AMD announces next generation platforms roadmap

Stan Beer
Friday, 02 June 2006 14:01

Your IT - Home IT

Number two chip maker AMD has released a bunch of announcements concerning the future direction of its AMD64 platform. The announcements include details of next-generation microprocessor architecture in the server, desktop and mobile space covering both hardware and software. AMD also announced plans for a new high-performance enthusiast platform.

AMD's new enthusiast platform codenamed "4x4" is for consumers who want high performing PCs for entertainment. Project 4x4 is designed for multi-tasking performance across gaming, digital video, processor-intensive and heavily-threaded applications. The 4x4 platform features a four-core, multi-socket processor configuration and will also be designed to be upgraded to eight total processor cores when AMD launches quad-core processors in 2007.

AMD's next-generation architecture for servers, workstations and desktops is planned to debut in mid-2007. Products will include a quad-core design for servers, workstations and high-end desktops, and a dual-core design intended for mainstream desktop markets.

The next generation processors will be built using AMD's 65nm Silicon-on-Insulator process, and includes the capability to dynamically alter the frequency of each core on a chip to match application workloads. AMD aims to increase the performance-per-watt of today's AMD Opteron processor-powered servers by approximately 60% through 2007, and by approximately 150% through 2008.

AMD's new mobile design is planned for the second half of 2007, and, according to AMD, includes key architectural advancements for increased power efficiency and battery life in mobile platforms. One improvement increases the ability for future AMD dual-core mobile chips to dynamically power one or both cores on or off, and subsequently throttle the chip's HyperTransport technology bandwidth, depending on the notebook's current state and running applications.
                 
"In 2003, AMD started down a path to reinventing the microprocessor industry with the introduction of our AMD64 architecture," said AMD chairman and CEO Hector Ruiz.

"And with unprecedented customer and market momentum, we are accelerating on that path with game-changing strategies to expand our capacity, extend our system-level performance and performance-per-watt leadership, and provide a simpler, more open and "innovation-friendly" x86-based platform to those who want to collaborate in the development of differentiated, customer-centric solutions. Today's announcements represent AMD's future - and a view into the great global corporation we are well on our way to creating."