Intel Core 2 Duo Processor

The Intel Core 2 Duo processor was developed to meet the insatiable demand for increased performance from PC users running multiple intense software applications simultaneously.

In the office, PC usage has changed from data entry and word processing to e-Commerce, online collaboration, and an ever-increasing need for continual security and virus protection.

In the home, interests have shifted from low-bandwidth photos and Internet surfing to downloading and viewing high-definition videos, as well as advanced photo and video editing.

Intel�s new 45nm manufacturing technology, with hafniuminfused Hi-k transistors, enables even more processor performance by doubling the transistor density, improving efficiency and speed relative to the previous generation, and increasing cache size by up to 50 percent.

These new Intel Core 2 Duo processors deliver more performance without using more energy.

Built on the innovative Intel� Core� microarchitecture, the Intel Core 2 Duo desktop processor delivers revolutionary dual-core performance and breakthrough processor energy efficiency.

With Intel� Wide Dynamic Execution, Intel� Smart Memory Access, Intel� Advanced Smart Cache, and Intel� Digital Media Boost, this new processor is designed to do more in less time.

Additional features,which support enhanced security, virtualization, and 64-bit computing, make the Intel Core 2 Duo the most impressive processor developed for an increasingly multimedia-centered, high-definition world.

Energy Efficiency

Design changes in the Intel Core 2 Duo processors that improve performance also increase processor energy efficiency by operating at lower frequencies that require less power to run.

Intel� Intelligent Power Capability, a feature that optimizes energy usage of the processor cores, turns on computing functions only when needed. These more energyefficient processors support smaller, more capable, and quieter desktop PCs to conserve critical power resources.

Better Acoustics

Intel� Core�2 Duo processors are equipped with a Digital Thermal Sensor (DTS) that enables efficient processor and platform thermal control.

Thermal sensors located within the processor measure the maximum temperature on the die at any given time. Intel� Quiet System Technology, included in the Intel� Express Chipset families1, uses the DTS to regulate the system and processor fan speeds.

The acoustic benefit of temperature monitoring is that system fans spin only as fast as needed to cool the system, and slower spinning fans generate less noise.

Core 2 Duo

• Core microarchitecture
• Desktop CPU
• Dual coreUp to 3.33 GHz
• Up to 6 MB L2 cache
• Up to 1333 MHz FSB
• 64-bit
• Execute Disable bitSSE3, SSSE3, SSE4.1
• Virtualization
• Trusted Execution
• Socket 775

Intel History

Intel is the largest manufacturer of microprocessors in the world, and they got their start by being the brains behind the world's most advanced consumer calculator.In 1972, the Busicom high-powered business calculator was released, and it was powered by an Intel 4004 chip, Intel's first microprocessor.Shortly after, in 1974, Intel broke into the personal computer market when they put their 8080 microprocessor in the Altair 8800, the first successful personal computer ever released.In 1978, Intel struck a deal with IBM to produce the 8088 microprocessor chip to power the brand-new IBM PC for home and small business use. With an ad campaign that featured a re-creation of Charlie Chaplin's "Little Tramp" character, the IBM PC went on to be a huge success and established Intel as a premier microchip manufacturer.

Significance

In 1982, Intel released the 80286 microprocessor, which it eventually shortened to just the 286. This was the first attempt by Intel to create a microchip that could run any of the software written for previous Intel processors. Prior to the release of the 286, none of the Intel processors were backwards compatible--able to run programs written for previous generations of processors. The ability to be backwards compatible with all previous generations is now standard with Intel products. The expanded compatibility of the 286 resulted in the sale of over 15 million personal computers throughout the world.

Time Frame

The 386 generation of microprocessors was released in 1985, and it was the first processor to allow a computer to multi-task, which is the ability to run more than one program simultaneously. The programs were simple, and they were limited to only two or three at one time, but this was a huge jump in technology for home computing.The next generation 486 was released in 1989, and this processor had a built-in math co-processor that allowed it to do complicated computations at a fraction of the time of previous generations. The 486 also allowed for a wider array of colors, and it also allowed for the introduction of true point-and-click technology.Prior to the 486, it was necessary to purchase a math co-processor separately to get the maximum speed out of an Intel microprocessor.

