AMD FX series launched last week, but it did not meet expectations. Performance was not were it was expected, and the same thing can be said about the energy consumption. Documents form AMD reveal a new B3 stepping that might remedy some of the problems.
A stepping, is a relatively small step for a processor or any circuit really. What it means is that first you get the silicon off the drawing board, then you start troubleshooting and correct any unforeseen errors. Each time you do this you get the same circuits, but slightly better. Every time you do this you get a new stepping. Each stepping in advanced circuits like processors and graphics cards takes three to four months to make.
Bulldozer has so far been revised five times; A0, A1, B0, B1 and B2 before it was ready for retail. The normal scenario is that this process iw gone through at least three times. Documents from AMD reveal that Bulldozer – the architecture, that is also known as Family 15h will get its sixth stepping; B3, where we will hopefully see imporovements.
While a new stepping can’t bring miracles, it can bring high frequencies, lower energy consumption and an overall better experience. This could very well help put Bulldozer in a better light. However, we don’t know when the new stepping will become available, although the soonest next year.
Source: AMD (page 27)
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