AMD introduces two embedded platforms

On April 26 AMD announced two new embedded platforms - compact ASB2 and high-performance AM3. Both platforms consist of AMD 785E chipset, new ATI Radeon HD 4200 graphics, and a selection of low- and mid-power CPUs.

Compact ASB2 platform features new Athlon II Neo and Turion II Neo embedded microprocessors in BGA package. Turion II Neo family contains two dual-core models, while the Athlon II Neo family is comprised of one dual-, and two single-core processors. All Neo CPUs have 1 MB level 2 cache per core. The fastest microprocessor for this platform, dual-core Turion II Neo N54L, operates at 2.2 GHz, and offers significantly better performance than the fastest CPU from ASB1 embedded platform, Turion Neo X2 L625.

AM3 platform consists of Athlon II XLT and Phenom II XLT socket AM3 microprocessors. Phenom II XLT family currently includes only one quad-core Phenom II CPU with Thermal Design Power 65 Watt. The processor is clocked at 2.2 GHz, that is slower than any energy-efficient Phenom II X4 9xxe model currently in production. Athlon II XLT family contains two low-power parts, V64C and V66L, which are embedded versions of Athlon II X2 235e and 240e respectively. Clocked at 2.7 and 2.8 GHz, these CPUs have 2 MB level 2 cache and fit into 45 Watt thermal envelope. The last member of Athlon II XLT family, with model number V50L, is more interesting. This ultra-low power processor with 25 Watt TDP operates at 2.2 GHz, or 400 Mhz faster than the fastest at this time ultra low power Athlon II X2 260u. That could a great processor for HTPC or any other low-power device, if not its price - more than $200.