AMD raises the bar for 64-bit notebook computing

 

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By Alun Williams

Posted on 16 Aug 2005 at 17:22

AMD has released a 64-bit processor to run high-performance, desktop-replacement notebooks.

The Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ clocks 2.6 GHz and has 1MB of level 2 cache. It also has such AMD features as PowerNow! (for battery management), HyperTransport (for reducing I/O bottlenecks) and Enhanced Virus Protection (for trapping buffer overflow attacks).

Note that the x86-based chip can run existing 32-bit applications seamlessly, but the 64-bit registers mean that it can process more data each clock cycle and address a wider range of memory.

'Since 2003, AMD has been leading the way to pervasive 64-bit mobile computing, offering open-standard AMD64 technology for a diverse range of high-performance mobile PCs,' said Chris Cloran, director of AMD's Mobile Division. 'The new Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ provides a foundation for building the fastest, most feature-rich 64-bit notebooks available today.'

Available immediately, the Mobile AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ is priced at $382, based on 1,000-unit quantities. The previous top of the range model, the 3700+, remains priced at $278.

At the value end of the market, AMD has also released a few new Mobile Sempron processors. The 3300+ is priced at $125, and the equivalent offering for a thin and light notebook is priced at $134. The 'thin and light' 3100+ is also listed at $107.

For full pricing details of the AMD range see www.amd.com/pricing.
please visit: http://www.amd.com/pricing.

Fujitsu Siemens is among those committed to using the new chip - it will feature in a new AMILO A1667G notebook, which is expected to be available in Europe next month.