3. Turion 64 Model Numbers And OPNs

This topic takes us straight into answering questions about the available models of the Turion 64 and the nomenclature used in constructing model designations.

The introduction of this new mobile CPU also marks the debut of a more formal method for model designations. While the Mobile Athlon 64 models are still identified using four-digit numbers followed by a plus sign, as in the Athlon 64 3000+ for example, every Turion 64 model will be identified by an alphanumeric code consisting of two letters and two numbers, such as MT-28. The first of the two letters will always be an M (for mobile) to indicate that the CPU is intended for notebook use. The next letter speaks to the mobility rating for the processor: the closer that letter is to Z, the more mobile the CPU. In other words, a higher letter indicates lower power needs and consequently a lower maximum power consumption number. At present, there are two class designations in use for maximum power consumption: variants with an "L" in the model name consume up to a maximum of 35 W, those with a "T" consume up to a maximum of 25 W. A two digit number follows the dash in this naming scheme, and provides a relative measure of the performance of the specific model in the class of processors to which it belongs. The higher this number, the higher that chip's performance rating.

Because of their lower appetites for power, the T models promise longer battery life for mobile computers. For those seriously interested in notebook computing, for whom long battery life is quintessential, this means looking first and foremost toward mobile PCs with Turion 64 MT-xx processors when choosing new hardware.

New Turion 64 model designations.

AMD confirms that this "new" type of model designation is intended to help end-users make easier buying decisions, because they can distinguish which models are faster and which ones are less power hungry in a single quick glance. The Turion 64 or Mobile Sempron's so-called ordering part number, or OPN, is printed on the top surface of the package.

AMD mobile processors are equipped with an Ordering Part Number (OPN), where SM stands for Sempron, and TM for Turion.

Whether or not this new nomenclature will help end-users in practice or not remains to be seen. In any case, Intel has used similar model numbers for some time now, for both desktop and notebook processors. These are also supposed to be easy to understand, and specifically designed to benefit end-users. That's what makes it so amazing that even long-time notebook product managers often can't tell one CPU model from another.