The chip-maker AMD announced today the launch of two new AMD Phenom X3 processors that were initially announced last year in September.  

AMD Phenom triple-core processors are the world’s first PC processors to integrate three computational cores on a single die of silicon.

That’s an improvement over Intel's quad-core processors that have two dual-core silicon chips inside a multi-chip package that does not include the memory controller.

By including a triple-core processor in its offer AMD is trying to be ahead of its rival Intel. Having a processor that offer a better performance than an dual-core chip, but cheaper than a quad-core solution, could boost AMD revenues especially since the company will be able to use quad-core parts where one of the processor cores does not meet quality controls.

Then, the new three-core microprocessors from AMD will be capable of hitting much higher clock speeds, as the removed or disabled core will as well minimize the heat. And last but not least, the three-core microprocessors’ prices will be somewhere between the price of a dual-core microprocessor and of a quad-core one.

This AMD desktop solution can provide a full HD experience with support for the latest and most demanding formats, including VC-1, MPEG-2 and H.264 on a mainstream PC. With the AMD Unified Video Decoder (UVD), the solution can process HD playback on the better-suited GPU rather than the CPU so consumers may enjoy a smooth HD viewing experience—less lag, stalling and dropped scenes—in the latest Blu-ray titles.

Labeled AMD Phenom X3 8400 (2.1GHz) and 8600 (2.3GHZ), the new processors are intended to be paired with the AMD 780 series chipset

"The value proposition is simple. Three cores versus two cores. You make the choice," Pat Moorehead, VP of Advanced Marketing at AMD said, according to CNET News.com. "When you've maxed out your two cores...(this is an) extra core to do background tasks," he added.

In addition, the company announced its first 65W quad-core desktop processor, the AMD Phenom X4 9100e. By coupling an AMD Phenom X4 9100e with an AMD 780 series chipset, AMD offers an efficient PC platform that plays Blu-ray movies and delivers a rich computing experience for casual gamers and multimedia enthusiasts.

Last year, things were not going well for Advanced Micro Devices Inc., as the company reported for the third financial quarter of 2007 a net loss of no less than $396 million, meaning $0.71 per share. The losses have also included a $120 million charge related to AMD’s last year acquisition of ATI Technologies.