X-bit labs

Transition to Next-Gen Micro-Architecture Not to Be Fast for AMD.

Category: CPU

by Anton Shilov

[ 12/26/2006 | 03:39 PM ]

Conversion to new central processor micro-architecture will be slow for Advanced Micro Devices, media reports citing the latest roadmap of the company. Slow transition may mean that it will take some before AMD manages to grab the performance lead from Intel Corp. in mainstream market segments.

AMD is projected to introduce new family of desktop microprocessors which are code-named after stars and use the new code-named K8L micro-architecture will be introduced in the third quarter of 2007, according to a recent roadmap of the chipmaker. Those chips are made using 65nm process technology and the family is set to include both dual-core and quad-core microprocessors, though, it is uncertain whether K8L lineup includes single-core central processing units (CPUs) too. It is believed that micro-architectural enhancements of the K8L will allow AMD to more successfully compete against Intel Core 2 family of chips.

The new desktop chips will feature AM2+ form-factor and will not be drop-in compatible with existing infrastructure. By the Q4 of 2007AMD’s product mix will include 20% of AM2+ processors, while by the end of Q1 2008 there will be “above 60%” of AM2+ processors among all chips shipped by AMD, a news-story by DigiTimes web-site claims.

If the information is correct, it will take AMD three quarters to shift 60% to 70% of its desktop products to the new infrastructure and micro-architecture. By comparison, it took Advanced Micro Devices about two quarters to shift virtually all of its desktop chips to AM2 infrastructure from 939-pin and 754-pin form-factors.

Relatively slow transition to new micro-architecture is natural, as usually new silicon designs have slightly lower yields compared to proven technology. However, slower shift means that less processors from AMD will be competitive with Intel Core 2-series chips, which have been winning acclaims from analysts, reviewers and end-users for several months now.

It is unclear how much time it will take AMD to transit its mobile and server/workstation chips to new K8L micro-architecture.

AMD did not comment on the news-story.