Sempron and Athlon are both processors launched by the manufacturer Advanced Micro Devices. As a result, they are often confused to refer to the same microprocessor. This, however, isn’t true. Sempron and Athlon are microprocessors that vary greatly in their features and expenses.
Sempron vs Athlon
The main difference between Sempron and Athlon is that Sempron is an affordable but low performing microprocessor. It has a practical application in performing basic computational tasks. In contrast, Athlon is an advanced microprocessor. It has a practical application in running multiple operations at the same time.
Sempron is a series of budget-friendly and low performing processors. It is an ideal option for basic computing options especially for people who can’t afford expensive processors. In addition, it is a value for money for first-time computer users as well as students. Although it is possible to perform heavy operations on the Sempron processor, it may be a little hard to carry out due to its limitations. The last series of Sempron processors were launched in 2014.
Athlon refers to a highly efficient microprocessor launched by Advanced Micro Devices. It is a viable option to run multiple operations at one time. It also allows the user to carry out video, audio, and graphics programs. The speed of Athlon ranges from 500MHz to 1.4GHz. Additionally, it is an expensive processor that many can’t afford.
Comparison Table Between Sempron and Athlon
| Parameters of Comparison | Sempron | Athlon |
| Definition | Sempron is a budget processor marketed by AMD that aims to provide reasonable performance at an affordable rate. | Athlon refers to a series of x86-compatible microprocessors. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is the manufacturer of these microprocessors. |
| Year of Origin | Sempron came into existence in 2004. | Athlon came into existence in 1999. |
| Meaning of the Word | The term sempron originates from the Latin word semper meaning always. | The word Athlon originates from the ancient greek word ἆθλον meaning place of a contest or prize of a contest. |
| Features | Sempron is less expensive and performs basic computer operations. | Athlon is relatively expensive and performs advanced operations. |
| Core Names | The core names of sempron are Barton, Paris, Manila, Sparta, and Sargas. | The core names of Athlon include Raven Ridge, Picasso, and Renoir. |
What is Sempron?
Sempron is a budget processor marketed by AMD that aims to provide reasonable performance at an affordable rate. Sempron came into existence in 2004 as 32-bit chips. Additionally, the processor sought to replace AMD’s Duron CPUs. The Sempron processor competed against the Celeron series of processors launched by Intel.
The term Sempron originates from the Latin word Semper meaning always. With this name, AMD’s motive was to indicate that Sempron was a processor of everyday use. Sempron processors are available in two and four-core 64-bit pieces. The core names of Sempron are Barton, Paris, Manila, Sparta, and Sargas.
Sempron has various features beneficial to everyday users. It allows an individual to perform daily computer tasks such as checking emails, drafting articles on MS Word, searching the web, and playing games. Although it is possible to perform heavy operations on the Sempron processor, it may be a little hard to carry out due to its limitations.
The Sempron processor usually has fewer L2 cache memory as compared to Anthlon. The last series of Sempron processors were launched in 2014. The launch of the AMD A-Series APUs marked the end of the Sempron processors. With their affordability and practicality, Sempron processors were the budget line of AMD, its manufacturers.
What is Athlon?
Athlon refers to a series of x86-compatible microprocessors. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is the manufacturer of these microprocessors. In addition, Athlon came into existence in 1999. The predecessor of this processor includes Athlon Classic, Athlon Thunderbird, Athlon XP/MP, Athlon 64, Athlon 64×2, Athlon X2, and Athlon II.
The word Athlon originates from the ancient Greek word ἆθλον meaning place of a contest or prize of a contest. Currently, AMD places Athlon against Intel Pentium, its rival. For Athlon, the maximum CPU clock rate goes to 3.5 GHz. The core names of Athlon include Raven Ridge, Picasso, and Renoir.
The first Athlon processor was a result of the development of K7 processors by AMD in the 1990s. Athlon processor has several impressive features. The speed of Athlon ranges from 500MHz to 1.4GHz. The front side bus of the processor is either 200 MHz or 266 MHz. In addition, the processor consumes significantly less energy.
The revised version of the Athlon processor came into the market in 2000. A feature of this processor that stood out from the others was its ability to directly integrate 256 KB L2 cache on the processor. Although the Athlon processors are expensive, they provide a series of benefits that seem to outweigh the costs.
Main Differences Between Sempron and Athlon
- Sempron is a budget processor marketed by AMD that aims to provide reasonable performance at an affordable rate. In contrast, Athlon refers to a series of x86-compatible microprocessors. Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) is the manufacturer of these microprocessors.
- The term Sempron originates from the Latin word Semper meaning always. On the other hand, the word Athlon originates from the ancient Greek word ἆθλον meaning place of a contest or prize of a contest.
- Sempron is a cheaper microprocessor as compared to Athlon.
- Sempron came into existence in 2004. In contrast, Athlon came into existence in 1999.
- The core names of Sempron are Barton, Paris, Manila, Sparta, and Sargas. On the other hand, the core names of Athlon include Raven Ridge, Picasso, and Renoir.
Conclusion
Sempron and Athlon vary in their features, core names, year of origin, and affordability. Sempron is an affordable microprocessor that offers basic computing facilities. Athlon, however, is an advanced microprocessor that is relatively expensive. It is also more efficient than Sempron.
Sempron consumes less power as Athlon. The year of origin of Sempron is 2004. On the other hand, the year of origin of Athlon is 1990. The Sempron processor usually has fewer L2 cache memory as compared to Anthlon. Although Sempron and Athlon have the same manufacturer that is AMD, they have significantly contrasting features and applications.
References
- http://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/viewdoc/download?doi=10.1.1.413.7858&rep=rep1&type=pdf
- http://www.cs.put.poznan.pl/rwalkowiak/pliki/pr/Basic_Performance_Measurements.pdf