AMD Athlon 64 FX processor

AMD Athlon 64 FX processor and the standard Athlon 64 are the first 64-bit CPUs designed for desktop computers. AMD introduced Athlon 64 processor in 2003, in the same year Athlon 64 FX was also released with improved performance. Intel also launched their competing version – Pentium 4 Extreme edition in the same year.

Athlon processors are made based on the Opteron, a CPU designed specifically for workstations and server computers. When we come to the grouping, Athlon 64 FX is grouped into AMD’s K8 (eighth generation) processors series.

AMD Athlon 64 FX processor features

The key feature of both Athlon 64 and 64 FX is the integration of memory controller into the processor chip, which enables the processor to communicate directly with the memory and therefore reduce latency. This technology shortens the physical traveling distance of electrical signals. As a result the processor performance will increase greatly to the next level.

Both types of Athlon processors are available in four socket versions: Socket 940, Socket 939, Socket 754 and Socket AM2. The major difference between Athlon 64 and AMD Athlon 64 FX processor is memory bus widths and cache sizes configuration.

So far, AMD marketed several types of Athlon 64 FX processors: Athlon 64 FX-51, Athlon 64 FX-53, Athlon 64 FX-55, Athlon 64 FX-57, Athlon 64 FX-60, Athlon 64 FX-62, Athlon 64 FX-70, Athlon 64 FX-72 and Athlon 64 FX-74. Furthermore, Athlon 64 FX-60 and onwards, multi-core technology is incorporated in FX CPUs.

General specification of AMD Athlon 64 FX and Athlon 64 processors

• Speed ranges from 1GHz to 3.0GHz. 64 FX CPU speed goes from 2.2GHz to 2.8GHz.
• Up to 4GBps Hyper transport link between the processor and the chipset
• 128KB L1 cache and 512KB or 1MB on die-full speed L2 cache
• Athlon 64 FX version has 1MB standard cache
• SSE2 (Streaming SIMD Instructions)
• Compatible with the existing 32-bit code base
• DDR memory controller integrated into the CPU, the Athlon 64 FX has dual channel DDR or DDR2 memory controller
• Support 64-bit technology
• Multi-core architecture availability
• Unlocked multiplier (applies to Athlon 64 FX CPU)
• Up to 1TB memory addressing capability
• Features single (socket 754) and dual channel (socket 939, 940 and AM2) memory controller
• Socket AM2 support Virtualization technology
• Built in with power saving technology
• All Athlon 64 processors support Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) technology

Purpose of AMD Athlon 64 FX processor

Athlon 64 FX processor was targeted those who want to have better performance regardless of its cost. Specifically, it was designed for gamers.