AMD and Intel launch new processors at Computex

AMD and Intel have launched new chips for desktops and laptops

Intel and AMD have used the Computex show in Taiwan to unveil a range of new chips.

AMD has added two dual-core desktop processors, the Athlon II X2 250 and the Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition, both aimed at consumers, while Intel has extended its laptop processor line-up with several additions, including a new ultra-low voltage (ULV) chip.

AMD's Athlon II X2 250 is a brand new 45nm re-working of the firm's desktop chip architecture, which the company said is the fastest Athlon ever at 3GHz.

It supports faster DDR3 memory and version 3.0 of AMD's PowerNow power-saving technology, and has an uprated 2GHz HyperTransport link compared with older Athlon chips.

The Phenom II X2 550 Black Edition extends AMD's Dragon platform, and is styled as the firm's fastest ever dual-core chip at 3.1GHz. The 'Black Edition' label means the chip is unlocked and can be overclocked using AMD's OverDrive 3.0 software.

Intel unveiled three new Core 2 Duo laptop processors, a new ULV chip and a mobile chipset, the GS40 Express.

The Core 2 Duo chips are the T9900, P9700, and P8800, clocked at 3.06GHz, 2.8GHz and 2.66GHz respectively. These are standard voltage parts, but have a faster 1066MHz front-side bus, Intel said.

Meanwhile, the new 1.3GHz ULV Pentium SU2700 is aimed at delivering ultra-thin laptops at mainstream price points, according to Intel. Such thin-and-light systems traditionally carry a heavy premium over standard laptop designs.

The new GS40 mobile chipset is also aimed at ULV-based laptops, with support for HD playback and HDMI video output.