AMD To Discard PR Rating For Future CPUs

AMD plans to discard the PR scheme starting from the next-generation Stars processor like Agena and Kuma. AMD will release its top dual-core processor, Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (3GHz/1MB L2x2), in Q1 2007. Previously named Athlon 64 FX-64, Athlon 64 X2 6000+ is fabricated in 90nm process and has 89W and 125W TDP edition. The upcoming Athlon 64 X2 5600+ in Q3 2007 will have a clock speed at 2.9GHz, yet its TDP is not announced. The last 90nm dual core Athlon 64 X2 5800+ (3GHz/512KB L2 x 2), which has a 89W TDP, will also be released in Q3 2007.

AMD Revised Desktop Model Number Structure

VR-Zone got to know that AMD is revising its new Desktop model numberstructure again for greater simplicity based on customer feedbacks. Going forward, desktop models will be comprised of Desktop Brand and Model Number only. Also note that Phenom X2 brand has been changed to Athlon 6-Series.

ASUS XG Station; Discrete GFX For Notebooks

Asus Technology Pte Ltd. (ASUS), the leading provider of high-performancegraphics solutions, is proud to launch the XG Station as the industry'sfirst public demonstration of the world's first external graphics card stationfor notebook computers. Equipped with Express Card interface, USB 2.0 and Dolbyheadphones, the XG station seamlessly integrates notebook computing with PCgraphics power.

Engage Mobility with Powerful Graphics Processing

As technology advances to accommodate all aspects of modern life styles, digitaldevices are often merged or connected for a combined maximum benefit. As withthe case of mobile notebook computing and high powered 3D gaming or multimediaexperience, a balance is established with the exclusive ASUS XG Station.

When on the go, compact notebook makes work efficient without adding extrapounds, while at home, large LCD monitor is preferred for enhanced visualenjoyment. ASUS XG Station brings the power of a dedicated 3D graphics engine,providing users with the best of both worlds. Simply plug in the XG Station tothe LCD monitor and connect the notebook via an Express Card connector and getready to game!

Fast and Upgradeable Graphics Power

The XG Station is the world's first docking station to provide a standardPCI Express slot for additional graphics computing power on notebook computerswith Express Card slot, delivering VISTA Premium performance. The device alsoconveniently accommodates future graphics technology such as, HDCP and HDMIupgrades possibility. Lab experiments on a notebook based on Intel 945GMgraphics connected to the XG station with a ASUS EN7900GS graphics card showedan astounding 9 times faster acceleration.

Sensational AV Enjoyment

XG Station also features enhanced audio and video functions. With Dolby®Headphone technology any headphone is capable to delivers cinematic 5.1-channelsurround sound for a dynamic true-to-life quality during PC game play and musicor video playback. Real-time Overclocking is easily controlled with theergonomic knob design for simple GPU clock speed adjustments.

Large Information Display and Easy Control

XG Station is designed with ease of use in mind. A large LED screen isadopted to provide clear display of critical system status statistics includingthe following:

System master volume GPU clock speedCurrent GPU temperatureDolby® Headphone feature statusCurrent actual Frames Per Second (FPS) informationGPU fan speed Indicator

The XG Station also has a dedicated control panel to let users control thesettings through the GUI based interface and easily switch modes between thenotebook screen and the external LCD monitor.

The XG Station is currently scheduled to be released at the beginning of Q22007.

A full package will include the XG Station graphics docking station, one ASUSEN7900GS graphics card and assorted accessories.

AOpen Mini-PCs Plans

AOpen expects to deliver 500,000 mini-PCs this year, 20 times the 25,000 units sold in 2003. AOpen extended its production to notebook computers in early 2003 and then mini-PCs in October. Mini-PCs are mainly sold in the clone market, with global demand estimated at one million to 1.2 million units for this year. Apart from NEC CI ordering mini-PCs from Shuttle, no international PC brands have entered this field. AOpen plans to compete with Shuttle to be the top mini-PC maker. AOpen expects notebooks and mini-PCs to become the main source for its revenue growth this year. In March, AOpen will offer single-spindle, 12.1-inch, wide-screen Centrino (Dothan) notebooks.