AMD roadmaps revealed till 2012

During the Financial Analyst Day, AMD has unveiled several of the roadmaps for the years to come. Because of the increasing competition in the notebook area, as well as the increasing demand for netbooks, AMD will have to work really hard to keep its market share.

The "Puma" platform, with the "Griffin" CPU's, will be replaced in 2009 by the "Tigris" platform, with its "Caspian" processors. The socket S1g2 will be changed to S1g3, a transition that is parallel to that of the desktop-socket, which will change from AM2+ to AM3. The "Caspian" processors will be the first 45nm AMD notebook processors. Apart from the several "Tigris" models, the company will also launch its "Congo" platform with the "Conesus" processor, as well as the "Yukon" platform with the single core "Huron" processor to serve the netbook market.

The current RS780M chipset will be moved to "Congo" in the ultraportable segment. The southbridge will be slightly improved and renamed SB710. The same SB710 will also be used in the "Tigris" platform, combined with an improved RS880M chipset.

In 2010, AMD's first quadcore notebook will appear, it will be part of the 'Danube' platform and the processors will be codenamed 'Champlain'. DDR3 memory will also be introduced in AMD's notebooks. "Nile" will form a compact platform for the dualcore "Geneva" processors, also sporting the DDR3 memory support. The image above shows the roadmap for AMD's processors. In 2011, they will transit the production to 32 nm for all processors. Another interesting thing is that AMD has the same "Liano" processor planned for both desktops and notebooks. The "Orochi" will be AMD's high-end processor, possibly featuring eight cores and over 8 MB cache.

Source: Computerbase

Dell Core i7-ready Studio XPS desktop PC

Dell's Studio desktops liked intel Nehalem and studio XPS is here and it has already been added to Dell's offer. The new desktop PC has a starting price of $949 and it includes an X58 motherboard, a Core i7 processor, up to 12GB of DDR3 1066 MHz memory, a maximum of 1TB of storage space , and either a Radeon HD 3450 or HD 4850 graphics card.

The Studio XPS also features a 16x DVD writer, 7.1 channel audio, Gigabit Ethernet and comes with Windows Vista Home Premium Edition 64bit SP1 pre-installed. More info about Dell's Studio XPS can be found on Dell's website.

Alienware Core i7 Area-51 X-58 desktop

Alienware has just introduced the Core i7-powered Area-51 X-58 and ALX X-58 gaming systems. Starting at $1,349, the Area-51 X-58 can be equipped with Core i7 920 (2.66GHz), 940 (2.93GHz) or Core i7 Extreme (3.2GHz) Core i7 CPUs, a X58 motherboard, up to 12GB DDR3 1066 MHz memory, at least a Radeon HD 4670 graphics card, 2TB of storage and even a 4x Blu-Ray writer.

At $3,699, the ALX X-58 has the same CPU and memory options but comes with at least one Radeon HD 3870 X2 or two GeForce 9800 GTX cards, 2TB via two 7,200 RPM drives or 600 GB through two 10,000 RM HDDs, and a Blu-Ray burner.Alienware Core i7 Area-51 X-58 desktop

DELL GAMING LAUNCHES THREE ALL-NEW SYSTEMS FEATURING INTEL® CORE™ i7 AND CORE i7 EXTREME PROCESSORS

· Alienware Area-51® X-58 – Starting at $1,649
· Alienware Area-51® ALX X-58 – Starting at $3,699
· Dell XPS 730x – Starting at $1,999
Miami – Nov. 17, 2008 – Dell Gaming brings unprecedented speed and performance with the launch of the Intel® Core™ i7, offering users the world's most powerful processors on three all-new extreme gaming desktops; the Alienware Area-51® X-58, Alienware Area-51 ALX X-58 and the Dell XPS 730x. By incorporating Intel's breakthrough new microarchitecture into these three dynamic systems, Dell Gaming delivers a revolutionary leap in in-game performance. The Intel Core i7 processor generates a greater number of instructions per clock cycle, enhancing the systems' simultaneous processing capabilities. This translates into improved physics, greater environmental interactivity, more intelligent AI and an overall boost in the immersive, real-to-life experience hardcore gamers demand.