Effects

The Pentium processor was first introduced in 1993 at speeds of 60 Mhz and 66 Mhz. It contained over 3 million transistors that greatly expanded the processor's computing capability and that increased its speed.In 2000, Intel introduced the Pentium 4 family of processors, which featured an initial speed of 1.5 Ghz.Intel continued to make design changes to the Pentium line, which included introducing dual core and quad core processors that were the equivalent of two processors in one and four processors in one.In 2009, Intel finally retired the Pentium name and introduced a new core technology called Merom.

Considerations

The Pentium line of processors was actually going to be called the 586 line, but Intel found it difficult to put patents on a product that was referred to only by a number, so they decided to use the Pentium name instead. The name "Pentium" was created by a marketing firm named Lexicon Branding in 1992 and then used by Intel in its 1993 release. The very first line of Pentium processors was not very successful. A floating point error in the processor caused it to miscalculate on a regular basis, and this prompted one of the largest recalls in the history of the computer industry. It wound up costing Intel over $450 million to recall the defective chips. To avoid the problem ever happening again, Intel created a quality control division that checks each microprocessor before it leaves the factory.

AMD Phenom II Processors

Visual Experience

Live your life in HD. AMD Phenom� II is for high definition entertainment, gaming, creativity, and beyond. With AMD Phenom� II processors as the foundation, you'll enjoy a new level of responsiveness and visual intensity. AMD puts high definition computing within everyone�s reach.

Superior technologies for HD video. Enjoy a superior high definition experience for HD videos on you PC. AMD Phenom� II processor are the powerful engine behind your fidelity, high definition video entertainment experience. Only AMD puts the Ultimate Visual Experience� for HD video within your reach.

Enjoy entertainment beyond your media library. Get HD content online, offline, wherever you want it, however you want it. Your system can handle whatever you dish out - and serve it up on screen in full, high definition glory.*
Perfect chemistry. Combine AMD Phenom� II processors and ATI Radeon� HD graphics to really see the difference. Enjoy smooth video, brilliant videos and immersive games. AMD unleashes visual clarity and responsiveness for what you want to do.

Performance

Do it all. AMD Phenom� II processors have the power to do it all. Featuring next-generation quad-core design, they crush even the most demanding tasks. So design it, render it, play it, create it, stream it, HD it.* With AMD Phenom� II processors, if you can imagine it, you can do it.

Energy Efficient

Make a choice you can feel good about. AMD Phenom� II processors were designed with energy efficiency in mind. Capitalizing on AMD's leadership in energy efficiency, they incorporate all of the latest technology that gives you performance when you need it and save power when you don�t.

AMD Athlon X2

Take multi-tasking to a whole new level with the AMD Athlon� X2 dual-core processor

AMD Athlon� X2 dual-core processors put the power of dual-core technology on the desktop. Dual-core processors contain two processing cores, residing on one chip, that perform calculations on two streams of data to increase efficiency and speed while running multiple programs and the new generation of multi-threaded software. For end-users this means a significant increase in response and performance when running multiple applications simultaneously.

Better Multi-Tasking Means Increased Office Productivity

Productivity in today�s workplace requires smooth, efficient and seamless multi-tasking. AMD Athlon� X2 dual-core processors deliver TRUE multi-tasking, allowing users to switch from one program to another without always pausing for the computer to catch up and reducing annoying processing pauses.

Setting the Pace in Digital Media

Digital media software demands simultaneous processing of data streams, the perfect use for the incredible multi-tasking power of AMD64 dual-core technology. Dual-core technology is like having two processors working together, each one taking care of different applications, so power-users can actually experience greater performance when multiple applications are running. Digital media enthusiasts can usher in the next generation of digital media software for amazing high-definition video and photo editing, content creation, and audio mixing. With an AMD Athlon� X2 dual-core processor, your PC can perform up to 80% faster than an AMD Athlon� 4000+ processor on the latest power-hungry digital media software applications.

Get more Power using less Power

Energy-efficient AMD processors with AMD PowerNow!� Technology (Cool�n�Quiet� Technology) enable smaller, sleeker, more energy-efficient PC�s. In March 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded AMD PowerNow!� Technology (Cool�n�Quiet� Technology) special recognition for the advancement of 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.

All the Proven Benefits of AMD64 Technology

Enhanced Virus Protection with Windows� XP Service Pack 2 and Vista� Enhanced Virus Protection is a feature enabled by AMD64 technology. Enhanced Virus Protection in conjunction with modern operating systems can help prevent the spread of certain viruses, like MSBlaster and Slammer to significantly reduce the cost and down-time associated with similar viruses and improve the protection of computers and personal information against certain PC viruses.

