AMD Sets Record for Overclocking New 8-Core Processor + Giveaway

I remember back when I was a gamer, and I used to build computers, “Overclocking” was a big thing. Everyone wanted to make their processors work harder than they were supposed to to make their computers even faster. Well, overclocking did not go away. There are plenty out there that still do it!

What is Overclocking?

Overclocking is the process of running a computer component at a higher clock rate (more clock cycles per second) than it was designed for or was specified by the manufacturer, usually practiced by enthusiasts seeking an increase in the performance of their computers. Some purchase low-end computer components which they then overclock to higher clock rates, or overclock high-end components to attain levels of performance beyond the specified values. Others overclock outdated components to keep pace with new system requirements, rather than purchasing new hardware.^[1] (From Wikipedia).

Well now computer processor manufacturer AMD has broken a Guinness World Record for the “Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor,” by overclocking the upcoming 8-core AMD FX desktop processor.

Well, I'm sorry…. just knowing that it is an 8-core processor for the desktop makes me drool all on it's own! And, add to that the overclocking. That is one BAD processor. I don't even know what I would do with that. I might have to play a game, while editing a video, while burning a DVD, while editing in Photoshop, while downloading music, while watching Netflix all at the same time. LOL!

Read the full press release at the bottom of this post.

The Giveaway

To celebrate, AMD is giveaway away 4 laptops to some of our followers. The laptop is an updated model of the HP Pavilion dm1z that I reviewed before. This one has a faster processor and is souped up with Beats Audio!

All you have to do to enter to win is tweet the following:

RT @LittleTechGirl #AMD earns Guinness Record for World’s Highest Frequency Computer. RT for a chance to win a laptop!

Click here to read the full rules.

The giveaway will end tomorrow, Wednesday September 14^th at 5 pm PST. Winners will be notified via Twitter!

Good luck!!

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NEWS RELEASE                                  

AMD Showcases World’s Fastest CPU

– AMD FX CPU inducted into Guinness Book of World Records –

SUNNYVALE, Calif. — Sept. 13, 2011 — A longtime favorite of performance enthusiasts and overclockers around the world, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced it has achieved the Guinness World Record for the “Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor,” by overclocking the upcoming 8-core AMD FX desktop processor.

“The record-breaking processor speed that resides in the AMD FX CPU clearly demonstrates performance gains for  the new AMD ‘Bulldozer’ multi-core architecture, which will provide x86 computing power for this CPU and future AMD Accelerated Processing Units,” said Chris Cloran, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Group at AMD. “Along with world-record frequencies, the AMD FX processor will enable an unrivaled enthusiast PC experience for the money – extreme multi-display gaming, mega-tasking and HD content creation.”

The AMD FX CPU, set to launch in the fourth quarter of 2011, achieved a top speed of 8.429 GHz, surpassing the previous record of 8.308 GHz. The record was set on Aug. 31, 2011, in Austin, Texas, by “Team AMD FX,” a group comprised of elite overclocking specialists working alongside top AMD technologists, who will also be named in the Guinness World Records.

“We applaud AMD for their entry into Guinness World Records^® for achieving the Highest Frequency of a Computer Processor,” said Freddie Hoff, adjudicator for Guinness World Records, who is presenting the award today at the AMD Fusion Zone, a technology showcase in San Francisco, Calif. “We congratulate everyone involved in this record-breaking achievement.”

The record marks another accomplishment in the storied history of the FX brand, which represents amazing, unrestrained PC experiences that users can see and feel. All FX branded products, including the upcoming AMD FX CPU, will offer completely unlocked processor clock multipliers for easier PC enthusiast overclocking, and include exclusive AMD software through the AMD VISION Engine to fine-tune system performance. For FX branded processors, AMD has removed all the stops to enable a fully unlocked experience, giving overclockers and PC enthusiasts complete customization and flexibility.

Supporting Resources

• Watch “Team AMD FX” secure the Guinness World Record and read a recap of the action.
• Check out the computer hardware performance database at HWBot.org.
• Follow AMD on Twitter at @AMD_Unprocessed for the latest AMD FX CPU updates.

Note:  AMD’s product warranty does not cover damages caused by overclocking. Extreme overclocking with liquid helium and liquid nitrogen should only be attempted by professional overclockers.

About AMD

AMD (NYSE: AMD) is a semiconductor design innovator leading the next era of vivid digital experiences with its groundbreaking AMD Fusion Accelerated Processing Units (APUs) that power a wide range of computing devices. AMD’s server computing products are focused on driving industry-leading cloud computing and virtualization environments. AMD’s superior graphics technologies are found in a variety of solutions ranging from game consoles, PCs to supercomputers. For more information, visit http://www.amd.com.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, Radeon and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Disclosure: I am posting this info as part of my involvement with AMD as an AMD Tech Mom.