Whenever is new generation of CPUs presented, either by Intel or by AMD, besides high-end models always are presented models for users that don't demand top-performance levels. There are various ways to "slow down" existing high-end core. One of those is "partial amputation" of L2 or L3 cache memory, or "total amputation" of one or more cores. In most cases faulty segments of CPU are disabled although in some cases this isn't the case. Sometimes manufacturer disables perfectly operational segments of CPU so demands for such CPUs can be met. This means that even if you bought triple-core CPU, it doesn't imply that you got 75% of fully functional quad-core. Same goes for L3 cache.