AMD’s Athlon 64 and Opteron processors seem to be the most anticipated by the industry CPUs. Firstly because the Athlon 64 will be the first 64-bit processor intended for the consumers, secondly because the Opteron will be the first AMD processor for high-end/enterprise servers, finally because all the computer hardware geeks are curious about the new technologies implemented by Advanced Micro Devices in their newcomers.

On the other hand, it seems that the x86-64 chips will also be the most delayed desktop CPUs (most delayed CPU of all times seems to be the monstrous Intel's Merced aka Itanium that was not intended for desktop computers). Originally, AMD planned to launch the Athlon 64 and Opteron chips this Fall, but eventually said it would launch the CPUs later this year and the mass-production would start early 2003. After all, AMD changed its plans again and decided to start selling the x86-64 CPUs in the first quarter. Now unofficial sources claim that the company will only announce the availability of its Athlon 64 and Opteron CPUs in March-April timeframe.

Keeping in mind AMD’s original inability to start manufacturing its Athlon 64 and Opteron CPUs right after the launch, I assume that the roll-out in March (say, at CeBIT time) will resemble a paper-launch, when only some of the semiconductor maker’s partners will receive the chips. Therefore, do not expect the Athlon 64 CPUs to appear on the retail market even in the early second quarter.

I remind you that the information is based on the facts obtained from unofficial sources. Furthermore, considering the fact that the makers of microprocessor revise their plans constantly, the final details on the x86-64 CPUs launch will be available only next year.