Which AMD CPUs Support XP Mode Virtualization?
AMD makes things a little easier to identify virtualization hardware CPUs.
Now that we have both Windows 7 RC and the XP Mode beta, we’re all ready to rock out to Windows XP all over again, right? Well, only if you have the requisite hardware.
If you have an AMD processor, you’ll need something called AMD-V for the hardware virtualization that XP Mode calls for. If you have a fairly recent AMD CPU, you should be ok.
"All CPUs AMD is currently shipping, except Sempron, include AMD-V and therefore support XP mode," an AMD spokeswoman said to CNet.
AMD then laid out which of its CPUs support AMD-V:
“With the exceptions of Sempron-branded processors and Turion K8 Rev E processors, all notebook processors shipped by AMD include AMD-V and therefore support Windows 7 XP mode."
"With the exceptions of Sempron-branded processors and pre-Rev F Athlon branded processors, all of the desktop processors shipped by AMD include AMD-V and therefore support Windows 7 in XP mode."
"Also, all AMD Opteron processors shipped by AMD from Rev F forward include AMD-V."
In a previous article, we looked at all the Intel processors that supported virtualization. The picture wasn’t as clear as AMD’s, however, with some Core 2 Duo and Quad chips with and without Intel-VT. See the Intel CPU list here.

Yes and no, or maybe AMD is just trying to capitalize less on the 'VT' flag like Intel does, you have to pay for an extreme edition cpu to get that VT flag turned on.
I think Intel wanted hardware virtualization to be a value added feature whereas AMD realized that it was a possibly necessary feature that should not be denied to those with lesser budgets for cpus. Just a guess.
You can use software virtualization, but you would have to manually install a host (like VMWare or VirtualPC), and then obtain a legal copy of Windows XP. You would also then be limited by the virtualization software you were using. Why Windows7 doesn't do software-only is a question for Microsoft.
Of course there's no real reason to not have virtualization in lower end CPUs but why not try get more money from people and sell you expensive models they wouldn't otherwise buy.
It's a shame though , a friend has some real problems at work because he had a PC with a lower end Intel CPU and he could really use the hardware virtualization support. Tough luck.
Athlon 64 X2 5000+ BE FTW!
It forces people to upgrade/purchace higher end cpus - normal marketing
Why would a $8k car have all of the flash mercedes features?
Hardly a comparison. More like BMW has all the flash mercedes-like features for much less.
Don't be silly, they're only looking out for the little people's wallets. They're a business, just like Intel. They just aren't separating the high end and the low end like Intel is.