Next-Generation AMD Opteronâ„¢ Processors Introduced with Record OEM Design Wins and Native Quad-Core Upgrade Path

Next-Generation AMD Opteronâ„¢ Processors Introduced with Record OEM Design Wins and Native Quad-Core Upgrade Path

AMD (NYSE:AMD) today introduced its Next-Generation AMD Opteronâ„¢ processor family, featuring industry-leading performance-per-watt and outstanding virtualization capabilities. As the only x86 server processor with planned upgradeability to native quad-core within the same thermal design power envelope, Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors are designed to enable customers to increase computing capacity without altering datacenter infrastructure. Improving upon what already is recognized as a standard-bearer for energy-conscious microprocessor architecture design, new platforms based on Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors will be offered in record numbers from global original equipment manufacturers (OEMs).

“Customers trust AMD for critical server applications, as evidenced by our record Q2 2006 AMD Opteron processor sales, and in 2006, AMD expects to double the number of AMD Opteron processor-based systems offered from global and regional tier-one OEMs,” said Randy Allen, corporate vice president, Server and Workstation Division, AMD. “Today’s announcement represents continued innovation along the customer-directed path we blazed years ago; we provide the complete x86 processor architectural standard for others in the industry to emulate and have planned a seamless upgrade path to quad-core processors.”

In addition to launching its Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors, AMD also announced the completion of the design, or tape-out, of its native Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors. Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors represent another concrete example of the benefits from AMD’s overarching strategy to introduce new technologies with minimal customer disruption for maximum value. AMD plans to deliver to customers in mid-2007 native Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors that incorporate four processor cores on a single die of silicon.

Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors are expected to be electrical-, thermal- and socket-compatible with the Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors introduced today. This long-term approach means AMD customers can benefit from a consistent and common architecture that scales to meet changing needs and escalating demands, and from the ability to select quad-core ready platforms today. The consistency and stability offered by Next-Generation AMD Opteron processors also enhance the potential benefits to OEMs, system-builders and semiconductor companies who elect to innovate on the AMD64 architecture via the AMD Torrenza initiative. Torrenza capitalizes on the Direct Connect Architecture and HyperTransportâ„¢ technology advantages of the AMD64 architecture to enable other processor and hardware providers to innovate within a common ecosystem. The enhanced capabilities and innovation options now available through the extensible system bus via the HTX connector with new AMD Socket F (1207) compatible processors serve as the infrastructural underpinnings for advancing AMD64 as the x86 open innovation platform.

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