AMD Launches Low-Power Geode Processors

AMD has announced new low-power processors, designed to be used in thin and light electronic devices.

In conjunction with the introduction of its new Performance-Power Rating, AMD Monday announced a new line of low-power, high-performance AMD Geode processors, the AMD Geode NX 1500@6W processorand the AMD Geode NX 1750@14W processor. In addition to introducing the AMD Geode NX processors, AMD is renaming the current AMD Geode GX2 processor to AMD Geode GX 533@1.1W processor**. Also,available is the AMD Geode GX 466@0.9W processor and the AMD Geode 500@1.0W processor. The new naming system is based on the Performance-Power Rating that emphasizes the importance of the balancebetween performance and power for the embedded x86 processor market.

AMD Geode Solutions Model Numbers
AMD Geode Solutions are part of AMD’s strategy to be the only processor manufacturer to offer assets, resources and vision for delivering x86 solutions for low-power embedded solutions up through thehighest performing server platforms. The portfolio of processors reflects AMD’s commitment to its customers, allowing design engineers to create a wide range of solutions using the large existing x86software base, leveraging the benefits of low-power, high-performance solutions.

The Geode NX 1500@6W processor operates at 1GHz and is supported by the AMD Geode NX DB1500 development board. The Geode NX 1750@14W operates at 1.4GHz. Model numbers reflect performance as described here: http://www.amd.com/us-en/ConnectivitySolutions/ProductInformation/0,,50_2330_9863_10837^10861,00.html?redir=CSG05.

The Geode GX 533@1.1W processor operates at 400MHz and is supported by the AMD Geode GX DB533 development board. The Geode GX 500@1.0W processor operates at366MHz and the Geode GX 466@.9W processor operates at 333 MHz. Model numbers reflect performance as described here: http://www.amd.com/us-en/ConnectivitySolutions/ProductInformation/0,,50_2330_9863_9864^10844,00.html?redir=CSG07.

AMD will use model numbers that are based on the benchmarks developed by Synchromesh Computing to identify the AMD Geode processors. The new model numbers designate relative performance andincrease the visibility of power consumption when it is a consideration. The new model number system for AMD Geode Solutions is represented by the processor’s relevant performance rating followed byits power usage. With the transition to the new model number system, for example, the AMD Geode GX2 processor will be known as the AMD Geode GX 533@1.1W processor. The AMD Geode GX DB533 developmentboard supports the GX 533@1.1W processor, the GX 466@0.9W processor and the GX 500@1.0W processor.

“The model numbers have been designed to meet the needs of our customers, providing a quick view of the performance and power capabilities of each processor in the AMD Geode Solutions product line,”said Iain Morris, group vice president, AMD Personal Connectivity Solutions Group. “Using the model numbers, customers can determine if they need an extremely low-power solution as offered by our AMDGeode GX line, or a high-performance embedded solution that is now addressed with our AMD Geode NX product offering. We are committed to providing long-term support to our customers who requirelow-power, high-performance embedded solutions with the AMD Geode Solutions product line.”

AMD Geode Processors
Offering embedded x86 solutions that range from sub-one watt to 14 watts, customers have the ability to select the processor that best meets their individual needs. These low-power, high-performanceprocessors are available to power a number of products, including single board computers, Windows XP-based mobile devices, point of sale, information and transaction kiosks and telecommunications andnetworking equipment.

The AMD Geode NX 1500@6W processor is the newest low-power, high-performance processor in AMD Geode Solutions. The NX 1500@6W processor is designed for high-end thin clients, high-end printers,point-of-sale systems, information and transaction kiosks and telecommunications and networking equipment. The Geode NX 1500@6W processor allows for easy design of fanless applications. Providingoptions to its customers, the AMD Geode NX 1750@14W processor is also available. The AMD Geode NX DB1500 development board is also available and supports the NX 1500@6W processor and the NX 1750@14Wprocessor.

The AMD Geode NX DB1500 development board is a complete hardware and software solution that serves as a model for the development of future high-performance embedded applications. The NX DB1500development board integrates processor, memory and peripherals together on a single board, providing a complete ready-to-run system, enabling developers to test the performance of the NX 1500@6Wprocessor in a variety of demanding embedded applications. Using the NX DB1500 development board, designers are able to create low-power, high-performance solutions for high-end thin clients,high-end printers and information and transaction kiosks.

Built on the GeodeLink architecture, the AMD Geode GX processors can deliver competitive system performance at lower clock rates. These processors are designed for the thin client, single boardcomputers and mobile device markets.

The AMD Geode GX DB533 development board provides an integrated hardware and software system that leverages the power of the GX 533@1.1W processor. The GX DB533 development board integratesprocessor, memory and peripherals together on a single board, along with debugging assist features and software. The GX DB533 development board enables the development of low-power, high-performancesolutions for thin clients and mobile PADs. The AMD Geode GX DB533 development board supports the GX 533@1.1W processor, the GX 466@.9W processor and the GX 500@1.0W processor.

Pricing and Availability
The following products are available in 10k unit pricing:

• AMD Geode GX 466@0.9W – $26.50
• AMD Geode GX 500@1.0W – $29.10
• AMD Geode GX 533@1.1W – $32.75
• AMD Geode NX 1500@6W – $65.00
• AMD Geode NX 1750@14W – $55.00

Also available are the following development boards in unit pricing:

• AMD Geode GX DB533 – $650.00
• AMD Geode NX DB1500 – $500.00

Source: AMD’s press release