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Guide to AMD® Desktop Processors for Personal Computers
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Processor Micro-Architecture
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Details
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| AMD Family 10h/K10/Stars | AMD Family
10h (or K10 or "Stars") comprises the 65 nanometre (65nm)
"Barcelona" server processors and the "Stars" family of desktop
processors. Delivering overall about 15% better performance and
efficiency than the AMD 64/K8 architecture, AMD Family 10h has being
released in a revised
Socket AM2+
format. "Stars" models include the quad-core and tri-core Phenom
models. 45nm versions will be released in January 2009. They will boost performance about 10% and cut processor power consumption by up to more than 40% depending upon scenario. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) will not be a contender for the ultra-high end performance crown anytime soon; Intel's "Penryn" family of processors is superior to anything AMD has to offer in the high end consumer sector. AMD will likely fall further behind Intel in that arena with the release of Intel "Nehalem" in late 2008. |
| AMD 64/K8™ | AMD64/K8 is Advanced Micro Devices'
2003 vintage micro-architecture. Models include the Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX/Quad FX, Athlon X2, and Sempron families. Released in 2003 with an integrated memory controller, K8
proved to be an excellent 64-bit and 32-bit solution. In April
2005, AMD released the Athlon 64 X2 series, their first dual core processor from this
architecture. Though Athlon 64 X2 and related models were at one
time overall superior to Intel products, AMD 64/K8 has
been far-surpassed by competing Intel Core™
technology. Phase-out of most 90 nanometre (90nm) K8 consumer processors has been completed. 65nm K8 processors will remain available through 2009 with final phase-out expected in late 2010 or 2011. |
| AMD Black Edition Processors | AMD Black Edition™ models are offered from both micro-architectures listed above. AMD Black Edition processors feature an unlocked core multiplier allowing easy custom configuration of processor performance in like manner to Intel Core 2 Extreme models but at a fraction of the price. AMD Black Edition models such as Athlon 64 X2 5400+ BE and Phenom X4 9950 BE are ideal for enthusiasts who want to get the most out of their computing experience. |
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Quad-Core Processors
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Details
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| Phenom
X4 9000 Socket AM2+ After a rough start, AMD Phenom X4 processors are now decent alternatives to Intel Core 2 Quad products. Models listed at right are excellent choices when priced appropriately. |
The Phenom
X4 9000 series is AMD's mainstream "Agena" native quad-core
processor family. All have 512KB L2 cache RAM per core and 2MB
shared L3 cache. AMD's latest Phenom, the overclockable X4 9950 Black Edition, is well positioned in the mainstream but has much higher power consumption than equivalent performing Intel competition. The following list shows model number, core clock frequency, Thermal Design Power (TDP) in watts, and AMD Business Class nomenclature, if applicable:
Phenom
X4 9000 (65nm "Agena")
9350e 2.0 GHz
65W 45nm Phenom X4 models will be released in the first quarter of 2009. Online reports show substantially lower power requirements and about a 10% performance improvement. This will bring Phenom close to the Intel "Penryn" family in mainstream performance. |
| Phenom FX Socket AM3
This line (now due H1 2009) has been repeatedly postponed due to marketing obstacles presented by Intel Corporation's superior CPU performance at the high end. |
The Phenom FX series is expected late in the first half of 2009 after AMD transitions to 45nm technology. Code-named "Deneb FX", Phenom FX is scheduled to replace the defunct Athlon 64 FX and Quad FX enthusiast families. |
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Tri-Core Processors
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Details
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| Phenom
X3 8000 Socket AM2+
Phenom X3 models are good lower-cost alternatives for multi-core shoppers.
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The Phenom
X3 8000 series is an industry first; a triple-core processor made by disabling one quarter of a quad-core Phenom
X4 CPU.
All models have a total of 1.5 MB L2 Cache (512 KB/core) and 2 MB shared L3
Cache. Phenom
X3 8000 (65nm "Toliman" - 95W TDP except as noted)
8450e 2.1 GHz 65W |
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Dual-Core Processors
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Details
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| Athlon
6000 Socket AM2+ New AMD K10 processors derived from the Phenom X4. |
This series
appears to initially be a 65nm Phenom X4 with two disabled cores,
leaving one megabyte total L2 Cache plus two megabytes L3 Cache.
