AMD today unleashed the AMD FX family of CPUs, delivering an unlocked and customizable experience for desktop PC users. The AMD FX series of desktop CPUs includes the first eight-core desktop processor proced at less than $245.

This marks the first retail availability of processors that use AMD’s new multi-core architecture (codenamed "Bulldozer"), which is included in AMD’s upcoming server CPU (codenamed "Interlagos") and the next-generation of AMD Accelerated Processing Units.

All AMD FX CPUs offer completely unlocked processor clock multipliers for easier overclocking, paving the way for PC enthusiasts to enjoy higher CPU speeds and related performance gains. Additionally, these processors use AMD Turbo Core Technology to dynamically optimize performance across CPU cores enabling maximum performance for intense workloads.

Starting today, the below AMD FX CPUs will be available from the company's retailers. Additional AMD FX CPUs and systems based on the AMD FX processors will be available for purchase following the initial launch.

• FX-8150: Eight cores, 3.6 GHz CPU base (3.9 GHz Turbo Core, 4.2 GHz Max Turbo), $245 suggested retail price (U.S.)
• FX-8120: Eight cores, 3.1 GHz CPU base (3.4 GHz Turbo Core, 4.0 GHz Max Turbo), $205 suggested retail price (U.S.)
• FX-6100: Six cores, 3.3 GHz CPU base (3.6 GHz Turbo Core, 3.9 GHz Max Turbo), $165 suggested retail price (U.S.)
• FX-4100: Four cores, 3.6 GHz CPU base (3.7 GHz Turbo Core, 3.8 GHz Max Turbo), $115 suggested retail price (U.S.)
  

The two separate turbo modes (Turbo Core and Max Turbo) represent the maximum speed the processor can achieve by default at different levels of load. CPU Turbo Core, the lower number, is the maximum turbo that can be achieved while all cores are active, while the higher CPU Max Turbo can be reached when only half of the cores are active.

All FX processors, regardless of core count and features, will use the existing AM3+ motherboard socket, though only current 9-series chipsets offer official support.

Without spending a small fortune, users can combine an AMD FX CPU with an AMD 9-series chipset motherboard and AMD Radeon HD 6000 series graphics cards to create the AMD "Scorpius" platform for gaming and HD entertainment. As part of the "Scorpius" platform, AMD FX CPUs also support AMD CrossFireX technology, which allows the combination of multiple graphics cards in a PC and AMD Eyefinity technology support for super resolution on up to six monitors.

According to AMD’s presentation, the flagship FX processor seems to be better than or equal to a Core i7-2600K in many benchmarks. This would make AMD competitive, particularly at a price of $245.