In an effort to rain on Intel's IDF parade, AMD has confirmed the rumors regarding its plans to release a six-core desktop processor in 2010. Codenamed 'Thuban', the upcoming AM3 processor will be made on 45nm technology, feature an integrated DDR3 memory controller and have 6MB of L3 cache.

The hexa-core Phenom (we assume the current naming scheme will be used) is going to battle Intel's Gulftown model which is slated to be introduced in Q2 next year. AMD has not provided a release time frame for Thuban but the rumors suggested the processor would debut in Q3 (2010).