AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-80 vs AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84

The AMD Turion X2 Ultra ZM-84 is a dual core processor for laptops based on the Griffin core (Puma platform). With 2.3 GHz it is similar to the second fastest processor of the ZM-series, the ZM-85, but features slower clocked HyperTransport links (1.8 GHz). It was introduced in 2008 and based on a mixture of the old K8 architecture (cores) and more modern K10 architecture (memory controller, HyperTransport links, crossbar). A novelty of the ZM series, is the possibility to change to power states of the cores and the memory controller independently to save power.

Compared to the Turion 64 X2 RM series, the Ultra models offer twice as much level 2 cache. The Athlon X2 QL models are also based on the same architecture but offer only reduced power saving functions (p-states).

Due to the bigger level 2 cache and the K10 parts, the ZM series is noticeable faster than the older generation. However, the performance and power efficiency is still not on par with the Core 2 Duo series by Intel. Therefore, the performance of the ZM-84 was only in the middle class at the time of announcement.