AMD unveils first 64bit mobile dual-core processor

AMD released details today of its 64bit mobile processor, as it plays catch-up with rival Intel to release dual-core technology for laptop computing.

Long heralded as the future of computing, processors with multiple cores enable computers to run more slowly for a given workload and therefore draw less power.

Intel stole a march on its rival by being first to market with mobile dual-cores, the Centrino Core Duos; but the new AMD chip, the Turion 64 X2, goes a step further by supporting 64bit processing.

The benefits of 64bit processing have yet to be exploited fully by software developers, but this may be set to change with Microsoft's enthusiastical development of a 64bit version of Windows Vista.

Each Turion 64 X2 core has its own 512KB L2 cache, eliminating the delays caused by two cores sharing the same cache. But one core can retrieve data from the cache 'owned' by its twin if necessary.

The CPU, which uses Cool’n’Quiet cooling technology, draws a maximum 35watts, fulfilling AMD’s recent promise to deliver energy efficient processors. Cool’n’Quiet will be incorporated into all Athlon 64 desktop processors from May onwards.

Frequencies for this new processor range from 1.6 – 2GHz and model numbers will take the format: TL-50 for the 1.6GHz model (with 2 x 256KB of cache) to the TL-60 for the 2GHz (with 2 x 512KB of cache).

AMD expects the usual slew of laptop vendors (including Acer, Fujitsu Siemens, Gateway, HP) to use this processor in their new laptop ranges.

Pricing can be found direct from AMD.