Advanced Micro Devices, the world’s second largest maker of microprocessors, has a long history of being tight-lipped over the upcoming plans or ongoing actions. However, recently two executives at the company released details concerning the transition of manufacturing to 65nm process technology, claiming that the first 65nm chips will be shipped in October, 2006 and those will be AMD Opteron processors.

Dr. Gaith Kadir, the General Manager for AMD in the Middle East, Africa and Pakistan, said in an interview with T-break web-site that “[AMD] Opteron [production is] now moved to it [65nm process technology]” and the Athlon 64 lineup will follow “in the next few months”.

Back two years ago, when AMD was transiting from 130nm to 90nm process technology, it first made chips for mobile computers, then mainstream desktop processors and only then started to use the latest fabrication process for premium desktop and server central processing units. When asked to clarify whether the claim made by Mr. Kadir meant a shift in manufacturing strategy AMD responded nothing and made the following statement:

“Our position remains the same, we are committed to shipping 65nm products to customers by the end of the year. Our plans are to be substantially converted to 65nm by mid 2007.”

Several days ago it was reported that Toralf Gueldner, director of production at AMD’s Dresden fabs, was quoted as saying that the company had been able to produce chips using its latest 65nm silicon-on-insulator process technology since June. Mr. Gueldner was reported to have said that the production volumes had turned to “full flow” in September and that would be followed by “serious 65nm shipments in October”.

After the publication was posted, The Inquirer web-site, who conducted the interview with Mr. Gueldner, received a letter from AMD, which said that “it would be helpful if you [The Inquirer – X-bit labs] could make the small change (below) to your original article: ‘AMD is committed to shipping 65nm products to customers by the end of the year [2006]. Our plans are to be substantially converted to 65nm by mid 2007.’”

It is unclear whether revealed 65nm transition details of AMD reflect the ongoing or upcoming situation.