AMD is shattering a speed record with the A10-7890K processor chip, its fastest yet with integrated graphics.
The chip sits at the top of all AMD A-series PC processors and is now shipping for $165.
Users will be able to build gaming desktops for under $500 with the chip, which can handle 3D and high-definition gaming, AMD said.
The chip, based on the Godavari architecture, has a horsepower of 1.02 teraflops, marginally faster than AMD’s A10-7870K.
The new chip’s performance is similar to that of the 57-core Xeon Phi 3120P supercomputing chip that Intel shipped in the second quarter of 2013.
The A10-7890K has four CPU cores and eight Radeon R7 GPU cores. It is an unlocked chip, meaning users can overclock the CPU to crank up performance.
AMD already offers top-line FX chips without integrated GPUs for gamers, who then pair the CPUs with discrete graphics cards in desktops. With the GPU integrated into the A10-7890K, users won’t have to buy a separate graphics card.
In an effort to bring down the price of building desktops, AMD has packaged the chip with a Wraith Cooler, a heat-sink that provides a novel way to cool the CPU by dissipating the heat generated. PC builders usually need to purchase a heat-sink separately from the chip.
The Wraith Cooler lights up, which could appeal to some gamers building systems with clear panels that show the components inside.
AMD is also releasing a “near-silent” 125-watt Thermal Solution cooler, similar to the Wraith Cooler but without lights. It will be an add-on to the A10-7870K chip, which AMD is already shipping.