Chip-maker AMD launched a global certification program this week to dispel reliability concerns over its Athlon and Duron systems.
The AMD Assured Program is aimed at assuring VARs, systems integrators and consumers that all AMD motherboards are compatible with Athlon and Duron-processor-based systems.
The scheme controls component revisions to motherboards. When vendors sign up to the program, they cannot change the manufacturers or standard of the parts they use - even the brand of the connector - without AMD approval, according to Steven Fraser, regional sales manager, AMD Australia.
"Every time a motherboard vendor comes out with a new revision, this raises the level of risk to the hardware or software," he said. "This program adds an extra level of quality assurance."
Compatibility testing criteria will be based on electrical, thermal, EMI and HQL testing. The testing process would be extensive and rigorous, Fraser said.
Various motherboard models from two Taiwanese vendors, Giga-Byte Technology and Micro-Star International, would be the first to qualify under the program, according to Fraser.