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Post to SlashdotThe source claims that AMD decided to redesign ClawHammer for Value systems following the requests from its major partners. As is known, the chipset manufacturers faced some problems when they were trying to design an integrated solution for ClawHammer CPUs with UMA architecture. Since the memory controller is integrated into ClawHammer processors, the requests from the graphics core addressed to the memory take very long to be processed, which can potentially lead to dramatic performance reduction of the integrated graphics core. So, the developers addressed AMD asking to solve this problem somehow. In the meanwhile the integrated chipsets for ClawHammer will be equipped with an external frame buffer integrated onto the mainboard.
In response to these numerous requests, AMD started working on a new processor version with simplified architecture, which could speed up the integrated graphics of the UMS chipsets. AMD is most likely to modify the memory buffering system in such a way that the requests coming from external devices could be processed faster. However, as the source stated, the changed will be put into life only after the release of the next generation ClawHammer processors (maybe they meant those made with 0.09micron technology).
No doubt that the launching of ClawHammer processors adapted for work with integrated UMA graphics will indicate the beginning of ClawHammer invasion into the Value market segment, because the integrated chipsets are used mainly there. It is also evident that if ClawHammer are ever used in Value systems, their architecture will definitely be different from that of the faster counterparts, so that the production cost could be reduced significantly. Take for instance, smaller L2 cache and (or) fewer HyperTransport buses.
The statements about the long-term company plans made by some AMD reps allow us to draw certain conclusions about the schedule for the low-cost ClawHammer CPUs positioned as budget solutions. As is known, AMD promises to keep Socket A in use all 2003. At the same time, Socket A Athlon XP processors, which are now positioned for the performance market, will occupy the value segment in 2003, while the performance niche will be assigned to ClawHammer CPUs. This allows us to conclude that the Value solutions will be replaced by ClawHammer processors only in 2004.
