# AMD microprocessor

> central processing unit made by Advanced Micro Devices

**Wikidata**: [Q12047069](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q12047069)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/amd-microprocessor

## Summary
An AMD microprocessor is a central processing unit designed and manufactured by Advanced Micro Devices (AMD), an American semiconductor company founded in 1969. These processors power everything from personal computers to servers and workstations, with notable product lines including Ryzen, EPYC, and Threadripper.

## Key Facts
- AMD microprocessors are designed by Advanced Micro Devices, a company founded on May 1, 1969, and headquartered in Santa Clara, California since 2016
- Major product families include Am486 (1993), Am5x86, Am386 (1991), Phenom, Ryzen (2016), EPYC (2017), and Threadripper
- AMD employs 15,500 people as of 2021, up from 8,900 in 2017
- Manufacturing partners include GlobalFoundries and TSMC, with some production done in-house
- AMD microprocessors are classified as both microprocessors and central processing units
- The Ryzen brand, launched in 2016, represents AMD's current mainstream processor lineup

## FAQs
### Q: What is the difference between AMD and Intel processors?
A: AMD and Intel are competing manufacturers of microprocessors. Both produce CPUs for personal computers, servers, and workstations, but they use different architectures, manufacturing processes, and pricing strategies. AMD's Ryzen processors compete directly with Intel's Core series.

### Q: When did AMD start making processors?
A: AMD began producing microprocessors in the early 1990s, with the Am386 released in 1991 and the Am486 family launched in 1993. The company has been designing and manufacturing CPUs for over 30 years.

### Q: What are the main types of AMD processors?
A: AMD's current processor families include Ryzen for mainstream desktop and mobile computers, EPYC for servers, Threadripper for high-end desktops and workstations, and older series like Phenom, FX, and Sempron.

### Q: Where are AMD processors manufactured?
A: AMD processors are manufactured by multiple companies including GlobalFoundries, TSMC (Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company), and AMD itself, depending on the specific product line and generation.

## Why It Matters
AMD microprocessors represent a crucial alternative to Intel's dominance in the CPU market, providing competition that drives innovation and keeps prices competitive for consumers. The company's Ryzen architecture, introduced in 2016, marked a significant turning point that challenged Intel's performance leadership across multiple market segments. AMD's presence ensures that the microprocessor industry remains competitive, benefiting consumers through better performance per dollar, faster innovation cycles, and more choices across different price points. For server and data center customers, AMD's EPYC processors offer high core counts and competitive performance, providing alternatives to Intel Xeon processors. The company's ability to compete effectively with larger rivals demonstrates the importance of innovation and strategic design choices in the semiconductor industry.

## Notable For
- Successfully competing with Intel, the world's largest CPU manufacturer, across desktop, mobile, and server markets
- Ryzen architecture (2016) that regained performance competitiveness after years of market share losses
- EPYC server processors that offer up to 64 cores per socket, challenging Intel's data center dominance
- First to market with consumer 64-bit x86 processors with the original Athlon 64
- Maintaining manufacturing flexibility through partnerships with GlobalFoundries and TSMC

## Body
### Early History
AMD entered the microprocessor market in the early 1990s, beginning with the Am386 processor in 1991. This was followed by the Am486 family in 1993, which competed directly with Intel's 486 processors. The Am5x86, released later, provided an upgrade path for 486 systems.

### Product Evolution
Throughout the 1990s and 2000s, AMD developed multiple processor families:
- Am286 and Am386: Early x86 compatible processors
- Am486: 486-class processors (1993)
- Am5x86: Enhanced 486-class chip
- Duron: Budget processor series
- Sempron: Low-cost processor family
- Phenom: Multi-core 65 nm processors
- FX series: High-end processors including the FX-8320

### Modern Era: Ryzen Architecture
In 2016, AMD launched the Ryzen brand, representing a completely new processor architecture. The Ryzen lineup includes:
- Ryzen 3: Entry-level processors (1200, 1200 AF, 2300X, 3100, 3300X)
- Ryzen 5: Mid-range processors (1600, 1600 AF, 2500X, 2500U, 2600E, 2600X, 3500, 3600)
- Ryzen 7: High-end processors (2700, 2700E, 2700U)
- Threadripper: Extreme high-end desktop processors

### Server and Workstation Processors
AMD's server-focused processors include:
- Opteron: Server and workstation processor line
- EPYC: Modern server processor line launched in June 2017

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