Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD)introduced a slew of new consumer-level processors on Tuesday, including two new low-power chips, and its highest performing dual-core processor to date.

The Sunnyvale, Calif.-based chip-maker's Athlon 64 X2 line of performance CPU's received its latest addition today, the 6000+ series, with a clock speed of 3 GHz and 2 Mb of onboard memory. The previous model, the 5800+, featured the same amount of memory, but ran at 2.8 Ghz.

With the simultaneous introduction of the new AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor 6000+, AMD remains a leading-edge provider of technology that offers end-users the performance they seek, while delivering the unwavering level of quality they have come to expect from AMD, said Bob Brewer a corporate vice president at AMD.

The faster chip will likely appeal to computer enthusiasts and gamers. Computer makers, including Alienware, Fujitsu Siemens Computers, Systemax and Voodoo, will immediately begin to ship products with the chip.

AMD also introduced two new single-core processors, operating at the same speeds as previous models, but consuming much less energy. The firm said its Athlon 64 3500+ and 3800+ models have been transitioned to a 65 nm manufacturing process, making the chips nearly 30 percent smaller than the 90 nm process chips previously used. The size reduction helps the chip consume only 45 watts, compared to 62 watts for the previous generation.

We expect that our commercial and consumer customers, as well as end-users, will be pleased with both the low noise and small form factor designs possible using this latest generation of energy-efficient desktop processors, Brewer said.

The firm faces increasing pressure from its larger rival, Intel Inc., which some Wall Street analysts contend has more advanced products. AMD introduced new dual-core Opteron processors for servers two weeks ago to battle with Intel's successful processor flagship, the Xeon.

Pricing for the 3500+ and 3800+ AMD Athlon 64 processors is $88 and $93, respectively in quantities of one thousand. The new AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor 6000+ is $464 in 1000 quantities.

Shares of AMD fell 2 cents, or 0.13 percent, to close at $14.92 in Tuesday trading on the New York Stock Exchange.

California