AMD has started shipping its low-end Sempron family, with PC makers Hewlett Packard and Acer already preparing systems to include the processors.

Desktop versions of the Sempron processor are available immediately, with mobile versions for use in notebooks pencilled in for an August release.

"The AMD Sempron processor family provides PC users with a combination of functionality and performance for home and office," said Marty Seyer, general manager of the computation products group at AMD, in a statement.

HP plans to use the Sempron later this year in its Pavilion and Compaq Presario PCs.

Sam Szteinbaum, HP vice president of consumer computing, said in a statement: "With the AMD Sempron processors we are able to offer customers the right PC to fit their needs, at a competitive price."

Acer is also slated to release desktops and notebooks using the chips later this year.

The Sempron is to replace AMD's 32-bit Duron processors. The chip maker will continue to push its Athlon 64 processor for performance machines, alongside the Athlon XP processor.

Seven versions of the Sempron processor have been released for desktops, with prices ranging from $39-$126 (£21-£69) in 1,000-unit quantities. AMD will also release five mobile versions, with prices ranging from $84-$120 (£46-£66).