AMD: We're on track for dual-core processors in 2005

AMD said today that they are on track for delivering dual-core processors. The company's 90nm silicon-on-insulator (SOI) process enhancements provide higher performance and lower power transistors, which can be integrated into new dual-core designs, according to AMD.

The company said that this will better enable them to deliver dual-core processors that meet AMD's aggressive performance targets. Since 90nm transistors are much smaller and more power efficient than the 130nm ones they will enable AMD to integrate extra components, including a second core and other improvements.

AMD64 processors were designed from the ground-up as multi-core products, and feature technologies such as Direct Connect Architecture that are ideally suited for multi-core implementation. AMD was the first to present an x86 dual-core strategy publicly in 1999 and was the first to announce the completion of an x86 dual-core processor design for 64-bit computing in June of this year.

Efficiencies gained from 90nm manufacturing are also expected to result in operational benefits for AMD. For example, reductions in chip sizes resulting from the 90nm transition allow AMD to produce more processors on the same sized wafer, resulting in increased production capacity.

Fred Weber, AMD's chief technology officer, said that AMD will be able to deliver dual-core 64-bit processors that meet consumer performance and power requirements troughout 2005 and beyond.