AMD's first eight-core desktop processors detailed

Details about Advanced Micro Devices' first eight-core desktop processors, based on its Bulldozer architecture, have appeared on some retail sites ahead of their official launch.

The FX-8150 and FX-8120 processors are part of the re-launched FX family of chips, which are pitched as high-performance parts aimed at gaming machines and other high-end systems. The FX chips are based on AMD's new Bulldozer architecture, which provides a speed boost of 50% or more compared to its predecessor, according to AMD.

Last month, AMD said an eight-core Bulldozer microprocessor broke the world record for clock speed by running at 8.429GHz. The system was cooled by tanks of liquid helium.

AMD plans to launch the FX chips this quarter but can't yet give a specific date, said AMD spokesman Phil Hughes, who declined to comment further about the chips.

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