AMD shows two sides of the Athlon processor

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 21 Feb 2007 at 11:40

AMD has shown two different faces of the Athlon range with new chip releases: environmentally-friendly, energy-conscious single-core Athlon 64 3000+ models and a no-holds-barred, high-performance dual-core Athlon 64 X2 6000+.

As well as the X2 dual-core processor 6000+, which is aimed squarely at high-end systems, AMD has released two new low-power chips, the single-core, 45-watt 3500+ and 3800+.

While the former is based on 90nm process technology, the latter can boost their performance-per-watt ratings courtesy of 65nm technology - less power is required to drive the more closely packed circuit lines.

The Athlon 64 X2 6000+, which runs at 3.0GHz, is priced at $464. The rather cheaper Athlon 64 3500+ and 3800+ are priced at $88 and $93, respectively. They run at 2.2 and 2.4GHz.

Full pricing info for the AMD range can be found here, based on 1,000-unit direct orders.

The usual AMD-friendly OEMs - such as Voodoo, Alienware and Fujitsu Siemens - are expected to have machines based on the new chips available for sale immediately.

'We expect that our commercial and consumer customers, as well as end-users, will be pleased with both the low noise and small form factor designs possible using this latest generation of energy-efficient desktop processors,' said Bob Brewer, corporate VP of AMD's Desktop Division.

Not forgetting the new X2: 'AMD remains a leading-edge provider of technology that offers end-users the performance they seek, while delivering the unwavering level of quality they have come to expect from AMD,' he added.