First AMD64 dual-core solutions planned to be available in mid-2005

Today AMD announced a technology milestone with the completed design of its AMD64 dual-core processors. AMD plans to deliver high-performance dual-core products to the x86 server market in mid-2005 and introduce dual-core solutions for high-end client PCs in the second half of 2005.

To meet customer and partner needs, AMD has been developing its multi-core processors for several years. Since the AMD64 platform was first discussed publicly in 1999, AMD indicated that its AMD64 technology would support multiple-core processors. As more solution providers join the AMD64 ecosystem, the industry is approaching the day when 32-bit-only systems or 32-bit-only dual-core processors will become obsolete.

“Because AMD has always listened to our customers, we anticipated an industry shift toward multi-tasking applications requiring the scalability that only 64-bit dual-core processors can provide,” said Dirk Meyer, executive vice president, Computation Products Group, AMD. “That is why years ago we designed AMD64 technology from the ground up to be optimized for multiple cores.”

By collaborating with strong partners like Sun Microsystems, AMD continues to lead technology transitions in the x86 industry like bringing dual-core solutions to market.

"Dual-core, industry-standard processors are perhaps the most important direction as customers require the best price-performance in their systems going forward," said John Fowler, executive vice president of Network Systems, Sun Microsystems, Inc. "Since we first carefully reviewed AMD's plans in 2000, we have been impressed with their focus on high-performance, efficient computing and commitment to chip-level multiprocessing."

With an unwavering focus on customer-centric innovation, AMD was the first to present an x86 dual-core strategy and is now the first to announce the completion of an x86 dual-core processor design for 64-bit computing. Also, the upcoming AMD Fab 36 will enable AMD to introduce technologies and products that deliver pervasive 64-bit computing, including multi-core 64-bit computing.

Additionally, AMD is the first and only company currently shipping products that meet customer demands for high-performance, simultaneous x86-based 32- and 64-bit computing. AMD64 featuring Direct Connect Architecture helps eliminate bottlenecks and can improve overall system performance and efficiency. AMD was also the first company to implement 64-bit computing and Enhanced Virus Protection (enabled by the upcoming Windows Service Pack 2) in desktop and low-power mobile PC processors.

Enhancements to AMD64 processors will continue with the transition to 90nm manufacturing that began this quarter, providing greater flexibility to boost processor performance and lower power. AMD’s manufacturing leadership is further demonstrated by its technology collaboration with IBM, and AMD Fab 36, which is expected to be ready with 65nm manufacturing capability in mid-2005. This will enable AMD to deliver lower-power and higher-performance 65nm products in 2006.

AMD64 is leading the industry transition to pervasive 64-bit computing and its processor roadmap will continue to leverage the efficiency and benefits made possible by AMD64 technology.