AMD's plan to offer Phenom X4 quad-core processors based on its Socket AM2+ interconnect in Q4 then follow them with Socket AM3 models in Q1 2009, is well known. Until now, though, we didn't know the model numbers.

According to motherboard moles cited by Chinese-language site HKEPC, the AM2+ parts will be called the 20350 and the 20550. They are clocked at 2.8GHz and 3GHz, respectively, and both contain 6MB of L3 cache. The support 1067MHz DDR 2 memory.

These are 45nm 'Deneb' chips. Interestingly, the lesser model, the 20350, is said to be an AM3 part, but that contradicts comment elsewhere in the HKEPC story that AM3 will debut early in 2009. Presumably, AMD will release the part to system builders in Q4, though the formal launch will come in January.

AM3 Phenom X4 20000-series parts will be joined by the 16000 line, codenamed 'Propus', a quad-core architecture that lacks any L3 cache.

There will be Phenom X3 Socket AM3 CPUs out next year too: the 6MB L3 'Heka' 14000 series, and 'Rana', which will ship as the 12000 series and lack L3 cache.

Given the DDR 3-fueled superiority of the AM3 lines, presumably the first AM3 6MB L3 CPUs will be the 20400 and the 20600, to give them that all-important model-number lift over the AM2+ 20350 and 20550.

AMD Phenom X3 and X4 shoot-out