AMD Athlon Processor Architecture Performance

HyperTransport� Technology can increase overall system performance by reducing I/O bottlenecks, increasing system bandwidth, and reducing system latency. A fully integrated memory controller helps speed access to memory by giving the processor a direct connection to the main memory. As a result, end users can enjoy quicker application loading and extraordinary application performance.

Ready for the 64-bit future

Like all the processors in the AMD64 family, AMD Athlon� X2 dual-core processors are designed for people who want to stay at the forefront of technology and for those who depend on their PCs to keep them connected, informed, and entertained. Systems based on AMD64 processors can deliver leading-edge performance for demanding productivity and entertainment software today and in the future.

With AMD64 technology, AMD Athlon� X2 dual-core processors are fully compatible with existing software, while enabling a seamless transition to 64-bit applications. Both 32- and 64-bit applications can run simultaneously and transparently on the same platform. AMD64 technology enables new, cinematic computing experiences and capabilities, in addition to increased performance. AMD64 technology allows end users to take advantage of new innovations such as real-time encryption, more life-like games, accurate speech interfaces, cinema-quality graphic effects, and easy-to-use video and audio editing.

AMD Turion

Enhanced Memory and Processing

With true multi-core technology, notebook PCs based on AMD Turion� X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors and AMD Turion� X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processors can deliver significantly greater bandwidth with support for power-optimized HyperTransport� 3.0 Technology and PCI Express� 2.0, increasing data throughput and improving system performance while helping to extend battery life.

Next-Generation Power Management

Get long battery life with performance on demand. Enhanced AMD PowerNow!� Technology dynamically switches performance states (processor core voltage and operating frequency) based on processor performance requirements enabling today's more mobile and demanding PC user to extend battery life. With AMD Dynamic Power Management, each processor core, and the integrated memory controller and HyperTransport� Technology controller are powered by a dedicated voltage plane to give you the performance you need while multitasking on the go. Independent Dynamic Core Technology extends battery life by dynamically optimizing the operating frequency for each core in the processor based on end-user application needs. And AMD CoolCore� Technology extends notebook usage while on battery by turning off processor features that are not being used.

Range Of Products Provide Smarter Choices For The Money

Choose the right performance for your mobile lifestyle. Mobile solution options include AMD Turion� X2 Ultra Dual-Core Mobile Processors, which are designed to enable extreme performance and mobility, and AMD Turion� X2 Dual-Core Mobile Processors, which deliver exceptional performance and long battery life. All to give more choices to today's more mobile PC users.

The Security And Reliability You Want With The Value You Expect For The Long-Term

Run the 32-bit applications of today and the 64-bit applications of tomorrow. Get the advantage of today's powerful applications in a power-efficient notebook PC with the forward-thinking technology to support the advanced applications of the future. Take comfort in security innovations such as Enhanced Virus Protection.

AMD Sempron Processor

AMD Sempron� Processor Overview

The AMD Sempron� processor performs at the top of its class when running the home and business applications most. The AMD Sempron� processor�s full-featured capabilities can include AMD64 Technology, HyperTransport� technology, up to 256KB total high-performance cache, One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 1600MHz full duplex system bus technology, and an integrated DDR2 memory controller.

The AMD Sempron� processor provides the productivity enhancing performance you need for your everyday applications. It runs over 60,000 of the world�s most popular applications, so you can enjoy solid performance. With 35 years of design and manufacturing experience and shipments of more than 240 million PC processors, you can count on AMD to provide reliable solutions for your home or business.

Affordable - Performance

The AMD Sempron processor performs at the top of its class on the home and business applications that you need and use most.

The AMD Sempron processor is designed for day-to-day computing and beyond.

Full-Featured to Improve your Computing Experience

The AMD Sempron processor lets you enjoy a dynamic Internet experience with smooth streaming video and audio.

The AMD Sempron processor saves you time and effort; enabling your system to boot and load your applications quickly.

Applications that allow you to communicate with family, friends and colleagues will run smoothly with the AMD Sempron processor.

The AMD Sempron� processor�s advanced architectural features help ensure affordable performance and full-featured capability. These features include:

AMD64 Technology

HyperTransport technology

Up to 256KB total high-performance, full-speed cache

One 16-bit/16-bit link @ up to 1600MHz full duplex system bus technology,

Integrated DDR2 memory controller on certain models

Built-in security with Enhanced Virus Protection* that works with Microsoft� Windows� XP SP2 to help protect against viruses, worms, and other malicious attacks. When combined with protective software, Enhanced Virus Protection is part of an overall security solution that helps keep your information safer.

