AMD Debuts AM1 Platform With Socketed Kabini APUs For SFF And Affordable Systems
AMD announced its new AM1 platform, which consists of dual- and quad-core Kabini APUs that slot into motherboards using the FS1b socket. The idea is that AM1 gives users a powerful but compact and affordable--not to mention upgradable--system.
Designed for the mainstream market, Kabini APUs come equipped with Jaguar core architecture and Graphics Core Next (GCN), as well as support for USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps, and are destined to land on microATX and miniITX motherboards from all the usual manufacturers, including ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and more.
MSI AM1 motherboard
“AMD continues our APU technology leadership by introducing the AM1 platform with ‘Socketed Kabini’, an APU designed for the mainstream market,” said Bernd Lienhard, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Business Unit, AMD in a press release. “The AM1 platform gives us a great opportunity to deliver a flexible infrastructure environment, and provides a multitude of options for consumers and system builders looking for upgradeability packed into an extremely affordable solution.”
“Upgradability” and “affordability” are the key terms here. The idea that you can just swap out your APU for a better one when the need arises is deeply important to many users, and as the PC market evolves to include tablets and an increasing number of inexpensive computers, keeping system costs low is necessary to stay competitive in the market.
AMD says that Kabini-based APUs, bearing the Athlon and Sempron brand names, will be globally available off the shelf and in desktops by April 9th.
Designed for the mainstream market, Kabini APUs come equipped with Jaguar core architecture and Graphics Core Next (GCN), as well as support for USB 3.0 and SATA 6Gbps, and are destined to land on microATX and miniITX motherboards from all the usual manufacturers, including ASRock, ASUS, Gigabyte, MSI, and more.
MSI AM1 motherboard
“AMD continues our APU technology leadership by introducing the AM1 platform with ‘Socketed Kabini’, an APU designed for the mainstream market,” said Bernd Lienhard, corporate vice president and general manager, Client Business Unit, AMD in a press release. “The AM1 platform gives us a great opportunity to deliver a flexible infrastructure environment, and provides a multitude of options for consumers and system builders looking for upgradeability packed into an extremely affordable solution.”
“Upgradability” and “affordability” are the key terms here. The idea that you can just swap out your APU for a better one when the need arises is deeply important to many users, and as the PC market evolves to include tablets and an increasing number of inexpensive computers, keeping system costs low is necessary to stay competitive in the market.
AMD says that Kabini-based APUs, bearing the Athlon and Sempron brand names, will be globally available off the shelf and in desktops by April 9th.
