AMD 1090T Six Core Review
Introduction
Published: 27th April 2010 | Source: AMD | Price: £250 est |
Introduction
A few years ago AMD introduced its AM2 socket which was used as the basis for many of their processors. This provided a very stable and cost effective upgrade path for users as it enabled them to purchase a motherboard, and then drop each new CPU directly into their system.
As DDR3 started to appear on the market AMD upgraded to the AM3 socket which could still handle all the AM2 and AM2+ chips, but now could also accept the AM3 chips which had DDR3 controllers on board. The AMD Phenom II processors have been churned out regularly ever since, in multiple guises. We've had cut down dual core models for the budget conscious, slightly cut down quads for those seeking maximum bang-for-buck, and the full fat AMD Phenom II Black Edition 965 for those who want to obtain the ultimate performance from their AMD system.
It's been a while since AMD have introduced a wholly new processor rather than a variant on the hugely successful Phenom II models, but today is such a day.
AMD Phenom II X6
The Phenom II X6 is the newest processor from AMD and replaces the 965BE as their flagship model. Thankfully, unlike Intel, they aren't introducing yet another new socket for you to fork out for, once again showing AMDs commitment to the end-user who already has a motherboard they're happy with. However to get the most out of your new six processor cores you should upgrade to the new 890 chipset which supports SATA 6Gb/s and discreet USB 3.0. Of course a new motherboard is always a sensible option when transitioning to a premium processor, but it's wonderful to see AMD not demanding you do so.
In this initial release we have two models, the AMD Phenom II X6 1055T which has 2.8GHz as standard and the AMD Phenom II X6 1090T which begins at 3.2GHz. AMD have also introduced Turbo CORE technology which will increase the speed of three of the six cores when under heavy loading and in this form the 1055T will clock to 3.3GHz and the 1090T increases to 3.6GHz.
3.6GHz of Six Core Processing. There aren't going to be many users complaining about a lack of power here.
Today we have the all-singing, all-dancing AMD Phenom II X6 1090T on the bench, so let's take a closer look at the new technologies we have under our fingertips.
Most Recent Comments
Well I think im set on what to upgrade to for my collage media course next year, 1090t (Unless the new 32nm AMD Quadys kick major ass) + 5870 + Crosshair IV Formula/Extreme (Mabey, waiting to see the other new chipset boards) + undecided ram
. Just 1 quick Q.
What were the load temps at the test settings??Quote
Just wondering if the extreme has that load line calibration issue and if the extreme has a large edge in the overclocking department over the formula.
Same question as poster above.
QuoteHaving read some of the other major reviews I was going to steer clear. but now im not too sure.
Your numbers seem quite different (in games) to some of the other review sites... any idea why?Quote
They are! Apparently you can have one for tomorrow at just £238.64.Quote
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Originally Posted by name='thestepster'
wow thats really shocked me really does tempt me to go to AMD instead of an i7 for the next build!
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being an amd fan boy :P been waiting alittle while to see if there gonna pull their finger out of their bottoms and get back to pwning intell
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but the 1090t marked up at £270Quote|
Originally Posted by name='Luigi'
Wowzers, really nice review.
Having read some of the other major reviews I was going to steer clear. but now im not too sure. Your numbers seem quite different (in games) to some of the other review sites... any idea why? |
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Originally Posted by name='alexhull24'
Impressive overclock, I imagine that's part of the reason why it made up so much ground on the i7 930. Still, looks like another good value for money CPU from AMD, but this time it's right up there with performance.
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I'm interested to see what the 1055T can do. Will it match the performance when overclocked? What sort of margin is there on the overclock? If it can reach similar levels to the 1090T that'll be a stonking chip. Not sure if it has the unlocked multiplier or not though, I'll have to check that.Quote
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Originally Posted by name='alexhull24'
I looked and it was there last night mate! Enjoy your clean pants..
I'm interested to see what the 1055T can do. Will it match the performance when overclocked? What sort of margin is there on the overclock? If it can reach similar levels to the 1090T that'll be a stonking chip. Not sure if it has the unlocked multiplier or not though, I'll have to check that. |
Any word on CH 4 Extreme Tom?Quote
I am going amd for sure next time, the bang for buck with amd is amazing.Quote
http://www.overclock3d.net/reviews/cpu_mainboard/amd_1090t_six_core_review/6
Just one query on the above, their is no info on what resolution you did the benchmarks at? maybe worth including them within the review?Quote
Way to go AMD....
QuoteThanks for the video. Kept me busy on my iPhone as I backed up files from my crashing Win7 lol.Quote
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Originally Posted by name='Steve-O-'
Hey TTL have you ran the 1055T also? I was looking at specs and the 1055T is identical except for clock speeds but $100 cheaper!! Couldn't you just OC it to the 4.1 also and get same performance?
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Looks like a match for some of those MSI mobos on the horizon.Quote

