AMD Turion 64 X2 at 65nm

AMD today delivered a much-needed upgrade to its mobile Turion 64 X2 chips with the advent of new models built on a 65 nanometer process. The smaller CPU die lets the processors run cooler, consume less power, and also improve performance; the semiconductor firm hasn't released benchmarks but should be closer to Intel's Core architecture.

Also integral to the new chips is the M690 platform, AMD says. The mainboard chipset allows the updated Turion 64 X2 to enter a low-power mode named display cache that avoids accessing system memory, raising battery life to a full five hours. Systems using integrated graphics also get a boost with Radeon X1200 video built-in that can outperform Intel's current GMA 950 in games and Windows Vista's Aero Glass interface.

aMD hasn't announced specific clock speeds or system partners, but expects many of the companies that already use its Turion chips to release updated notebooks with the faster, cooler CPUs later in the spring. Some systems will also have the option of 802.11n wireless networking through a special Broadcom chipset.

By Electronista Staff