What is Sempron Processor? (Explained)

What is Sempron Processor?

Sempron refers to a family of low-cost, budget desktop processors that are built on 32-bit x86 architecture, designed and manufactured by AMD, and introduced in early 2004 to supersede the Duron family of processors.

Technically, these processors are built with diverse manufacturing processes ranging from 130 nanometers to 28 nanometers by using different socket types and technologies. Typically, these CPUs may come with a single, dual or four cores.

KEY TAKEAWAYS

• The Sempron processors signify the budget desktop CPUs that are built on socket formats and technologies.
• With its features and design aspects, the AMD Sempron is just an adequate processor for non-intensive applications and basic computing tasks such as word processing, email, internet browsing, Excel spreadsheet and more.
• It is a good alternative CPU for users who cannot afford to purchase high-end processors, or even for the students and the first-time users.
• The AMD Sempron processors are compatible with most common computer peripherals.
• These processors are very safe and secure to use due to the security features built into them, such as Enhanced Virus Protection, that protect against viruses, malware, and other malicious attacks.

Understanding Sempron Processor

The AMD Sempron processor family is a budget line of CPUs that succeeds the Duron family. There are basically two different micro-architectures in this CPU family, namely:

• K7 microarchitecture that works only on Socket A or Socket 462 motherboards and
• K8 microarchitecture that works on Socket 754, Socket 939, AM2 motherboards and others.

General Specifications

There are different versions of these processors available with varied features.

Different models of these CPUs are released at different times since July 2004 with different numbers of cores, codenames and other aspects.

The general specs of the Sempron processor are as follows:

• Built with AMD 64 technology
• x86 Instruction Set Architecture support
• 32-bit and 64-bit computing support
• Maximum CPU clock rate ranging between 1 GHz and 2.9 GHz
• HyperTransport Technology support
• Up to 4 GB memory capability
• SSE instructions support
• Full speed 256 KB cache
• Front Side Bus (FSB) technology support up to 2700 MHz
• DDR2 memory controller built-in
• Enhanced Virus Protection, compatible with Microsoft Windows XP SP2
• Common peripherals support
• Manufacturing technology of 130 nm to 28 nm

Code Names

The AMD Sempron processors can come in single, dual or quad-core designs and the codenames are different according to the product and model. Here are some of the different codenames of these processors.

The cores used in the AMD Sempron desktop processors, along with their respective technology nodes and dates of release, are as follows:

• The models, codenamed Thoroughbred, were built on a 130 nm technology node and were released in July 2004.
• The models, codenamed Thorton, were built on a 130 nm technology node and were released in August 2004.
• The models, codenamed Barton, were built on a 130 nm technology node and were released in September 2004.
• The models, codenamed Paris, were built on a 130 nm technology node and were released in July 2004.
• The models, codenamed Palermo, were built on a 90 nm technology node and were released in August 2004.
• The models, codenamed Manila, were built on a 90 nm technology node and were released in May 2006.
• The models, codenamed Sparta, were built on a 65 nm technology node and were released in August 2007.
• The models, codenamed Brisbane, were built on a 65 nm technology node and were released in March 2008.
• The models, codenamed Sargas, were built on a 45 nm technology node and were released in July 2009.

The cores used in the AMD Sempron mobile processors, along with their respective technology nodes and dates of release, are as follows:

• The models, codenamed Dublin, were built on a 130 nm technology node and were released in July 2004.
• The models, codenamed Georgetown, were built on a 130 nm technology node and were released in May 2005.
• The models, codenamed Sonora, were built on a 90 nm technology node and were released in November 2004.
• The models, codenamed Albany, were built on a 90 nm technology node and were released in July 2005.
• The models, codenamed Roma, were built on a 90 nm technology node and were released in July 2005.
• The models, codenamed Keene, were built on a 90 nm technology node and were released in May 2006.
• The models, codenamed Sherman, were built on a 65 nm technology node and were released in May 2007.
• The models, codenamed Sable, were built on a 65 nm technology node and were released in June 2008.
• The models, codenamed Huron, were built on a 65 nm technology node and were released in January 2009.

Sockets

As said earlier, the Sempron processors are built by using different types of sockets.

Some of these socket types and the models based on the particular ones, along with the respective manufacturing processes, are summarized here for you.

The models of AMD Sempron processors that use the 130-nm fabrication process and Socket A or Socket 462 are:

• Thoroughbred B/Thorton
• Barton

The models of AMD Sempron processors that use Silicon on Insulator or SOI technology and Socket 754 are:

• Paris (130 nm)
• Palermo (90 nm)

The models of AMD Sempron processors that use Silicon on Insulator or SOI technology and Socket AM2 are:

• Manila (90 nm)
• Sparta (65 nm)
• Brisbane (65 nm)

The models of AMD Sempron processors that use Silicon on Insulator or SOI technology and Socket S1 or Socket 638 are:

• Keene (90 nm)
• Sable (65 nm)

The name of the model of AMD Sempron processor that uses Silicon on Insulator or SOI technology, a 90-nm manufacturing process and Socket 939 is Palermo.

The name of the model of AMD Sempron processor that uses Silicon on Insulator or SOI technology, a 45-nm manufacturing process and Socket AM3 is Sargas.

In addition to the above, there are also a few other Sempron processor models that are based on the following socket types:

• ASB1 package (BGA) such as Huron (65 nm, SOI)
• 32-bit CPUs based on Socket 754
• 64-bit CPUs based on Socket S1 or Socket 638
• FM1
• FM2
• FM2+
• AM1

Questions & Answers:

Conclusion

AMD Sempron processors may belong to the budget class of CPUs but the performance offered by them is quite acceptable with respect to day-to-day computing tasks and basic gaming.

If you are on a budget, new to computers, or do not use it for intensive applications, it will be just the right kind of CPU for you.