| Q: | Who will benefit from these new energy-efficient dual-core desktop processors?
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| R: | Energy-efficient processors from AMD not only enable differentiated solutions, but are extremely conducive to developing smaller and sleeker form factors that take up less space and are designed to operate quietly. Small form factor PCs can also help cut down on energy costs and can have less impact on the environment than traditional PC form factors.
Benefiting both consumers and businesses of all sizes, energy-efficient AMD Athlon X2 processors are designed to reduce the noise and heat emitted from systems, helping extend the longevity of PCs while offering a quieter, more pleasant computing experience in offices and homes. AMD’s new line of energy-efficient 45-watt processors is particularly well suited to enabling standardized small form factors adhering to the DTX specification.
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| Q: | Will AMD desktop processors support the new ENERGY STAR PC specifications recently released?
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| R: | The introduction of 45-watt AMD Athlon X2 processors is the latest effort by AMD to enable energy-efficient platform solutions with technologies such as AMD Cool’n’Quiet™ technology. In March 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded Cool’n’Quiet technology special recognition for advancing energy-efficient computer technologies. AMD expects that systems built using energy-efficient AMD desktop processors can meet, and in many instances exceed, the new system requirements from the EPA’s ENERGY STAR Version 4 computer specification, effective July 20, 2007. |
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| Q: | What desktop applications will benefit from AMD energy efficient processors?
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| R: | Desktop applications should experience the same performance when running on comparable energy-efficient AMD processors as with the current low wattage AMD64 dual-core desktop processor offerings, but the desktop PC can use less energy to reduce the cost of its operation as well as any associated cooling requirements in its environment. AMD Athlon dual-core processors are designed for mainstream and enthusiast power users who run multiple processor-intensive applications simultaneously. AMD Athlon dual-core processors are also ideal for digital content creation and entertainment consumption.
With AMD Athlon dual-core processors, the ability to multi-task, such as creating digital content while checking and writing e-mails, while downloading audio files such as MP3s or music downloads off the Web, allows users to do more in less time. Client dual-core processors are also designed to deliver superior performance over similar single-core processors as multi-threaded applications spread from the enterprise server market to the client and consumer markets.
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| Q: | How do energy efficient AMD processors contribute to improved platform investment protection?
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| R: | Building on the leadership momentum in the blade server and general purpose server markets with the AMD Opteron™ processors, energy efficient AMD desktop processors are designed to reduce power consumption for greater performance-per-watt over AMD’s standard power desktop processors.
Energy-efficient AMD desktop processors help OEMs design small form factor (SFF) PCs that take up less space and are more aesthetic, giving them the opportunity to provide differentiated and competitive solutions to their customers.
Energy-efficient AMD Athlon dual-core processors enable system designs that are capable of reduced noise and heat emissions with extended longevity, for a quieter and more pleasant experience in their offices or living rooms. |
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| Q: | Why is AMD transitioning to new model numbers?
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| R: | Previously, AMD model numbers indicated relative performance but were unable to fully capture the step function performance of multi-core processors in many usage scenarios.
The goal with the new model numbering conventions is to better inform processor identification and thus choice, and to implement model numbering conventions that will be long lasting. AMD’s model numbering conventions allow AMD to clearly communicate product line logic, show significant leaps between brands and number of cores, and diminish our reliance on a single model numbering convention as an indicator of relative performance.
As new processors are introduced, the combination of class and model should become increasingly valuable in identifying and distinguishing AMD processors from other product offerings. |
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| Q: | When will the new product model numbers be available publicly?
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| R: | Specific new model numbers will be publicly announced as new processors are launched. The first products to launch using the new model numbering conventions will be the 45 watt energy-efficient AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processors on June 5th at Computex, the AMD Athlon X2 dual-core processor BE-2350 and AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core processor BE-2300. |
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| Q: | What desktop processor lines will transition to the new model numbering conventions? Will AMD Athlon™ FX processors be included?
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| R: | AMD plans to apply the new model numbering conventions only to new AMD Athlon™ X2 dual-core, AMD Athlon™ or AMD Sempron™ processors.
AMD plans to apply slightly different model numbering conventions to AMD Phenom™ FX processors that are similar to the same incremental progression as the previous AMD Athlon FX solutions and not to follow the new model number conventions. Consumers can expect to see AMD Phenom FX processor solutions following this trend as product enhancements continue.
Upcoming AMD Phenom FX quad-core processors may have model numbers for processors for AM2+ socket platforms as well as processors for dual-socket 1207+ platforms. |
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| Q: | In reference to the model number structure: Can you explain what the alpha symbols represent?
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| R: | The two alpha symbols in combination denote a relative class of product defining its position within the AMD Desktop portfolio.
AMD’s new model numbers are designed to give OEMs a structure to communicate a solution’s total benefits beyond performance alone. As model numbers now align to brands and number of cores, OEMs can clearly communicate the difference between processors to improve communication of value
For end users the new model numbering conventions can provide a quick, high-level look at the processor and help decide what to purchase based on their needs. |
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| Q: | Why is AMD dropping the 64? What is the significance?
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| R: | AMD pioneered simultaneous 64/32-bit x86 processor technology. Now that 64-bit processing is ubiquitous and AMD is recognized for its leadership in bringing this technology to the world, maintaining a “64” in our desktop product naming methodology is not necessary. The shortened name also simplifies product references. |
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| Q: | Will the logos for these products also change?
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| R: | No, the existing AMD Athlon processor logos will remain the same. The new AMD Athlon X2 dual-core processor remains in the AMD64 family; the logo will maintain the ‘64’ image. |
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| Q: | Will current product names change?
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| R: | No, existing products will retain their current names and model numbers. AMD customers are familiar with the current models and AMD will continue to utilize that system until it is phased out over a period of time by new product introductions. |
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| Q: | Are these new products no longer 64 bit?
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| R: | AMD remains committed to producing 64-bit processors; dropping the ‘64’ from product names does not mean any processors will regress from 64-bit. |
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