AMD has published the full specification of its Pacifica virtualization technology. Like Intel’s planned VT, formerly known as Vanderpool, it allows a desktop or server processor to run multiple operating systems simultaneously. Pacifica is scheduled to be available in client and server processors from AMD in the first half of 2006.
AMD has introduced a new Geode processor that requires less than one watt of power to work and supports Windows XP/XP Embedded and x86 architecture. The LX800@0.9W runs at 500 MHz and uses DDR memory interface. It will be employed in HDTVs, IP set-top boxes, thin clients, point-of-sale kiosks and tablet PCs. AMD believes it will also be an option for x86-based mobile multimedia devices offering desktop computing functionality. The Geode LX800@0.9W and CS5536 companion chipset are available at USD 45 in 10,000 unit shipments.
The Wall Street Journal reports today that Apple is in serious talks to use Intel processors in its Macintosh computers. Citing two unnamed industry sources, the newspaper claims that the two companies have been negotiating for a while and that Apple’s relationship with IBM, which produces the PowerPC currently used in Macs, are sort of shaken. But Apple could also be spreading the rumor just to be in a better strategic position to do business with IBM. The PowerPC powers the Mac line since 1994.
During Intel’s Spring Analyst Meeting, this week, CEO-to-be Paul Otellini confirmed that the company will ship a quad-core Xeon processor codenamed Woodcrest in 2007. He also ratified plans to launch next generation desktop and notebook chips named Conroe and Merom in late 2006, following the upcoming Pressler and Yonah processors. According to Intel, by the end of 2007 every server chip sold by the company will be either dual or multicore, as will be 90% of the performance desktop and performance notebook products.
Even though AMD and Intel are launching a variety of such products now, the year of the dual-core chip should happen only in 2007. This is when market research firm Gartner predicts dual-core processors will represent the majority of units shipped. According to the company, these chips are expected to offer up to 70% better performance than single-core ones, and enterprises should start preparing to test applications on dual-core platforms.
AMD launched today its first bunch of dual-core processors. As expected, the Opteron 800 series, aimed at four to eight-way servers, got three new models: the 2.2 GHz 875, the 2 GHz 870 and the 1.8 GHz 865. These are priced at USD 2,649, USD 2,149 and USD 1,514, respectively, in 1,000-unit quantities. Dual-core Opteron 200, for servers with two processors, will be available in May. AMD has also announced that the dual-core Athlon 64 X2 chips will be released ahead of schedule in June. There will be initially four models: the 4800+, clocked at 2.4 GHz and featuring two 1 MB L2 caches; the 4600+ (2.4 GHz and 2 x 512 KB L2); the 4400+ (2.2 GHz and 2 x 1 MB L2); and the 4200+ (2.2 GHz and 2 x 512 KB L2). Prices will range from USD 581 to USD 1,001.
Intel confirmed today that three companies – Alienware, Dell and Velocity Micro – have started selling dual-core processor-based PCs aimed at gamers and enthusiasts. These feature the 3.2 GHz Pentium Extreme Edition 840 and the i955X Express chipset. The announcement does not mean that users can immediately receive a dual-core system, but that they are able to order them. For instance Velocity Micro´s ProMagix DCX starting from USD 2965 is expected to ship only on May 2.
AMD released a new Mobile Athlon 64, the 3700+, for full-size notebooks. The chip, clocked at 2.4 GHz and featuring 1 MB of L2 cache, supports the Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) security feature enabled by Windows XP SP2. The 3700+ also supports 3D Now!, PowerNow!, SSE3 and 802.11a/b/g connectivity. It is priced at USD 336 in 1,000-unit quantities.
Taiwanese site DigiTimes reports, citing motherboard makers, that Intel will launch the dual-core Pentium Extreme Edition 840 (clocked at 3.2 GHz) and the i955X chipset in the coming days. Both products were slated to come up in the end of the current trimester. The Pentium EE 840 will be priced at USD 999 in 1,000-unit quantities and boards based on the i955X will probably cost around USD 200. Other dual-core chips and compatible chipsets are still set to be launched until June.
Taiwanese website DigiTimes says that AMD may lauch its dual-core Opteron processor in the middle of the second quarter instead of the third quarter, as originally planned. AMD may lauch dual-core Opteron 200 and 800 series CPU, codenamed Italy and Egypt, in the second quarter. It is also expected the release of Opteron 100 series in the third quarter.
With the new CT-479 upgrade kit from ASUS you can install a Pentium M or a Celeron M CPU originally designed to laptops on a socket 478 motherboard. Accordingly to ASUS, right now only P4P800 SE and P4P800-VM motherboards from ASUS support this upgrade kit, but other motherboards will be compatible as well in the future. There are two main advantages on using a Pentium M on a desktop. First, the lower power consumption, of course. Secondly, Pentium M CPU has a greater performance than other Intel CPUs at the same clock rate. This kit supports the following Pentium M models:
Banias from 1.3 GHz to 1.7 GHz
Dothan from 1.5 GHz to 2.26 GHz
Celeron M from 1.2GHz to 1.7GHz
Does not support Pentium M Low Voltage and Pentium M Ultra Low
AMD lauched yesterday the so waited Centrino rival: Turion 64. Target to the mobile market, Turion 64 uses the same 64-bit technology as Athlon 64. Seven models were released:
ML-37: 2 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache;
ML-34: 1.8 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache;
ML-32: 1.8 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache;
ML-30: 1.6 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache;
MT-34: 1.8 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache;
MT-32: 1.8 GHz, 512 KB L2 cache;
MT-30: 1.6 GHz, 1 MB L2 cache.
As you can see, AMD started using a naming scheme just like Intel: instead of using the CPU clock or its performance to name it, AMD is now using a "processor model". The difference between the ML and MT models is the maximum dissipated power: the ML series dissipates 35 W, while the MT series dissipates 25 W.
Turion 64 has the same features as Athlon 64: Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) and integrated memory controller (single channel) supporting DDR400/PC3200 memories and 128 KB cache L1. It is manufactured under 90 nm technology.
A taiwanese guy was able to snapshot the forthcoming Turion 64, AMD solution for the mobile market targeted to compete with Intel's Centrino. This guy was even able to take some screenshots of the specs and performance for this new processor. Follow the link to read the full story.
Intel has introduced its new 600 series Pentium 4 chips sporting EM64T extensions, 2 MB of L2 cache, Enhanced SpeedStep (EIST) power management and no-execute security bit. The chips have 800 MHz FSB and are clocked at 3 GHz (630), 3.2 GHz (640), 3.4 GHz (650) and 3.6 GHz (660). Prices range from USD 224 (630) to USD 605 (660) in 1,000-unit quantities. Intel has also released a new Pentium 4 Extreme Edition clocked at 3.73 GHz and sporting a 1066 MHz FSB. It brings the same features as the 600 series except the EIST tech.
Intel also announced a bunch of new products on the server front. It consists of four “Irwindale” Xeon for dual processor systems and workstations sporting 2 MB of L2 cache. The 64-bit chips – supporting 800 MHz FSB and DDR2-400 memory – are clocked at 3 GHz, 3.2 GHz, 3.4 GHz and 3.6 GHz and are priced at USD 316, USD 455, USD 690 and USD 851 in 1,000-unit quantities.
