Last month, AMD released their next generation quad-core CPU, known as the Phenom II.  Initially, AMD only had two models to offer, the X4 920 and the X4 940 Black Edition.  Today, this all changes, as AMD is about to let loose the Phenom II floodgates.  Today we have three new retail CPUs in the form of the X4 810, the X3 720 Black Edition, and an X3 710.  On top of this, AMD is also releasing two new OEM-only CPUs, in the form of the X4 910 and the X4 805.  Today, we will be closely analyzing both the X3 720 and the X4 810.

Specs
	AMD X3 720 Black Edition	AMD X4 810
	Click thumbnail for larger image	Click thumbnail for larger image
MSRP	$145	$175
Model Number	X3 720 BE	X4 810
Processor Frequency	2.8GHz	2.6GHz
L3 Cache Size	6MB L3	4MB L3
Nominal Voltage	0.850-1.425V	0.875-1.425V
Common AM3 Specs
L1 Cache Sizes:	64K of L1 instruction and 64K of L1 data cache per core (512KB total L1 per processor)
L2 Cache Sizes:	512KB of L2 data cache per core (2MB total L2 per processor for X4s / 1.5MB total L2 per processor for X3s)
L3 Cache Size:	4MB or 6MB (shared) See above
Memory Controller Type:	Integrated 128-bit wide memory controller *
Memory Controller Speed:	Up to 2.0GHz with Dual Dynamic Power Management (all current AM3 processors)
Types of Memory Supported:	Support for unregistered DIMMs up to PC2 8500 (DDR2-1066MHz) -AND- PC3 (DDR3-1333MHz)**
HyperTransport 3.0 Link:	One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 4.0GHz full duplex (2.0GHz x2)
Total Processor Bandwidth:	Up to 33.1 GB/s total bandwidth
Packaging:	Socket AM3 938-pin organic micro pin grid array (micro-PGA)
Fab location:	Fab 36 wafer fabrication facilities in Dresden, Germany
Process Technology:	45-nanometer DSL SOI (silicon-on-insulator) technology
Approximate Transistor count:	~ 758 million (45nm)
Approximate Die Size:	258 mm2 (45nm)
Max Ambient Case Temp / X4 CPUs:	71o Celsius
Max Ambient Case Temp / X3 CPUs:	73o Celsius
Nominal Voltage:	See above
Max TDP:	95 Watts  (all current AM3 processors)
*Note:  MC configurable for dual 64-bit channels for simultaneous read/writes **Note:  for DDR3-1333, AM3 boards will support 1-DIMM-per-channel @ 1333MHz

As we can see from the above specs and price points, the X3 720 Black Edition targets the Intel E8400, while the X4 810 targets the Q8200.  As such, we will be using similar these CPUs as a basis for comparison.  We will also be looking at overclocking both chips.  What will make this interesting is the fact that the X3 is an unlocked Black Edition and the X4 is a standard upward-locked CPU.  This means that two very distinct approaches will be required to overclock these chips, and for the first time, we will have to look at the overclockability of the 790GX platform. 

Are these CPU's worthy of your system?  Read on and find out!