i mean thats just sad:sleep:
*gone*Quote
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Originally Posted by name='barkaway'
I just read this review and omg, they take a high end MB and test it with a PII X3 720
![]() i mean thats just sad:sleep: *gone* |
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Originally Posted by name='cl0ck_ed'
I still think i7 920 is the best buy at
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It really does show how over priced Intel are.Quote
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Originally Posted by name='thewoolard'
Huh, haven't you looked through all the bench marks?
It really does show how over priced Intel are. |

Imo 1055T will be the cpu to beat Bang for buck wise. Not this.
Lol, just been reading up on the Amd 1055T, the multi is locked to 14 and the chap had his bus speed beyond 300Mhz!!!
So, 300x14 = 4200, 308x14=4.3ghz!!! Sweet, these hex cores are looking promising, the 1055T FTW!!Quote
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Originally Posted by name='thewoolard'
Sorry but i was on about the 1055T chip.
I never knew i7 chips went down so much! |
Then I read this review :O Spent the last solid month doing research.. This is a jaw dropper for me, I'm sold!
TTL- love the reviews and videos, crisp photos, as well as graphs. I just recently joined! Was the Ram selection your first choice? or should I sayQuote|
Originally Posted by name='LooseNeutral'
I was all set to do my first build with the intel 930
Then I read this review :O Spent the last solid month doing research.. This is a jaw dropper for me, I'm sold! TTL- love the reviews and videos, crisp photos, as well as graphs. I just recently joined! Was the Ram selection your first choice? or should I say |
. One question, why did you run Crysis Warhead without AA x8
?Quote|
Originally Posted by name='tomcug'
One question, why did you run Crysis Warhead without AA x8
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my 1090T sits lonely in a Purolator truck all weekend and it's raining like crazy! Fingers crossed for no water soaked box.Quote
Love for you to put it through theshock :P tests and review
Thanks for the response and keep up the great work. That is you and those in the shadows who help make it all come together. Well done to you all, and the posters here - you have all been a great influence as well. Many thanks to all!!
Quotehttp://www.insidehw.com/News/Hardware/Phenom-II-X6-1090T-BE-overclocked-to-6-8-GHz.htmlQuote
QuoteThere's a new Phenom II X6 coming later in the year that slots nicely between the 1055T & 1090T BE. It's not a "Black Edition" though so will have a locked multiplier.
Phenom II X6 1075T 125W 3,0GHz - (3,5GHz Turbo Mode) expected 3rd quarter 2010 - [no prices yet]
I'm liking AMD again simply in terms of value for money, my next rig will be based around an AMD Phenom II X6, I just got to decide which one to get. As for a matching board, the Asus Crosshair IV Formula looks to be a smasher.
Good review, gracias!Quote
A couple of reviews I have read in the past (before this one) slated it a bit. Good to see an unbiased view from some one who appreciates AMD.
Cheers VB. You have almost made my mind up to slap one of these into my silver machine

I'll wait for prices to drop a bit.Quote
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Originally Posted by name='delusion77'
Seems kinda silly to add another x6 so soon to a whole new architecture launch, especially when AMD is just keeping up with the demand for these x6 chips.
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I have always had Intel CPUs but this chip in my opinion will possible convert me to AMD
Continue ReadingQuote