AMD has added a new desktop processor to its A-Series Fusion processors. The A6-3500 runs three 2.1GHz cores along with a 444MHz Radeon HD 6530D for integrated graphics still fast enough to handle 1080p video and some games. Turbo technology bumps the speed of the main cores up to 2.4 GHz.
The new chip supports DDR3 1333 memory, HDMI 1.4a for video out, and consumes 65 watts (TDP). Spec-wise, it's the same as the previously launched A6-3600 but running one less core and using a slightly smaller 3MB of cache as a result.
The A6 series is based on the 32nm Llano architecture, which integrates processing and graphics on the same die. It's meant to compete with Intel's second generation Core i3, i5, and i7 Sandy Bridge processors by producing faster graphics regardless of the performance underneath.
AMD has been quite successful with its Fusion processors in their early months. A recent IDC report showed that the company, helped by the combined CPU/GPUs, gained about 1.5 percent of share in the market at the expense of Intel.
Priced at $95, the A6-3500 targets desktop computers for mainstream consumers and entry-level gamers. The hardware is available as of today from system builders and retailers.
