AMD Dual Core Turion 64 X2 Review
Now that laptops powered by AMD Turion 64 X2 (code name Taylor) has arrived lot of hype and news is doing rounds on the internet and it is right time to know completely about the new dual core Turions. Tom’s hardware has reviewed the AMD Dual Core Turion 64 X2. Turion 64 X2 is AMD’s 64-bit dual-core mobile processor, intended to compete with Intel’s Core Duo (yonah) and Core 2 Duo (merom) processors. These processors also feature AMD Virtualization Technology which is equal to Intel Viiv Technology. The processors are available in four model i.e TL-50: 1600 MHz (256 KB L2 Cache per core), TL-52: 1600 MHz (512 KB L2 Cache per core), TL-56: 1800 MHz (512 KB L2 Cache per core) and TL-60: 2000 MHz (512 KB L2 Cache per core).
Specifications of Turion 64 X2 (code name Taylor):
- Dual AMD64 core
- L1 cache: 64 + 64 KB (data + instructions) per core
- L2 cache: 256 or 512 KiB per core, fullspeed
- Memory controller: dual channel DDR2-667 MHz
- MMX, Extended 3DNow!, SSE, SSE2, SSE3, AMD64, PowerNow!, NX Bit
- Socket S1, HyperTransport (800 MHz, HT800)
- Power consumption (TDP): 31, 33, 35 Watt max
- Clock rate: 1600, 1800, 2000 MHz
Turion 64 X2 Block Diagram:
Photos of Turion 64 X2 along with Turion 64 ( note the form factor):
Socket of Turion 64 X2
Though AMD has not landed a great coup with the Turion 64 X2, the first 64 bit CPU with two execution units for laptops, the engineers in Dresden and Sunnyvale deserve commendation. They have succeeded in developing a laptop CPU that provides considerably more performance than its single-core predecessor Turion 64, but whose power consumption is the same or only slightly higher. However, compared to an Intel platform based on the Core Duo and the company’s own GM 945 chipset, the combination of AMD CPU and ATI chipset is inferior in terms of battery time and multitasking performance. Therefore, under equal conditions, it can only be regarded as the second choice - if it is worth getting at all. The Core Duo 2, Intel’s next generation of laptop processors is already at hand, and first measurements show that the Core Duo 2 is even more powerful while not consuming more power.
However, this should not prevent potential laptop buyers from purchasing a Turion 64 X2 laptop. After all, a Turion 64 X2 laptop, like the MSI S271 or HP Compaq nx6325, also provides that “dual-core experience” with almost no delays when switching between concurrently running applications.
In our opinion, the most critical issue is that AMD has, for the first time, lost a vital sales proposition for its processors, namely the price advantage. Nevertheless, we continue to encourage users to purchase AMD laptops. Otherwise, Intel may become a second Waterloo for all users, relegating AMD laptop processors to the dustbins of history.
The complete article can be read here.
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[...] AMD is lashing out at Intel with its Turion X2 based dual core laptops as they are cheaper by around USD $150 when compared to a equivalent Intel Core 2 Duo (merom) based laptops. Recently Turion X2 was reviewed and what we can find is that it is not very slow performer; with the current price advantage it is definitely a good buy (value for money) right now. [...]
[...] AMD will introduce 65nm Turion 64 X2 code named Tyler by Q2 2007. The expected TDP of these new processors based on 65nm manufacturing is expected to be around 25W. Tyler will support DDR2 800 MHz and will be based on Socket S1 but as of now the clock speeds are not yet known. Looks like AMD is working real hard to compete with Intel’s Santa Rosa Platform. Technorati Tags: 65nm, AMD, dual core, santa rosa, turion, turion 64 x2, tylerShare and Enjoy:These icons link to social bookmarking sites where readers can share and discover new web pages. [...]