Sempron
AMD's budget desktop processor line, competing with Intel Celeron.
AMD used the Sempron name for a line of budget desktop processors that went through several different technologies and socket types. It took over from the Duron and went up against Intel’s Celeron chips. The name comes from the Latin *semper*, meaning “always,” to suggest the processor was built for daily, practical use. The first Semprons were similar to the Duron they replaced, based on the Athlon XP architecture with Thoroughbred or Thorton cores and using Socket A. The last Sempron models came out in April 2014, and the brand ended when AMD launched its A-Series APUs.
Early Sempron CPUs used the Athlon XP architecture with Thoroughbred or Thorton cores, a Socket A interface, 256 KiB of L2 cache, and a 166 MHz front-side bus (FSB 333). Thoroughbred cores had 256 KiB of L2 cache natively, while Thortons had 512 KiB, half of which was disabled and could sometimes be reactivated with a small physical modification. Later, a Sempron 3000+ based on the Barton core with 512 KiB L2 cache appeared. From a hardware and user perspective, Socket A Semprons were essentially Athlon XP desktop CPUs with a new name.
The second generation used the Paris or Palermo core, based on the Socket 754 Athlon 64 architecture. These had a smaller L2 cache (128 or 256 KiB) and early models lacked AMD64 support. Otherwise, they shared features with the Athlon 64, including an integrated memory controller, HyperTransport link, and NX bit. In the second half of 2005, AMD added 64-bit support (AMD64) to the Sempron line. Some journalists called these “Sempron 64” to distinguish them, though AMD did not. AMD’s goal was to expand the market for 64-bit processors, which was still niche at the time.
In 2006, AMD announced Socket AM2 and Socket S1 Sempron processors. These were functionally similar to the previous generation but swapped the single-channel DDR memory controller for a dual-channel DDR2 controller. The standard version had a 62 W TDP, while an “Energy Efficient Small Form Factor” version ran at 35 W. Socket AM2 versions did not require a minimum 1.1 volts to operate, unlike all Socket 754 Semprons with Cool’n’Quiet. For a time in 2006, AMD sold both Socket 754 and Socket AM2 Semprons. By mid-2007, the 754 line appeared to be dropped in favor of AM2 and S1 models.
Quick Facts
- Produced-Start
- July 28, 2004 to April 2014
- Slowest
- 1.0
Facts from the source article.
Lore & Background
The first Sempron CPUs were based on the Athlon XP architecture using the Thoroughbred or Thorton core, equipped with Socket A, 256 KiB L2 cache, and 166 MHz front side bus. Thoroughbred cores had 256 KiB L2 cache natively, while Thortons had 512 KiB, half disabled. Later, the Sempron 3000+ used the Barton core with 512 KiB L2 cache. From a hardware standpoint, Socket A Semprons were essentially identical to Athlon XP desktop CPUs with a new brand name.
The second generation (Paris/Palermo core) was based on the Socket 754 Athlon 64 architecture, with reduced cache (128 or 256 KiB L2) and absence of AMD64 support in early models. These processors included an integrated memory controller, HyperTransport link, and NX bit. In the second half of 2005, AMD added 64-bit support (AMD64) to the Sempron line; some journalists referred to this revision as 'Sempron 64'. In 2006, AMD announced Socket AM2 and Socket S1 Semprons, functionally equivalent but with dual-channel DDR2 memory controllers. The standard TDP remained 62 W, while an 'Energy Efficient Small Form Factor' version had 35 W TDP.
Later models included the Socket AM3 Sargas (45 nm, single-core from Regor harvests), Socket S1 Keene and Sable, ASB1 package Huron, and FM2/FM2+ Semprons with Piledriver microarchitecture. Some Sempron processors were released without Cool'n'Quiet support.
Reader's Guide
The Sempron brand served as AMD's entry-level desktop processor line for a decade, from 2004 to 2014. It replaced the Duron and directly competed with Intel's Celeron series, offering budget-conscious consumers a practical option for daily computing. The brand's significance lies in its adaptation across multiple architectures and sockets, from Socket A based on Athlon XP to later 64-bit K8 cores, then to AM2, AM3, and even FM2/FM2+ platforms. The introduction of 64-bit support in 2005 helped extend the market for 64-bit processors into the entry-level segment. The Sempron line also demonstrated AMD's strategy of repurposing higher-end designs with reduced cache or disabled cores, such as the Sargas models harvested from Regor dies. The brand was retired with the launch of the AMD A-Series APUs, marking the end of a dedicated budget CPU line in favor of integrated graphics solutions.
Did You Know?
- The name Sempron comes from the Latin 'semper', meaning 'always'.
- Some Thorton-core Semprons had half of their 512 KiB L2 cache disabled, which could sometimes be reactivated with a physical modification.
- Early Socket 754 Semprons lacked AMD64 support; 64-bit support was added in the second half of 2005.
- The last Sempron models were launched in April 2014, and the brand was retired with the AMD A-Series APUs.
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