How is it possible?

Anything is possible. Do you have doubts because of the name 'Athlon'? You should not be so. A manufacturer has the right to give whatever name to whatever product it produces. AND keeps the name Athlon because the basic design is the same. For your information I am currently using an AND Athlon 64 X2 Dual Core. It is definitely different from the previous 32 bit Athlon. One big difference is the reduced amount of heat produced by the newer Athlon. A name is just a name. What is important are the specifications. all the best, rosdimy