AMD Athlon™ X2 Dual-Core Processor Product Brief

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 Cool‘n’Quiet™ technology enable smaller, sleeker, more energy-efficient PC’s. In March 2005, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) awarded 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 VistaTM 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 viruses¹.

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.

Purchase with Confidence
Founded in 1969, AMD has shipped more than 240 million PC processors worldwide. Customers can depend on AMD64 processors and AMD for compatibility and reliability. AMD processors undergo extensive testing to help ensure compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP, Vista, Windows NT®, Windows 2000, as well as Linux and other PC operating systems. AMD works collaboratively with Microsoft and other ecosystem 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.

¹ Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) is only enabled by certain operating systems including the current versions of Microsoft^® Windows^®, Linux, Solaris and BSD Unix. After properly installing the appropriate operating system release, users must enable the protection of their applications and associated files from buffer overrun attacks. Consult your OS documentation for information on enabling EVP. Contact your application software vendor for information regarding use of the application in conjunction with EVP. AMD and its partners strongly recommend that users continue to use third party anti-virus software as part of their security strategy.

© 2008 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. All rights reserved. AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, and combinations thereof, and are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. HyperTransport is a licensed trademark of the HyperTransport Technology Consortium. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of, and Vista is a trademark of, Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.