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This new socket architecture is designed to accommodate rising system bandwidth requirements and support the likes of AMD virtualisation technology and unbuffered DDR2 memory for the AMD64 architecture.

AMD also claims the AM2 socket streamlines the work for motherboard manufacturers, reducing costs through economies of scale, which in turn could increase supply chain flexibility.

'The introduction of socket AM2 is another example of AMD delivering on our customer promise, on time and with industry support from our AMD64 ecosystem,' said the corporate VP of AMD's Desktop Division, Bob Brewer. 'We are again pushing new levels of performance in our dual-core processors while enabling meaningful innovations

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like AMD Virtualisation and DDR2 memory.'

OEMs lining up to ship systems with socket AM2 processors include Alienware, Fujitsu Siemens, HP, and Lenovo. Via has also announced full chipset support for the new platform, including the VIA K8M890 for Windows Vista-ready systems, and the VIA K8T900 performance chipset with dual X8 PCI Express support.

'With Via's full range of chipsets compatible with socket AM2 platforms, we feel very confident we can offer customer-focused solutions through open industry standards and leading-edge technologies,' added Brewer.

According to AMD, the Socket AM2 processors are available immediately worldwide. In terms of pricing, the Athlon 64 FX-62, the Athlon 64 X2 5000+, and also an Athlon 64 X2 4000+, will cost $1,031, $696 and $328 respectively, with all prices based on 1,000 unit direct orders.

Note that the following Athlon 64 processors are available in both sockets 939 and AM2: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ and 3800+ processors. These Sempron processors are available in both socket 939 and AM2: the AMD Sempron 64 3000+, 3200+, 3400+, 3500+ and 3600+ processors. AMD has also transitioned the entire lineup of Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors over to the new socket AM2, while adding the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ and 4000+ dual-core processors.