AMD introduces Sempron range of value processors

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 28 Jul 2004 at 12:02

AMD has introduced its new Sempron range of 32-bit value notebook and desktop processors, a replacement of the former Duron range.

With processors becoming ever more powerful, and the range of multimedia applications increasing, the bar has been raised for what is expected of a budget computer system. AMD is targeting the Sempron at 'everyday' users that now require photo editing, movie viewing and Web conferencing, for example, as well as word processing and Web browsing.

'Today, AMD charts a new course for the industry by changing the definition of everyday computing to reflect what businesses and consumers really want to do with their PCs,' said Marty Seyer, general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. 'The AMD Sempron processor family provides PC users a winning combination of functionality and performance for home and office productivity applications to improve their overall computing experience.'

Leading the way on the desktop side will be models ranging from the 2200+ to the 3100+ (note, these model numbers are not meant to be comparable with Athlon XP numbers, but only be meaningful within the Sempron range). The 3100+ clocks 1.8GHz, the 2800+ 2.0GHz, the 2600+ 1.833 GHz, the 2500+ 1.750 GHz, the 2400+ 1.667 GHz, the 2300+ 1.583 GHz, and the 2200+ 1.5 GHz.

Sempron processors will be based on both the Socket A platform and the Socket 754 platform.

On the mobile side of the range, specifically for thin and light notebooks, the range begins with a 2600+ and 2800+ operating at 25 Watts, operating at a frequency up to 1.6GHz. For more heavy-duty notebooks, the 2600+, 2800+ and 3000+ operate at 62 Watts and clock 1.6, 1.6 and 1.8GHz respectively.

Other features include 802.11a, b and g wireless networking compatibility and Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP), as well as support for Microsoft's Data Execution Prevention in the upcoming Windows XP Service Pack 2 - the defence against buffer overflow attacks.

Acer is among the the OEMs and system builders expected to produce Sempron-based systems, which should be appearing in the Autumn.

It was at the start of the week - AMD slashes cost of 64-bit computing - that AMD rejigged its processor pricing, tidying up the Athlon XP range to make way for the Sempron processors underneath them.

You can read more about the Sempron range on the AMD website.

Where does the 'Sempron' name come from? AMD would have you believe it is derived from the Latin word semper, suggesting 'daily use, practical, and part of everyday life'.

What are your thoughts on this new value processor from AMD. Does it fit an important gap in the market? Leave a comment via the link below.