The News
· Available today at www.alienware.com/X58 and www.dell.com/gaming, the Alienware Area-51 X-58 and ALX X-58 feature up to 12GB of triple channel DDR3 memory, while the XPS 730x offers up to 6GB. All three systems utilize the all-new Intel QuickPath Architecture to speed up communication between the processor and components throughout the systems. This delivers faster load times between game levels without sacrificing background applications such as game utility packages, surfing the Net or downloading movies and music. With a performance increase of over 20 percent compared to the previous generation platform, Intel Core i7 processors help these rigs crank out maximum benchmarks at peak game settings.
· In addition to this aggressive performance, the Area-51 X-58, Area-51 ALX X-58 and XPS 730x feature Dell Gaming exclusives such as:
o Alienware AlienFX® customizable lighting controls: Allows gamers to customize the system looks with software-controlled multi-zone lighting. Includes event-driven activities, like changing automatically when programs are launched or email is received.
o Alienware Command Center: Advanced user controls in a centralized, user- friendly access port for exclusive applications such as AlienFX® lighting, AlienFusion power management, and AlienSense facial recognition security features. (Alienware Only)
o XPS internal theater lighting for "under the hood" activities: a series of battery powered LEDs automatically light the interior when the side panel is removed. (XPS Only)
o Dell Gaming's bold, signature case designs, giving gamers maximum customization and an intense, immersive user experience.
· Gaming enthusiasts will be able configure Dell gaming systems to meet their unique specification with options like:
o Air-cooled or AlienIce™ or H2C high-performance cooled CPUs and chipsets
o Video card solutions from both ATI and NVIDIA, and all systems are ATI CrossfireX™ and NVIDIA SLI-ready.
o Multiple single and dual hard drive options, with support for RAID 1, 0, and 1+0 (up to 2TB on XPS, 4TB on Alienware).
o Choice of 750, 1000, 1200-watt power supply (Alienware only)
With Intel Core i7 processors, you get the advantage of:
· Intel 45nm Technology – delivers higher speeds, enhanced efficiency and improved thermal management
· Intel QuickPath Architecture – utilizes an on-board memory controller to move beyond the capabilities of the FSB and enjoy the full benefits of multi-core and microarchitecture-based CPUs
· Intel Hyper-Threading – enables Windows to deliver eight-threaded performance capability on four cores
· 64-Bit OS Ready – processes double the information of 32-bit-based systems, increasing responsiveness and maximizing your hardware's potential
· Intel Turbo Mode – shifts the processor into a higher gear for mind-blowing performance without a heat penalty
The Quotes
"By incorporating the revolutionary capabilities of Intel Core i7 and Core i7 Extreme Edition processors into the Alienware and XPS lines of gaming systems, Dell Gaming continues to lead the industry in delivering performance levels and in-game benchmarks that shatter all previously perceived limitations," says Arthur Lewis, head of Dell gaming group.

"Intel Core i7 processors represent the next stage in the evolution of desktop performance," says Doug Parker, Intel's Director of Marketing for America's Sales and Marketing Group. "By combining this dramatic technology with the expert engineering of Alienware and XPS systems, Intel and Dell are redefining gamers' expectations for power and efficiency."
For more information on Intel Core i7 processors in Alienware and XPS systems, please visit: www.alienware.com/X58 and www.dell.com/gaming.

Phenom II naming scheme and launch plans

AMD has dropped the plan of releasing any 45nm Phenoms before the end of this year but is readying a full line-up of processors for next year. Set to debut at CES, the Phenom II family includes the X4 900, 800 (Deneb) and 600 (Propus), X3 700 (Heka) and 600 (Rana) plus the X2 200 (Regor) series CPUs.

In Q1, AMD is expected to introduce no less than 8 processors, two of them, the Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition (3.0 GHz) and 920 (2.8 GHz) being AM2+ parts. The DDR3-supporting AM3 line-up will debut with the X4 925 (2.8 GHz), 910 (2.6 GHz), X4 810 (2.6 GHz), 805 (2.5 GHz), X3 720 (2.8 GHz) and 710 (2.6 GHz). The prices of these models are still unknown but hopefully their'll be very competitive.

The Phenom II X3 600 and X2 200s are set to become available in Q2.

Intel Core i7 priced

Dean Pullen the Inquirer, Monday 17 November 2008. 09:00:00 Available in the UK INTEL'S NEW PROCESSOR brand is now out, in stock, and available in the UK. The new fangled CPU code-named Nehalem, but now branded Core i7, can be picked up at a variety of online distributors for a range of different prices....

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AMD to release Phenom II in January

AMD told analysts yesterday that Phenom II X4 would be launched at CES 2009 in January. This Shanghai-based desktop product of the Deneb core, will serve as a launching platform for AMD's new industry focus, which is on value and mainstream and markedly away from enterprise. AMD's executives also stated that Intel's Nehalem-based Core i7 is out of touch with the marketplace.

The Dragon platform

The Phenom II X4 will be released along with an enthusiast platform called "Dragon." Like the server version announced yesterday, the desktop Phenom II will be a quad-core processor with 8 MB cache (6 MB shared L3, 512 KB L2 per core), support for DDR2 and DDR3 memory. Dragon will provide a range of graphics options from low-end to a "terascale graphics engine," overdrive CPU control and a Fusion optimization tool.

