Advanced Micro Devices (AMD) has just unveiled its new Trinity processor family, which it claims offers "twice the performance per watt" of Llano chips. AMD explained that the update features four CPU (central processing unit) cores and a single GPU (graphics processing unit).
The update is seen as particularly significant for people connected to the gaming community, with AMD saying that it will provide players with a significantly improved experience.
It has already been confirmed that the Hewlett Packard 'Sleekbook' - which is set to go on sale next month - will be the first consumer product to feature the chip. AMD, which is popular among computer manufacturers, explained that the chip can be set to run off as low as 17 watts, precisely half the minimum amount possible using its predecessor, Llano.
"Over the past decade, several test chips successfully demonstrated a variety of resonant clocking implementations," Joe Macri, AMD's chief technology officer, explained. "None, however, has achieved integration into a commercial processor due to various practicality or cost issues. AMD has managed to overcome these challenges.
"[It] results in a reduction in total core power consumption of up to ten percent."
For gaming fans in particular, the new chip is set to be especially beneficial, according to Sasa Markinkovic, the head of desktop and software product marketing. Indeed, AMD is intent on pushing Trinity's ability to manage high definition games on systems that are not kitted out with discrete graphics cards.
"When you look at Ivy Bridge it is a step forward for Intel in terms of graphics performance, but it's still not good enough for HD gaming - and that makes the difference between playable and not playable," he added.
Despite this, some analysts, including Sergis Mushell, processor expert at the tech analysis firm Gartner, have cast doubt over whether AMD will be able to compete with Intel, its long-term rival.