Athlon 64 Processors - How they add value to your computer

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 today has re-released the Athlon 64 FX-53 processor in 939-pin format, as well as launched three new processors. Both of them have also been upgraded to a 128-bit, dual channel memory controller, just like their FX cousin. AMD has about a $500 price difference. The CPU can easily be the most expensive part of the machine, so you need to select the processor carefully.

AMD's Athlon surfaced in 1999, immediately scoring fans amongst the gaming community and driving Intel's once-astronomical prices down. But despite continued success on the desktop, AMD trudged on without an enterprise-worthy contender. AMD of course intends to offer the better chip with its dual-core Toledo. As of yet the only sure thing is that almost all socket 939 systems can be made Toledo-compatible with the help of a fresh BIOS update, while Intel's dual-core chip Pentium D is guaranteed to require new boards due to alterations of certain details - even though socket 775 hasn't changed.

For a long time Intel has been leading the market in processor sales and popularity but AMD is finally putting a stop to that. With the release of their Athlon 64 processor, with 64 bit computing capabilities, they have been slowly but surely regaining the market back from Intel. AMD Virtualization helps make it easier for PC enthusiasts to upgrade and maintain their PCs through emulation. AMD's numbering is not a measurement of clock speed. This system requires a separately purchased 64-bit operating system and 64-bit software products to take advantage of the 64-bit processing capabilities of the AMD 64 processor.

The Athlon 64 processors have been around for a while now and they have proven themselves the market leaders in processing power. As we know AMD processor run at a lot slower speeds than Intel processors making them cooler to run. This has eliminated the need for expensive cooling equipment and opened the doorway for overclocking. Although AMD hit the target by releasing their 64 bit processor long before Intel did, they are not standing still. They have been constantly upgrading their line up to increase speed and efficiency. This is apparent with their fx series processors and their dual core processors.

AMD's Athlon 64 FX is the best of these at the moment, and currently a better bet than Intel's expensive Pentium 4 Extreme Edition. Realistically, these high-end processors are for the hardcore gaming PC user only, as you really pay through the nose to get them. AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the demanding 64-bit environment and enables next-generation functionality and productivity today. AMD designed the AMD64 platform to allow end users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class performance on the 32-bit software they own today while preparing for a seamless transition to high-performance 64-bit applications.

The dual-core line of processor are the ultimate in multi-tasking. They provide the power of two processor running in unison while still being able to fit in a single processor motherboard. Although these processors are essentially two processors in one, they are rather pricy and may not be everyones cup of tea.

Intel is trying to fight back by forming an alliance with Apple. All macs are now available with Intel processors. Whether this will be profitable for Intel only time will tell. With competition growing stronger from AMD this can only mean increased benefits for the consumer. As the war between Intel and AMD intensifies, the consumer will benefit from lowered prices, and increased quality in their processors.