AMD gives budget computers more power

AMD is going to give budget computers a performance boost with the new Sempron line of processors.

This will replace the Duron and will be available for both desktop and notebook computers.

Both AMD and Intel produce budget chips that take technology from the more powerful models but are cheaper to make.

The Sempron processors will keep the 32-bit technology but have more of a special kind of memory called cache. Cache radically improves performance when working with music and video. Games will also see an improvement.

The Sempron will run faster than the Duron processors offering a greater advantage. Sempron will use the same motherboards as the faster Athlon chips so it is possible to upgrade and improve performance without having to buy a new computer.

In a move that mirrors Intel's, AMD has decided to name the new chips with a model number rather than the performance rating from the Athlon XP range.

The Sempron will be released in the second half of this year.