Enjoy full compatibility with the tools you use daily.
The AMD Sempron processor is designed to run more than 60,000 of the most popular software applications, so you can enjoy reliable performance for a wide variety of computing needs. And since the AMD Sempron processor is compatible with leading PC peripherals, it helps keep everything running smoothly.

Get more value from your PC.
The AMD Sempron processor is ideal for families, students and other budget-conscious or entry-level computer buyers. It includes the right set of features you need for day-to-day computing, and gives you more power for your money than other similar processors. This means you get a PC configured with better components such as CD drives, graphics capabilities, and more.

Reliability from an Industry Leader

AMD is an industry leader that is dedicated to enabling you to get the job done at work or at play.

AMD is constantly striving to find the right solutions for you and your home or business needs.

AMD�s superior quality and track record have long been recognized by a number of the industry�s top publications, organizations and high-tech experts. AMD products, technology, manufacturing, facilities, executives and corporate and community programs have earned a multitude of awards and recognition over the years.

For the latest performance benchmarks and detailed technical documentation of the AMD Sempron processor, please visit Benchmarks and Technical Documentation. For more product comparison information, please visit the AMD Sempron Product Comparison.

AMD Athlon� 64 Processor

AMD Athlon� 64 Processor Overview

The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the first Windows�-compatible 64-bit PC processor. The AMD Athlon 64 processor runs on AMD64 technology, a revolutionary technology that allows the processor to run 32-bit applications at full speed while enabling a new generation of powerful 64-bit software applications. Advanced 64-bit operating systems designed for the AMD64 platform from Microsoft, Red Hat, SuSE, and TurboLinux have already been announced.

With the introduction of the AMD Athlon 64 processor, AMD provides customers a solution that can address their current and future computing needs. As the first desktop PC processor to run on the AMD64 platform, the AMD Athlon 64 processor helps ensure superior performance on today�s software with readiness for the coming wave of 64-bit computing. With AMD64 technology, customers can embrace the new capabilities of 64-bit computing on their own terms and achieve compatibility with existing software and operating systems.

Enhanced Virus Protection with Windows� XP Service Pack 2 With a unique combination of hardware and software technologies that offer you an added layer of protection, certain types of viruses don't stand a chance. The AMD Athlon 64 processor features Enhanced Virus Protection, when support by the OS*, and can help protect against viruses, worms, and other malicious attacks. When combined with protective software, Enhanced Virus Protection is part of an overall security solution that helps keep your information safer.

Industry-leading performance for today�s software

It 's not just about email, Web browsing and word processing anymore. The AMD Athlon 64 processor gives you full-throttle performance to go wherever your digital world takes you. Whether you're watching videos, ripping and playing music, or playing games, AMD64 performance helps you to fully enjoy any multimedia experience with a �you are there� reality. The revolutionary architecture of the AMD Athlon 64 processor enables industry-leading performance to help maximize productivity and deliver a true-to-life digital entertainment experience. HyperTransport� technology can increase overall system performance by removing I/O bottlenecks, increasing system bandwidth, and reducing system latency. A fully integrated DDR memory controller helps speed access to memory by offering the processor a direct connection to the main memory. As a result, end users can enjoy quicker application loading and extraordinary application performance.

With 3DNow!� Professional technology and support for SSE3, the AMD Athlon 64 processor has more ways to accelerate multimedia applications, enabling stellar performance when working with audio, video, and photography software. For a superior experience with high-speed Internet, the AMD Athlon 64 processor combines high-speed memory access and I/O connectivity to help ensure that end users can fully take advantage of a broadband connection to streaming video and audio, and a riveting online gaming experience.

Ready for the 64-bit future

The AMD Athlon 64 processor is designed for people who want to stay at the forefront of technology and for those who depend on their PCs to keep them connected, informed, and entertained. Systems based on AMD Athlon 64 processors are able to deliver leading-edge performance for demanding productivity and entertainment software today and in the future.

With AMD64 technology, the AMD Athlon 64 processor is fully compatible with existing software, while enabling a seamless transition to 64-bit applications. Both 32- and 64-bit applications can run virtually simultaneously and transparently on the same platform. AMD64 technology enables new, cinematic computing experiences and capabilities, in addition to increased performance. AMD64 technology allows end users to take advantage of new innovations such as real-time encryption, more life-like games, accurate speech interfaces, cinema-quality graphic effects, and easy-to-use video and audio editing.

