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AMD confirms Trinity processor prices

AMD Trinity die shot

Competitive launch undercuts main rival Intel

AMD has announced prices for its Trinity desktop processor line-up, just hours before the chips go on sale in the UK. As expected, the entire line-up undercuts Intel’s current Core i3 range, despite performing on par with the more expensive Core i5 CPUS in many tests.

The top-end A10-5800K Black Edition has a £99 RRP, although online retailers are expected to sell them for slightly less. The quad-core APU runs at 3.8Ghz, supports AMD Turbo Core for automatic overclocking and is fully unlocked, letting you overclock either the CPU or GPU cores individually, or both at once. The locked A10-5700 should also retail for a similar price.

Slightly lower down the range, the A8-5600K black edition 3.6GHz and A8-5500 3.2GHz will be available for £79 RRP. The entry-level A4-5300 3.4GHz and A6-5400K 3.6GHz will cost £45 and £55 respectively.

The main appeal of AMD’s latest processor line-up is its on-board graphics core, which is capable of playing the latest games. Rather than spend £200 on a dedicated graphics card, you could instead stick with the integrated GPU and get much smoother frame rates than the equivalent Intel processor.

If you’re thinking of picking up one of the new processors, keep in mind that you’ll also need a new motherboard. Trinity uses the new FM2 processor socket, which isn’t backwards compatible with the FM1 socket used for Llano or the AM3+ socket used for AMD’s Phenom range. With motherboard prices expected to range between £60 and £150, the total cost of a new system could reach £275 if you opt for a high-end board.

We’ll have a full review of the new hardware later on today, so be sure to check back if you’re interested in how Trinity performs.

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