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AMD CPUs for the past 9 years are vulnerable to data leak attacks
It's not just Intel chips that are vulnerable to hard-to-fix security flaws. Researchers at the Graz University of Technology have detailed a pair of side channel attacks under the "Take A Way" name that can leak data from AMD processors dating back to 2011, whether it's an old Athlon 64 X2, a Ryzen 7 or a Threadripper. Both exploit the "way predictor" for the Level 1 cache (meant to boost the efficiency of cache access) to leak memory content. The Collide+Probe attack lets an intruder monitor memory access without having to know physical addresses or shared memory, while Load+Reload is a more secretive method that uses shared memory without invalidating the cache line.
AMD keeps it dark with Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition
Barely a month after showing off its Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition, AMD is apparently hoping to rope in a few more followers with a lower-priced CPU in the same family. This processor reportedly hums along at 2.6GHz, is built around 65-nanometer technology, boasts 1MB of L2 cache and will play nice with the firm's "580x or upcoming 700-series chipsets." 'Course, enthusiasts will love the "customizable clock multiplier for tunable performance," and word on the street has these new chips "available to channel partners" for just $136 apiece in groups of 1,000.[Via InformationWeek]
AMD intros Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition
While AMD still has bigger and better things in store, those looking for some more instant gratification may want to consider the company's new Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition, which now occupies the top spot of its X2 line. At 3.2GHz, this one clocks in at 200MHz faster than the previous top-end 6000+ but, according to HotHardware, little else has changed. That means it's based on AMD's current 90nm DSl SOI technology, and boasts support for a single HyperTransport link at 2.0GHz, along with 2MB of L2 cache and a 125W TDP. If that's enough of a bump for you, you should soon be able to pick one of these up for $239 (in 1000-unit PIB quantities).
AMD breaks out the cigars for its very first 65nm chips
As evidenced by a certain recent trouncing, that 65nm stuff is the real deal. Now AMD has joined the party, with a nice little collection of Athlon 64 X2 dual-core desktop processors. The X2 4000+, 4400+, 4800+ and 5000+ are all available now, and priced from $169 to $301 -- the same as those 90nm forebears which the new chips are replacing. Of course, it'd kill AMD to hand out an actual GHZ number, so we're in the dark as far as that's concerned. What we do know is that AMD is boasting its lineup consumes half the power of that of Intel's Core 2 Duo chips, which seems quite the claim, but we're no watt experts. Apparently when pushed to full strength, power and heat exceeds that of Intel's chips, but when they aren't busy, the chips idle at 3.8 watts, compared to the 14.3 watts of Core 2 Duo. An actual test of real-world power consumption is a bit hard to do, and AMD's Jack Huynh says "We don't want to get caught in the processor technology game." Which he ironically follows with "We have superior power management features than our competition." Which is it going to be, Jack? Luckily, benchmark wizards will sort all of this out in a few weeks, and until then you can take solace in the fact that these are some great processors at a great price. Notebook chips should follow in the first half of 2007, and AMD is hoping to be fully caught up with Intel in 18 months at the next milestone: 45nm.[Via ExtremeTech; thanks Ivana]
Dell to release AMD-powered sub-$500 lappies next month
We know that it's just been one big lovefest between Dell and AMD over the last few months. Most recently, we saw Dell's new AMD-powered desktops, which pack some of that Athlon 64 X2 dual-core power; however, we've just learned that Dell is going to be shipping AMD-based laptops during the end of this month, according to DigiTimes. There will be two models to cross the Pacific: first a 15.4-inch model, expected to sell for under $500, along with a forthcoming 17-inch model in early 2007. Lenovo, you guys got any sub-$500 laptops in the pipeline that you're ready to bust out?[Via Laptoping]
Lenovo unveils AMD-based ThinkCentre A60
Intel's new Core 2 Duo chipsets aren't the only game in town, and while Dell still manages to be a notable holdout, Lenovo has been spreading a bit of AMD Athlon within their product line. Their new ThinkCentre A60 features those snazzy Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors in the high end, along with options for Athlon 64 and Sempron chips for the budget conscious. The systems are targeted at medium to large businesses, and carry all the necessary network niceties for managing, upgrading and accessing the workstations. The integrated nVidia GF 6100 graphics aren't anything special, but a PCI Express slot should ease your visual woes. Dual SATA HDD slots, DDR2 memory and six USB 2.0 ports are all available, and there are options to fill those slots accordingly. Lenovo should be shipping these soon, with base models starting at around $800.