AMD comments on Intel Core i7

AMD's Bob Grim, senior manager of product marketing for AMD's desktop group, categorized Intel's Core i7 as being out of touch with the marketplace. He said, "Expensive motherboards, expensive memory...all expectations says that the processor will be expensive as well." Intel's Core i7 processors priced at $294 for 2.66 GHz, $562 for 2.93 GHz and $999 for 3.20 GHz. See Intel's pricing page.
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Shanghai Chips from AMD now available

AMD has released its new Shanghai platform, signaling a move to 45nm. The first chips out the door are quad-core Opteron parts, which AMD claims will deliver up to 35 percent more performance and up to a 35 percent decrease in power consumption when idle.Acording to CNet, a desktop platform (codenamed Dragon) consisting of 45nm Shanghai desktop CPUs along with AMD 700 series chipsets and ATI Radeon HD 4000 graphics will also see the light of day in the same time frame and attempt to compete with Intel's Core i7 platform.

"This enhanced AMD Opteron processor represents the most dramatic performance and performance-per-watt increases for AMD products since the introduction of the world's first x86 dual-core processors nearly four years ago," Randy Allen, AMD senior VP for Computing Solutions Group, said in a statement. "Simply put, the quad-core AMD Opteron is the right technology at the right time."Shanghai, which is essentially a refresh of Barcelona and not an entirely new architecture, supports DDR2-800 memory and comes with a tweaked Direct Connect Architecture. The current batch of 75-watt Shanghai chips will be followed up by a launch of 55-watt Opteron and an SE 105-watt part in Q1 2009.

Shanghai Chips from AMD now available

AMD pushes Fusion platform to 2011

AMD's executives gave an update of th company's progress toward profitability, products, marketing, manufacturing and operational initiatives on Thursday at the company's 2008 Financial Analyst Day in Sunnyvale, Calif.AMD has changed its original plans to introduce chips that combine CPU and and graphics cores to 2011, at a time where the when it will roll its first 32 nm products.

AMD pushes Fusion platform to 2011

The company has canceled its plans to release in 2010 its first dual-core 45 nm processor that would combine graphics and x86 cores. Instead, AMD will inntroduce in 2010 a four-core notebook processor in a BGA package.

AMD's "rival" Intel is expected to release a notebook processor that includes a graphics core in the end of 2009.AMD's first 32 nm processors will be delivered in 2011. The Orochi (UMPC/notebook) and Llano (mainstream desktop/notebook) chips will be the first to use AMD's next-generation Bulldozer core. The desktop chips will have four x86 cores and support four to eight Mbytes cache and DDR3 memory. The Llano chip will also include a graphics core.

Also in 2011, AMD will deliver Ontario, a 32nkm notebook chip with two x86 and one graphics core, supporting DDR3 memory.
Desktop/notebook Roadmap 2009-2010

AMD also provided details bout the CPU roadmap for mobile and desktop PCs for 2009/2010.

In 2009, the 45nm quad-core "Deneb" CPU (8m cache, DDR2/3) will power the entusiast desktop platforms. The "Propos" quad-core chips will be also available at that time featuring 2MB of cache and they will be found at mainstearm desktop PCs.

In the notebook segment for clients, AMD will release in 2009 the new 2-core "Caspian" CPU (2MB cache, DDR2) followed by the quad-core "Champlain" CPU (2MB cache, DDR3) in 2010. For ultramobiles, AMd prepares the "Conesus" (2-core, 1M cache, DDR2) chip for 2009 and the "Geneva" (2-core, 2M cache, DDR3) chip one year later.

AMD's 45nm desktop CPUs to be named Phenom II?

Announcing its 45nm Opteron CPUs, AMD said a few things about the upcoming 45nm desktop offer too. First of all, the company has revealed that the CPUs will be part of the successor of the Spider platform which will be known as "Dragon" which will debut in Q1 2009.

The second thing mentioned by AMD was that Dragon will make use of the "new 45nm AMD Phenom II X4 quad-core processors" which, if no typo comes into play, means the Phenom line-up is ready to step up in number and generation. It's yet unknown if both the AM2+ and AM3 45nm parts will bear the "Phenom II" name. We're guessing yes?

AMD launches its 45nm Opteron processors

AMD launches its 45nm Opteron processors

AMD has now announced the official debut of its first 45nm processors, the 'Shanghai' quad-core Opterons. Still making use of Socket F (1207), the 45nm server CPUs feature HyperTransport, the CoolCore technology, which reduces power to unused sections of each processor to further reduce power consumption., 6MB of L3 cache (up from the 2 MB of 65nm Opterons), an integrated DDR2 memory controller, lower power requirements and generally more processing power.

AMD launches its 45nm Opteron processors

"Flawless execution in bringing the 45nm Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor to market early results in new performance leadership on x86 servers," said Randy Allen, senior vice president, Computing Solutions Group, AMD. "In concert with our OEM and solution provider partners, AMD is addressing the need for enterprises to focus on their bottom line while giving them the innovations they need to build for the future. This enhanced AMD Opteron processor represents the most dramatic performance and performance-per-watt increases for AMD products since the introduction of the world’s first x86 dual-core processors by AMD nearly four years ago. Simply put, the Quad-Core AMD Opteron processor is the right technology at the right time."

The first wave of 45nm processors has already reached stores and the offers of server builders and it includes no less than nine models, all detailed below. Prices are for 1000-unit tray quantities.