X-bit labs

AMD Dual-Core 65nm Chips Reach AMD’s Roadmap – Slides.

Category: CPU

by Anton Shilov

[ 02/07/2006 | 10:01 PM ]

According to slides which resemble those from the roadmaps of Advanced Micro Devices, the first desktop chip from the world’s second largest chipmaker made using 65nm process technology will be released in the first half of 2007 to substitute the mainstream dual-core 90nm products. Another 65nm microprocessor is slated to be released in the second half of next year and target entry-level computers.

The slides, which presumably reflect a recent roadmap of AMD, published by HKEPC web-site contain some information about code-named Brisbane and Sparta processors. The Brisbane chip will be made using 65nm process technology, will sport two processing engines and will come out in the first half of 2007. Meanwhile, the product code-named Sparta, also made using 65nm process technology, will be launched in the second half of next year.

If the slides are correct, then Brisbane will target the market of mainstream dual-core processors, whereas Sparta will serve entry-level computers.

Both 65nm processors will be designed for Socket AM2 form-factor, which means that both will support dual-channel DDR2 memory, but it is unclear what speed-bin. It is unclear which additional technologies – enhanced security code-named Presidio, virtualization named Pacifica, etc. – these chips will support.

AMD traditionally begins transition to thinner process technologies starting from its low-cost and mainstream product lineups. High-end offerings are typically made using mature fabrication processes.

The beginning of revenue shipments of 65nm chips was delayed by AMD. Initially AMD indicated that the “idea” of AMD was to begin to process 65nm in the middle of 2005 and “bring it into production in 2006”. Late in 2005 the company said it would only begin production of 65nm in late 2006.

AMD did not comment on the news-story.