AMD offers value range
Firm introduces low-cost line of Sempron processors
AMD is championing low-cost computing with the introduction of its 'value' line of Sempron processors.
The new line is aimed squarely at value-conscious buyers of desktop and notebook PCs, and is being positioned to tackle Intel's Celeron D line of processors. The new brand immediately replaces the low-cost Duron processor and will eventually replace the Athlon XP line in 2005.
Hewlett-Packard (HP), Acer, Asus as well as system builders Medion and Twinhead are the first companies to announce support, with Sempron-powered products expected in the coming months.
AMD has introduced seven desktop Sempron processors - the 3100+, 2800+, 2600+, 2500+, 2400+, 2300+ and 2200+ - with clock speeds ranging from 1.5GHz to 2GHz. In the mobile segment, it has unveiled the Mobile AMD Sempron 2600+, 2800+ and 3000+ which are designed for full-sized notebooks.
The introduction of the Mobile Sempron 2600+ and 2800+ for thin and light notebooks is expected soon.
With cost at the heart of the Sempron line, AMD is expecting the chips to be used in desktops and notebooks costing less than $549 and $999, respectively. Prices of the desktop processors range from $39 to $126, and notebook chips prices range from $84 to $120.
This compares favourably with Intel's Celeron D desktop line, which is priced at $69 to $117. Mobile Celerons cost from $96 to $134.
"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," claimed Marty Seyer, general manager, microprocessor business unit at AMD.
"The AMD Sempron processor family provides PC users with a combination of functionality and performance for home and office productivity applications to improve their overall computing experience."
Sam Szteinbaum, vice-president of consumer computing at HP, said: "With the AMD Sempron processors, which are expected to be offered on select HP Pavilion and Compaq Presario PCs later this year, we can offer customers the right PC for their needs at a competitive price."
Users of the Mobile Semprons also will benefit from AMD's Embedded Virus Protection (EVP) technology which will work alongside the upcoming Windows XP Service Pack 2. EVP is designed to prevent certain types of viruses from replicating and spreading to other systems.
Graphics giant nVidia also cheered Sempron on, claiming that all of its desktop and mobile graphics chips will support the new range.