Munich  - Chip maker AMD is preparing a new line of microprocessors that feature the introduction of triple-core chips. The five new processors, aimed at consumers, will be released as part of the Phenom line of microprocessors and will be dubbed Phenom II, says AMD.

In addition to three quad-core chips running at from 2.5 to 2.6 Gigahertz (GHz), AMD will release two processors with three cores. The Phenom II X3 710 runs at 2.6 GHz per core, while the Phenom II X3 720 Black Edition ups the speed to 2.8 GHz per core and is designed to allow users to "overclock" the chips using AMD Overdrive, a software program. Overclocking refers to running the chips at speeds higher than those for which they were designed.

The new quad-core and triple-core chips will fit on existing AMD motherboards that have an AM2+ or AM3 socket. The processors will support today's DDR2 and DDR3 memory chips, which should help keep the cost down for system builders and allow users of current-generation computers to upgrade their systems with the new processors. (dpa)