The AMD Sempron processors are now 64-bit and come in Socket 754 format. The 32-bit processors will be phased out over the next couple of months and the authorised distributors will probably not carry them by the end of October (indeed, they are already no longer in Legend's price-list). The 64-bit Semprons are available now, and can run both the Windows and Linux 64-bit editions.

The Sempron will continue to be the budget processor of choice. The lowest rating at present is 2500+; the highest rating will be the 3600+ (not yet available), and given the longevity of Socket A in the budget space, it is expected that Socket 754 will last until around 2008, depending on demand.

Conclusion: Sempron-based machines will the budget option until 2008. The Socket 754 boards should come down in price over time, meaning that these computers will be even better value, as long as DDR400 RAM prices do not rise.

While the Athlon 64 processor is currently available in Socket 754 format, these will be phased out by the end of October and will only be available in Socket 939. The lowest rating Socket 939 Athlon 64 is the 3000+, the highest rating is and will remain the 4000+ (already available).

Socket 939 itself will be superceded by Socket M2 sometime in late 2006 or early 2007, a 941 pin socket the same physical size as Socket 939. Socket M2 will allow for accessing DDR2 memory. The reason for the delay is that the current speed of DDR2 memory offers no actual advantages over DDR memory, but the next generation of DDR2 will.

Conclusion: Athlon 64 processors will probably be around for a while, but Socket 939 CPU is not future-proof. Standard home computers and office workstations at the lower end of the market will be built around the Athlon 64.

The Athlon 64 x2 (dual core CPU) is aiming to be the mainstream processor of the future, and maybe even now as well. Available now in Socket 939 format, it currently ranges from a rating of 3800+ to 4800+ and there is no upper limit set at the moment.

As with the Athlon 64, the Socket 939 Athlon 64 x2 will move to Socket M2 sometime in late 2006 or early 2007, again to accomodate DDR2 memory.

The Athlon 64 x2 is particularly useful for multimedia applications, Media Centre PCs and anywhere threaded applications are used. The Athlon 64 x2 will also be used in the low-end server space as the processor performs well with typical server OS and application setups. (As AMD will be phasing out their single or 1-way Opteron processor, this is particularly pertinent.)

Conclusion: mid- to high-range home computers, office workstations and low-end servers will be based around the Athlon 64 x2.

This extreme performance processor is aimed fairly squarely at the elite gamer, with the highest gaming benchmarks and unlimited overclocking potential. Available now in Socket 939, the FX-55 and FX-57 outperform even the Intel Pentium 4 Extreme Edition.

The forseeable future holds probably two more releases of the FX: the FX-59 and then the FX-61. These will most likely be Socket 939, as there are latency issues with the DDR2 architecture.

Conclusion: if you like to live on the edge and money is no object, the Athlon FX is for you.

The Opteron is the server processor of choice, and currently comes in 3 configurations, single (or 1-way), 2-way, and 8-way, with a range of different performance ratings. The current socket format is 940 pin. The single or 1-way Opteron will be phased out as it is becoming uneconomical for manufacturers to produce a single CPU server board. For single CPU servers the Athlon 64 x2 will suffice, with many of the higher-end desktop boards now carrying features that were only avilable on server boards a few years ago.

The most exciting development in the Opteron space is that Opteron dual core processors are now available. This offers a really useful upgrade path, with a possible 70% performance increase available just by flashing the BIOS and dropping in a dual-core Opteron.

To accommodate DDR2 memory, the Opteron processor will be available in a new 1207 pin socket format known as Socket F sometime in late 2006 or early 2007.

Conclusion: the 200 series Opterons will continue to provide the basis for a mid-range server, while for high-end servers the 800 series will reign supreme.