[Gizmo]

As has been observed elsewhere, the Phenom X3 is a case of "Using lemons to make lemonade". The X3 is nothing but a crippled X4. That means the X3 is no cheaper to make, but it has to sell for less than the X4. Net result: lower profit. The only way the X3 is a good decision is if the yeilds coming from the X4 line are so bad that AMD would have to throw out a substantial portion of dies otherwise, resulting in even LESS profit. Unfortunately, this is a Faustian bargain at best: when yeilds of the X4 finally get to a reasonable level, AMD still has to make the X3 available for less money than the X4, resulting in the deliberate crippling of cores that could go for more money.

I realize that is a simplistic evaluation, because an X4 core that nobody wants is worth even less than an X3 core that somebody DOES want, but I think you get my point.