Processor designer Advanced Micro Devices announced updates to its A-Series lineup of dual- and quad- core desktop and notebook processors Tuesday.
In a nod to ‘enthusiasts,’ chiefly gamers, AMD will allow users to tweak the settings on their processors to boost performance, although AMD warns its warranty ‘does not cover damages caused by overclocking, even when overclocking is enabled via AMD software.’
More broadly, the product refresh could signal that AMD is confident it can meet demand for its desktop and notebook chips.
“This might be signaling that some of the yield issues they've had with this product are beginning to abate,” processor industry analyst Nathan Brookwood said. “In order to get a speed bump you have to have a process that’s working pretty well, and you have to be able to make incremental improvements in the process.”
Unlike Intel, AMD outsources the production of its processors to TSMC and GlobalFoundries. The latter company was spun off from AMD in 2009.
The company also updated its “Steady Video” technology. The technology aims to smooth out ‘steady, jumpy content,’ as user watch. Select systems will include an Internet Explorer 9 browser plug in that will let user’s smooth out video with a single click.
