The processors, all built using a 45-nanometer production process, are expected to be used in new PCs offered during the holiday shopping season. Computer makers expected to build systems around the latest offerings include Acer, Dell, Hewlett-Packard, and Lenovo.
AMD's lineup includes two quad cores, the X4 605e and X4 600e; four triple cores, the X3 435, X3 425, X3 405e and X3 400e; and two dual cores, the X2 240e and X2 235e. The chips are compatible with socket AM3 and socket AM2+ motherboards.
The new products will compete against mid-range processors from Intel, such as the Core 2 Duo E7000 series and the E8000 series. Prices of the latest AMD chips range from $69 to $143 and power consumption is either 45 watts or 95 watts. CPUs with "e" in the name are listed as energy efficient.
AMD expects the processors to be used in media PCs. The chip maker pairs Athlon II chips with its ATI Radeon graphics technology, which together comprise AMD's mainstream desktop platform.
While computer makers expect to move some desktop PCs over the holiday season, laptops, particularly netbooks, have been driving the market for some time. Global PC shipments in the third quarter grew for the first time this year. Market researcher IDC pegged the growth rate at 2% from the same period last year.
InformationWeek has published an in-depth report on Dell's $3.9 billion buy of Perot Systems. Download the report here (registration required).
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