AMD Turion 64 ML-28

The AMD Turion 64 ML-28 is a single-core mobile processor from the K8 Lancaster generation, released in mid-2005 and now end-of-life. With a 50th percentile ranking against all CPUs in the database, it sits squarely in the middle of the pack—neither a performance outlier nor a laggard, but a product whose modest specifications define its role. The data shows a chip built for efficiency and basic mobile tasks, not for demanding workloads. Its benchmark score of 0 and empty nearestRivals list mean direct comparisons are limited, so analysis must rely on its architectural characteristics and intended market segment.

How It Compares

The FACT PACK lists no nearest rivals for the AMD Turion 64 ML-28, so no direct percentage deltas or competitor names are available. In the absence of such data, the processor’s position must be inferred from its own specifications. With one core and one thread at a base clock of 1600.00 MHz, it is a fundamental entry-point design. The 50th percentile ranking indicates that half of all recorded CPUs perform better and half worse, placing it in the median tier of the database. This is consistent with a mobile chip from its era—capable of basic operation but outstripped by multi-core and higher-clocked contemporaries that would appear in any broader comparison. Without rival scores, the only verifiable statement is that the Turion 64 ML-28 occupies a median position in the overall CPU landscape.

Power and Thermals

The Turion 64 ML-28 carries a thermal design power (TDP) of 32 watts. This figure defines its cooling requirements: a low-power mobile processor in this class typically demands only a modest cooling solution, such as a small fan or passive heatsink, suitable for thin-and-light laptops. The 32 W TDP is notably lower than many desktop parts, enabling quieter operation and longer battery life in portable systems. The 90 nm process node contributes to this efficiency, as smaller geometries generally reduce power draw and heat generation. The die size is 125 mm², and the chip contains 114 million transistors, both figures consistent with a mid-2000s mobile design. For cooling, a basic air cooler with a low-profile fan would suffice; no exotic liquid or large tower cooler is necessary. The data indicates that thermal management is a non-issue for this processor, given its modest power envelope.

Benchmark Performance

The average benchmark score for the Turion 64 ML-28 is 0, and no benchmark scores are listed in the FACT PACK. This means quantitative performance analysis is impossible from the provided data. The processor’s 50th percentile ranking is the only relative metric available. That percentile suggests that, among all CPUs tracked in the database, the Turion 64 ML-28 performs at the median level. In practical terms, this implies it can handle routine computing—web browsing, document editing, and light multitasking—but will struggle with compute-intensive applications like video encoding, 3D rendering, or modern games. The single core and single thread limit parallel workloads, and the 1600.00 MHz base clock, without any boost capability, sets a hard ceiling on sequential processing speed. The cache hierarchy—128 KB L1 and 512 KB L2—is small by modern standards, further constraining performance on large datasets. Without rival scores, no percentage deltas can be stated, but the architectural facts point to a processor suited for entry-level mobile use rather than high-performance tasks.

Platform and Compatibility

The Turion 64 ML-28 uses the AMD Socket 754 interface, a platform designed for single-channel memory operation. The memory bus is single-channel, meaning data flows to and from memory over one path, which limits bandwidth compared to dual-channel designs. The processor does not support ECC memory, aligning with consumer rather than server use. For PCIe, the FACT PACK lists no PCIe generation or lane count, so expansion capabilities are unspecified—a sign that integrated graphics are handled at the chipset level. Indeed, the integrated graphics are described as “On certain motherboards (Chipset feature),” indicating that the CPU itself lacks a built-in GPU and relies on the motherboard’s chipset for display output. The socket and architecture are end-of-life, so upgrade paths are confined to other Socket 754 processors from the same era. The market segment is Mobile, confirming its intended use in laptops and portable devices. The processor is not multiplier-unlocked, so overclocking is restricted. The part number is TMDML28BKX4LD, and the release date is June 21, 2005.

Who Should Consider It

Given its specifications, the Turion 64 ML-28 is appropriate for users with basic mobile computing needs. For office productivity—word processing, spreadsheets, email—the single core at 1600.00 MHz is sufficient, as these tasks are largely sequential and undemanding. Light web browsing and media playback (audio, standard-definition video) are also within its capabilities, provided the chipset’s integrated graphics can support such output. Gaming is not a viable use case; modern titles require multiple cores and higher clock speeds that this processor lacks. Content creation, such as photo editing or video rendering, would be painfully slow due to the single thread and limited cache. The 50th percentile ranking reinforces this: the Turion 64 ML-28 is a median performer, acceptable for legacy software and basic tasks but obsolete for any workload that scales with core count. Users with a vintage laptop or a low-power embedded system might find it functional, but anyone seeking modern performance should look elsewhere.

Single-Thread vs Multi-Thread Behavior

The Turion 64 ML-28 has one core and one thread, so there is no multi-threaded capability to analyze. Every workload runs on a single execution path. This means the processor’s performance is entirely determined by its base clock of 1600.00 MHz and its cache architecture. Single-thread performance is therefore the only performance metric that matters. Tasks that benefit from parallel processing—video encoding, scientific simulations, modern game engines—will see no advantage, as the chip cannot execute multiple threads simultaneously. The 128 KB L1 and 512 KB L2 caches provide modest data locality, helping to reduce memory latency for small working sets, but larger datasets will expose the single-channel memory bus’s bandwidth limits. In real-world terms, the Turion 64 ML-28 behaves as a pure single-threaded processor: responsive for simple, one-at-a-time tasks, but incapable of handling concurrent heavy processes. The lack of a boost clock means there is no transient speed increase under load, so peak performance is constant. This split between single-thread (all it does) and multi-thread (nonexistent) is the defining characteristic of this chip.

FAQ

Q: What is the clock speed of the AMD Turion 64 ML-28?

A: The base clock is 1600.00 MHz, and there is no boost clock.

Q: How many cores and threads does this processor have?

A: It has one core and one thread.

Q: What is the TDP of the Turion 64 ML-28?

A: The thermal design power is 32 watts.

Q: Does the Turion 64 ML-28 support ECC memory?

A: No, ECC memory is not supported.

Q: What socket does this processor use?

A: It uses AMD Socket 754.

Q: Is the integrated graphics on the CPU?

A: No, integrated graphics are a chipset feature available on certain motherboards, not built into the processor.

Q: When was the Turion 64 ML-28 released?

A: It was released on June 21, 2005.