AMD Athlon 64-Bit CPUs Explained

AMD Athlon 64 xxxx+

This is the processor that AMD fans will be going after if they can’t afford the FX-xx.

While the Athlon 64 FX-xx was targeted at “gamers and prosumers,” the Athlon 64 is targeted at “tech-savvy consumers and businesses who want outstanding 32-bit performance for today with 64-bit capabilities that will enable them to run tomorrow’s advanced operating systems and applications.” ^†

The Athlon 64 uses a 754-pin chip, and like the Athlon 64 FX-xx, the Athlon 64 has taken on Intel’s use of a built on heat spreader.

And again, we have an integrated memory controller with the Athlon 64. However, the Athlon 64 is a single 64-bit DDR memory controller, as opposed to the Dual Channel DDR controller found on the Athlon 64 FX-xx.

Registered DDR is not required for the Athlon 64 processors, but you should always check with the motherboard’s manufacturer for suggested and supported memory.