To make things even more muddled, AMD and Intel each offers multiple families of processors ranging from those designed for value-oriented family PCs to powerhouse CPUs designed to run most tasking 3D games smoothly. Added into the mix are a host of additional featuresis as well as a new selection of dual-core processors designed for 32-bit or 64-bit computing.
If you find yourself looking through computer store flyers and wondering exactly what an 'Athlon 64 X2' is or what the difference between a Pentium 4 and a Pentium D is, then this is a good place to start. We provide an overview of some of the newer and more common families of processors from Intel and AMD. To make understanding processor technology a little easier, you can use our 'Key Terms' list to decipher some of the technical processor lingo, view reviews and specifications for each type of processor, and, of course, check out the links page to follow-up for more information. Sempron 3400+ Processor Review Review by SharkyExtreme - 'The main part of the Sempron market appeal is related to its low price and high value, and even though the Sempron 3400+ is the top performer in the AMD entry-level line, relative pricing actually took a slight dip.' The Duron Successor From Tom's hardware Guide - AMD's AthlonXP + The Athlon64 = Sempron AMD Athlon 64 X2 Dual-Core The AMD Athlon 64 X2 processor contains two processing, residing on one chip, which increases efficiency and speed while running multiple programs and multi-threaded software.