Early reports show the first model, the 6500 Black Edition, to be very
overclockable (to over 3.0 GHz) and capable of excellent gaming performance. But
it is not as efficient as similar offerings from competitor Intel or
even AMD's own Athlon 64 X2 models. Hopefully, forthcoming 45nm
models will be much improved with reduced power consumption and
better performance. Athlon (65nm "Kuma" - 95W TDP) 6500 2.3 GHz Black Edition |
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Athlon X2 Dual Core Socket AM2
Athlon 64 X2 65 watt processors are excellent choices for entry level and mainstream systems at low prices. AMD have continued to refine this micro-architecture by reducing power consumption. The Athlon X2 45 watt series are excellent high efficiency processors. The 4050e through 4850e are ideal for basic to intermediate home users, home theatre systems, and are perfect for business fleet purchases. Energy savings with these models can be substantial. |
The AMD64/K8
Athlon X2 and
Athlon 64 X2 series
are AMD's
dual-core microprocessor
lines for home and office desktop PCs. Very power efficient when AMD Cool'n'Quiet is enabled, the X2 line remains competitive in the lower and middle mainstream desktop category. Presently, the 45 watt TDP Athlon X2 series are the most efficient low-cost dual core processors available from Dell and other OEMs when combined with or AMD 780G series motherboards with integrated graphics. They are ideal for businesses and for the majority of home users not needing advanced features. AMD is phasing out their "64" and "+" nomenclature. All modern processors are 64-bit capable and the long-used "+" processor rating is no longer accurate or needed. Following is a partial listing of Athlon 64 X2 and Athlon X2 processors with links to NewEgg prices. Information displayed includes the model number, internal clock speed, total on-chip Level 2 Cache memory, Thermal Design Power (TDP) in watts (W) if different from the primary category listing, and alternate CPU names for AMD Business Class, if applicable. Due to marketing of AMD Business Class and the renaming scheme, some of the following processors are duplicated. For example, the 5400B is identical to the 5400+. Athlon 64 X2 (90nm
"Windsor") Athlon 64 X2 (65nm
"Brisbane"
- 65W TDP except as noted) For higher efficiency for basic computers and in business fleets, the following 45 watt processors are recommended:
Athlon X2 (65nm "Brisbane" - 45W TDP) The following "Brisbane" models, though technically discontinued, are still available from a limited number of OEMs (including Dell via their Inspiron 531/531s) and may occasionally be sold by Newegg from tray processor distribution.
4800+ 2.5 GHz 1MB |
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Sempron
Dual Core Socket AM2
Note: Athlon X2 processors are better buys than the Sempron dual core line. |
The Sempron DC 2100 in most respects
performs similar to the Celeron Dual Core E1200. This model is
not common in the United States. Sempron Dual Core (65nm "Brisbane" - 65W TDP) DC-2100 1.8 GHz 512KB |
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Single-Core Processors
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Details
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Athlon LE Socket AM2 Good high performance/high efficiency single core processors. |
In 2003, the single core Athlon 64 revolutionized the PC industry as the first economical 64 bit capable processor for the home and home office computer.
The higher efficiency Athlon LE is the newest version.
Amazingly, this series is still favored by gamers on a tight
budget. Athlon (65nm "Lima" - 45W TDP) LE-1660 2.8 GHz 512KB Athlon LE (65nm
"Orleans" - 45W TDP) |
| Sempron
LE Socket AM2
Budget processors for entry-level computers. |
The Sempron is AMD's entry-level single-core processor. Most commonly offered in Socket AM2 format, current production Sempron processors are 64-bit capable
but have reduced onboard Level 2 Cache memory. Low voltage models are known as Sempron LE. Sempron LE (65nm "Sparta" - 45W TDP) LE-1300 2.3 GHz 512KB LE-1250 2.2 GHz 512KB LE-1200 2.1 GHz 512KB |
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| Upcoming processors and technologies: | AMD will introduce
faster and more efficient 45 nm technology processors from the
K10 Micro-architecture in the
first quarter of 2009.
Core nicknames are "Deneb" and "Propus". AMD have announced their next architecture will be nicknamed "Bulldozer". Some models will feature a fully integrated graphics product in the processor core known as "Fusion". Bulldozer and Fusion are expected in early 2010. Due to economic conditions, AMD is splitting into two companies. Their manufacturing division is being moved to Abu Dhabi, UAE. The deal was necessary due to the high-cost of fabrication foundries. It is subject to U.S. Government approval. |
10/07/2008
Primary market and production information sources include:
http://www.amd.com
http://www.dailytech.com
http://www.digitimes.com
http://www.hkepc.com
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