AMD has an impressive list of processors on the market, as they try to keep pace with Intel regarding clock speed and overall performance. The company produced the Phenom chip to compete with Intel’s prominent Core 2 family of processors, but fell short with a clock speed that just doesn’t compare to Intel’s comparable CPUs. This doesn’t mean AMD hasn’t met some challenges. This article will take a look at the current laptop processors and then a slightly more detailed overview of their desktop lineup. We will also discuss the company’s plans for future processor families.

 A processor could be seen as the brain of the system. The CPU uses instruction sets to execute computer programs. In a desktop, manufacturers have a lot more motherboard space to utilize. Many desktop CPUs can be cooled using a heatsink, while a laptop has to perform at a much cooler temperature, since the space in a laptop cannot accommodate a large heatsink.

Many laptop CPUs are judged by their TDP, which relates to the CPU’s Thermal Design Power. This rating “represents the maximum amount of power the cooling system in a computer is required to dissipate,” according to the WikiPedia.org definition.

AMD recently released the Turion Ultra processor codenamed Puma. AMD differs from Intel in that they allow outside developers to construct their own chipsets for AMD processors. Intel creates in-house, proprietary chipsets. AMD’s open source move has created a broader base of development and allowed AMD to focus on creating stronger platforms for desktops, notebooks, and servers.

The Turion Ultra processor has similarities to the Phenom processor – AMD’s most recent line of triple and quad core desktop CPUs. The Turion Ultra runs cool and offers extended battery life. Electronista reports AMD as saying the new mobile processor “brings three times the 3D graphics performance, five times the HD image quality, 40 percent faster wireless transfer of HD content, and up to 90 minutes more battery performance.”

AMD currently offers mobile CPUs under the Turion, Sempron, and Athlon name. We’ve compiled a table to show the differences between clocks speed, L2 cache, and FSB of a few models in these lines.

All the current AMD laptop processors are built using 65nm technology, whereas Intel has begun producing 45nm technology. AMD processors have a lower price point than Intel CPUs, making them an affordable solution for many notebook configurations. In addition, the open design of the chipset allows for more hands to partake in the development of the overall motherboard.