AMD: a new CPU for UMPCs?

The number of microprocessors manufacturers for MIDs, UMPCs and Eee PC clones has grown. We can count Intel with its Celeron-M and Atom, VIA with its C7-M and Nano, Nvidia with Tegra as well as several Chinese companies, notably the Loongson (produced by ST) and XBurst processors. AMD seems to be the only one missing from this market. Its Geode appears to have some trouble riding the current wave with a potential exception to the OLPC; however, given its relative seniority and very particular destination, it’s a special case.

This could soon change because the Californian company is currently working on a low power CPU.

Specifications seem interesting because power consumption of the CPU-Northbridge does not surpass 8W. However, this reminds us of the Sempron 2100+ which was launched a little less than a year ago. There are certain differences, notably in terms of the memory controller and format, but it will be interesting to see if AMD actually developed a new CPU. Otherwise, it chose to “castrate” an existing product in order to concentrate on other aspects such as the power consumption of the chipset.