Protect investments with a technically superior PC processor

The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the world�s most technically advanced PC processor and the first Windows-compatible 64-bit PC processor. Advanced technologies in the AMD Athlon 64 processor include:

-AMD64 technology which doubles the number of processor registers and dramatically increases the system memory addressability

-Enhanced multimedia instructions support including 3DNow! Professional technology and SSE2/3

-With up to a 2000 MHz system bus using HyperTransport technology with up to 14.4 GB/sec total processor-to-system bandwidth

-An integrated memory controller with peak memory bandwidth of up to 6.4 GB/sec, supporting PC3200, PC2700, PC2100, or PC1600 DDR SDRAM

-Native execution of 32-bit software, allowing today�s PC software to provide leading-edge performance while enabling a seamless migration to 64-bit software

The combination of these innovations and features provides customers with performance they need along with tremendous flexibility. Customers can experience outstanding performance running today�s applications and prepare for the next generation of software without having to upgrade or change hardware. For business customers, this extends system life cycles, simplifies technology transition and reduces total cost of ownership.

Purchase with confidence

The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the only industry standard x86 processor with the ability to move beyond the limits of 32-bit computing. The AMD Athlon 64 processor is compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and tens of thousands of PC applications that people around the world use every day. The award-winning AMD Athlon XP processor won over 100 industry accolades and was the first 1GHz PC processor. Now, the AMD Athlon 64 processor reaches a new milestone by building a path to 64-bit computing for millions of PC users.

Founded in 1969, AMD has shipped more than 300 million PC processors worldwide. Customers can depend on the AMD Athlon 64 processor and AMD for compatibility and reliability. AMD processors undergo extensive testing to help ensure compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP, Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT�, Windows 2000, as well as Linux and other PC operating systems. AMD works collaboratively with Microsoft and other partners to achieve compatibility of AMD processors and to expand the capability of software and hardware products leveraging AMD64 technology. AMD conducts rigorous research, development, and validation to help ensure the continued integrity and performance of its products.

AMD Processor

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. (AMD) (NYSE: AMD) is an American multinational semiconductor company based in Sunnyvale, California, that develops computer processors and related technologies for commercial and consumer markets. Its main products include microprocessors, motherboard chipsets, embedded processors and graphics processors for servers, workstations and personal computers, and processor technologies for handheld devices, digital television, automobiles, game consoles, and other embedded systems applications.

AMD is the second-largest global supplier of microprocessors based on the x86 architecture after Intel Corporation, and the third-largest supplier of graphics processing units, behind Intel and Nvidia. It also owns 21 percent of Spansion, a supplier of non-volatile flash memory. In 2007, AMD ranked eleventh among semiconductor manufacturers in terms of revenue.

Advanced Micro Devices was founded on May 1, 1969, by a group of former executives from Fairchild Semiconductor, including Jerry Sanders III, Ed Turney, John Carey, Sven Simonsen, Jack Gifford and three members from Gifford's team, Frank Botte, Jim Giles, and Larry Stenger. The company began as a producer of logic chips, then entered the RAM chip business in 1975. That same year, it introduced a reverse-engineered clone of the Intel 8080 microprocessor. During this period, AMD also designed and produced a series of bit-slice processor elements (Am2900, Am29116, Am293xx) which were used in various minicomputer designs.

During this time, AMD attempted to embrace the perceived shift towards RISC with their own AMD 29K processor, and they attempted to diversify into graphics and audio devices as well as EPROM memory. It had some success in the mid-80s with the AMD7910 and AMD7911 "World Chip" FSK modem, one of the first multistandard devices that covered both Bell and CCITT tones at up to 1200 baud half duplex or 300/300 full duplex. While the AMD 29K survived as an embedded processor and AMD spinoff Spansion continues to make industry leading flash memory, AMD was not as successful with its other endeavors. AMD decided to switch gears and concentrate solely on Intel-compatible microprocessors and flash memory. This put them in direct competition with Intel for x86 compatible processors and their flash memory secondary markets.

AMD announced a merger with ATI Technologies on July 24, 2006. AMD paid $4.3 billion in cash and 58 million shares of its stock for a total of US$5.4 billion. The merger completed on October 25, 2006 and ATI is now part of AMD.