AMD released today a new 'C3' revision of its flagship desktop processor, the Phenom II X4 965. Whilst still clocking in at 3.4GHz and carrying the same amount of cache, the main difference with this new revision is the fact that its TDP has been lowered to 125 watts; 15 watts less than the first revision. With the lower TDP comes a lower voltage; 1.4v, .875v down from the first 965.

Further to this, AMD reports that this processor will have no issues when running four sticks of 1333MHz memory. Also, the C1E support has been improved and better allows the system to switch power states faster with less impact on performance.

It's been said that right off the bat this processor will sell for $195, less than what the first 965 cost when it was launched ($245).

With the launch of the refresh comes a bunch of coverage surfacing where the first and second generation chips are put side by side to see if the improvements are worthwhile :-

- Overclockers Club
- Lostcircuits
- Planet3DNow (Translated)
- Benchmark Reviews
- Pureoverclock
- Neoseeker

I'll be sure to update the above list as more relative content comes in over the next 12 hrs or so.