AMD 2008 Annual Report Download - page 18

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performance over dual-core processors on single-threaded and multi-threaded applications and can scale with the
same applications that scale with quad-core processors.
In April 2008 we introduced commercial desktop platforms, branded as AMD Business Class technology.
AMD Business Class technology features AMD Athlon X2 dual-core processors and AMD Phenom triple- and
quad-core processors, AMD 7-Series chipsets, as well as optional ATI Radeon HD 3000 series discrete
graphics. Systems based on AMD Business Class technology can also feature Cool’n’Quiet 2.0 technology and
ATI PowerPlay™technology. AMD Business Class technology can help enable Energy Star®4.0 compliance for
low power consumption, low heat and noise and the enablement of small form factors.
In January 2009, we introduced the 45 nanometer AMD Phenom II 9000 series of microprocessors. The
AMD Phenom II 9000 processors are true quad-core processors designed for high performance desktop PCs. The
true quad-core design enables cores to communicate on the die rather than through a front side bus external to the
processor, thereby reducing a bottleneck inherent in other competing x86 architectures. Additionally, our Direct
Connect Architecture allows all four cores to have optimum access to the integrated memory controller and
integrated HyperTransport links, so that performance scales well with the number of cores. This design also
incorporates a shared L3 cache for quicker data access and enables end users to upgrade from dual-core systems.
In addition, AMD Phenom II microprocessors also feature Cool’n’Quiet 3.0 technology that is designed to
enhance energy efficiency.
At the same time, we also introduced a desktop platform product codenamed “Dragon.” The Dragon
platform is a combination of the AMD Phenom II X4 microprocessor, the ATI Radeon HD 4800 series graphics
processor and the AMD 7-Series chipset. The Dragon platform provides enthusiasts, gamers and other
demanding users with an affordable system capable of delivering a graphic-intensive gaming experience. The
Dragon platform works with existing DDR2 memory infrastructures, which is memory technology used for high
speed storage of working data, and is designed to work with the upcoming DDR3 memory that is transitioning
into the marketplace.
We designed the AMD Athlon processors for advanced multitasking on mainstream desktop PCs, and they
are currently available with single or dual-core technology. AMD Athlon dual-core processors are designed for
users who run software applications, such as productivity applications, multimedia applications and basic content
creation, simultaneously. With AMD Athlon dual-core processors, for example, an end-user may be able to
perform multiple tasks with uninterrupted performance. In addition, AMD Athlon dual-core processors, are
designed to enable systems to have the ability to simultaneously download audio files such as MP3s, record to
digital media devices, check and write email and edit a digital photo, all without compromising performance.
AMD Sempron processors are designed for everyday computing and provide performance for entry
productivity and entertainment software for the mainstream segment.
Embedded Processor Products
Our embedded products range from low-power x86 architecture-based embedded processors to high-
performance, enterprise class, harsh environment-capable x86 architecture-based products. We design embedded
connectivity devices to address customer needs in PC-adjacent markets such as network attached storage,
telecommunications and networking equipment, internet access devices and other similar applications. Typically
these embedded processors are used in products that require high to moderate levels of performance where key
features include low cost, mobility, low power and small form factor.
We offer embedded processors based on AMD Direct Connect Architecture technology, which consist of
low-power versions of our AMD Athlon, AMD Turion, AMD Sempron and AMD Opteron families of products.
These low power products deliver the same performance as their corresponding full power parts while offering
the added benefit of reduced power consumption and thermal output. We configured these processors specifically
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