AMD may not be winning the maximum performance race, at this point in time, but has been holder of the performance per watt race for a while. In a move to further increase efficiency, AMD has released a complete line of processors which go to new lows in energy consumption, while performing at a level which makes them suitable for all but the heaviest of duties.

All of the processors have a Thermal Design Power of 45W, which, as AMD rates, means that the maximum wattage consumed will be 45W, making actual usage figures much lower.

The new parts, along with speeds and cost (per - in thousand quantities) :

AMD Athlon 64 X2 BE-2400 (2.3GHz): $104
AMD Athlon 64 LE-1620 (2.4GHz): $53
AMD Athlon 64 LE-1600 (2.2GHz): $47
AMD Sempron LE-1250 (2.2GHz): $53
AMD Sempron LE-1200 (2.1GHz): $48
AMD Sempron LE-1100 (1.9GHz): $37

These processors, especially the Semprons, would function well as a CPU for a Windows Home Server box, a web surfing machine, or a machine to run a Smoothwall firewall box. Home Theater PC would also be a good use for these CPUs, as they could be operated fanless, using a massive heatsink, and being cooled by the air currents from the power supply fan.

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[tags] AMD, performance/watt, efficiency rating, Energy Star 4, Athlon 64, Sempron, HTPC, Athlon 64 X2 [/tags]