Register Hardware

Original URL: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2007/06/06/amd_naming_scheme/

AMD's neo naming scheme - details emerge

By Tony Smith
Published Wednesday 6th June 2007 14:09 GMT

Computex AMD has begun detailing how it plans to replace its current processor numbering scheme, this time with an Intel-esque system based on chip class, power consumption and relative performance.

The new AMD numbering scheme categorises processors first by type: L for single-core chips and some low-end dual-cores. Dual-core X2 chips actually span all three classes: B in the middle and G at the high end. Does AMD have Gaming, Business and Low-cost as the three classes? Maybe, but whatever they stand for, they cover the performance, mainstream and value segments.

After the class reference comes the power rating: P for TDPs greater than 65W, S for 65W and E for under 65W. The 65W TDP is Intel's main desktop power consumption, but it's a target AMD appears to be aiming for too.

After these two codes comes a single-digit value to express how one processor in a given band differs from its fellow band members - it "indicates major benefit steps", as AMD says in its presentation slides that accompany its numbering scheme briefings.

In practice, that means '1' for Semprons, '2' for dual-core Athlon X2s and - we'd guess - '6' for Phenom X2s and '7' for Phenom X4s, though the slides don't confirm this.

Finally, a three-digit model number indicates relative performance.

So, a Phenom X4 might be labelled a 'GP-7xxx' while a more lowly Athlon X2 could be labelled 'LS-2xxx'.

What's interesting in all this is that there's no direct reference to the number of cores a CPU contains, leaving that to the X2 or X4 suffix on the brand name. And all of the above applies, so far, only to desktop CPUs - the gamer-centric Phenom FX line looks set to have its own scheme, though with a little tweaking AMD's new model could easily take in these chips and its server and notebook processors too.

News that AMD might revamp its processor numbering scheme (http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2006/12/21/amd_processor_nomenclature/) was first suggested in December 2006.