II X2 250. How do they stack up to AMD's previous offerings? Let's find out.

The Athlon II X2 250 is a new 45nm native dual-core and not a harvested quad core Phenom II which had a bad core or two. It features 1MB of L2 cache per core but unlike Phenom II has no L3 cache. It also is the first processor from AMD with hardware C1E low power state, all other C1E states for AMD processors are controlled by the BIOS. It isn't a Black Edition so you'll have to bump up the front-side bus for all overclocking. The memory controller runs at 2GHz with 128-bit wide memory controller. It is Socket AM3 so it supports DDR3 for future proofing but as with all Socket AM3 processors it should run fine in AM2+ motherboards. The die size is 117.5mm with a transistor count of around 234 million. AMD rates it for 65W and a max temp of 74 degrees Celsius. The processor will retail for $87 in 1,000 unit quantities.

The Phenom II X2 550 dual core is Phenom II quad core derived part with a bad core or two or one that wasn't up to the task at running at the 3.1GHz the processor runs at. It features 6MB of L3 cache, 512KB of L2 cache per core, 64K of L1 cache, 128-bit wide memory controller, 6MB of shared L3 cache for all cores. It is a Black Edition processor so the multiplier is unlocked allowing for easier overclocking. The memory controller runs at 2GHz and it also is a Socket AM3 processor built off a 45nm process but a larger 258mm die and a transistor count of around 758 million. It takes up a little more power at around 80W and is rated for a max temp of 70 degrees Celsius. This processor will set you back $102 in thousand unit quantities.

AMD is also announcing two other processors today, energy efficient quad and triple core processors. The Phenom II X4 905e runs at 2.5GHz and has a 65W TDP and the Phenom II X3 705e runs at 2.5GHz and also features a 65W TDP.