Replies to post #40747 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[CombJelly]

"No nx bit?"

Not for the SocketA Semprons. Never had it, never will. The Socket754 Semprons will have it, although I suppose AMD doesn't want to make much of a deal over it.

[sgolds]

morrowinder -

No nx bit?

There are both K7 and K8 Semprons. Presumably the K8 Semprons support the NX bit, but the K7 can not.

I think this strategy is risky. It stretches the model number credibility(comparing to Celeron is a weak argument). Could lower asps too...

AMD has to decide whether to be a boutique seller of high end processors or a mass market x86 supplier. In 2004 AMD is production constrained so they are focussed on the high end server and mobile parts, ceding the Celeron space to Intel (until this release).

Now AMD is effectively doubling their production output by reducing geometries to 90nm while simultaneously releasing cores that do not have excess cache or HT connections (tailoring each core to the target market). Yes, offering Semprons will reduce overall ASPs. Effective 90nm will reduce cost.

There is risk in all things. The upside potential is higher margins and higher volumes on a new process, even with a lower ASP. This adds up to good profit!

The time to strike is right now while Intel is weak. (You did see Barrett's frustrated letter to his employees, no?)

[upc]

Yes, all mobile Semprons and 3100+ have the NX bit.

upc


Enhanced Virus Protection capability

* Mobile AMD Sempron processors will help provide a more secure computing environment with AMD’s Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) capability. Combined with Microsoft’s Data Execution Prevention in the upcoming Windows® XP Service Pack 2, AMD’s EVP is designed to prevent certain types of viruses from replicating and spreading to other systems. Enhanced Virus Protection will by default only protect the user's Windows operating system. Users must, at installation of Microsoft Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or when they first purchase their systems, enable the protection of their applications and associated files or they will not be protected from memory buffer overrun attacks. Advanced Micro Devices, inc. and Microsoft strongly recommend that users install and regularly update third party anti-virus software as part of their security strategy.