AMD tests motherboards

Accompanying the recent release of its Athlon64 line of 64-bit processors for the desktop computers, Advanced Micro Devices Inc., Sunnyvale, Calif., has updated its list of recommended motherboards.

Analysts have pointed to variation in third-party motherboard chipsets as a potential trouble spot when using AMD chips. So AMD started an in-house certification process to identify quality motherboards, said Richard Heye, vice president of AMD's microprocessor business unit.

AMD tests the boards and evaluates how well they comply with its specifications. Boards from Asus Computer International Inc., Gigabyte Technology Co. Ltd., Micro-Star International Corporation Ltd. and others have been certified. For a complete list, go to www.washingtontechnology.com and type 118 into the Quick Find box.