Advanced Micro Devices, the world’s second largest producer of x86 microprocessors, is rumoured to start selling its central processing units (CPUs) made using 65nm process technology. Currently it is unclear whether the company plans to start revenue shipments of new products or formally launch them, letting partners to ship chips to end-users. Several web-sites in Southeast Asia claim that AMD will roll-out the new chips on December 5, 2006.

In September, 2006, AMD has unveiled several details concerning the 65nm desktop processors code-named Brisbane in its Desktop Processor Update document that was available on the company’s web-site, but which as been removed since then. Additionally, AMD virtually recalled several quotes by the company’s executives concerning beginning of 65nm shipments in October.

The its Desktop Processor Update document also promised release of high-performance AMD Athlon 64 X2 processors with 5400+, 5600+ and 6000+ model numbers in November.

Click to view actual slide from the Desktop Processor Update document

AMD’s first dual-core 65nm microprocessors are expected to have power consumption of 65W and to exist in four models at launch: AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+, 4400+, 4800+ and 5000+. This information contradicts earlier reports about 65nm shipments by AMD and also reveals that some of the 65nm chips will have different specifications compared to their 90nm brethren.

Click to view actual slide from the Desktop Processor Update document

While thinner process technology allows to increase clock-speed potential and/or pack additional circuitries into a processor, the first batch of AMD64 processors produced at 65nm will not be top-of-the-range products, which is inline with AMD’s strategy in transition to more advanced fabrication processes. The company first produces performance-mainstream or mobile chips – that have relatively conservative clock-speeds – using a new process technology.

AMD said earlier this year that Fab 36 remains on track to begin 65nm production shipments in the second-half of this year, and be substantially converted to 65nm production by mid-2007.

Officials for AMD did not comment on the news-story.