AMD launches dual-core Opteron processors for embedded market

AMD announced that its industry-leading, dual-core technology is now available through the AMD64 Longevity Program, serving high-end embedded designs that require stable, longer-than-standard processor supply roadmaps. The Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor Models 165, 265 and 865, as well as the lower-power 55 watt version of each, are planned to be available for five years, allowing embedded designers to enjoy the performance of true x86 dual-core technology in thermal and power envelopes that these markets demand.

"Enterprise-class storage and telecom infrastructure are two areas that can experience a huge performance boost from AMD's dual-core products," said David Rich, director of 64-bit Embedded Markets at AMD. "The Dual-Core AMD Opteron processor with Direct Connect Architecture and HyperTransport(TM) technology is superb for the storage market, where performance is measured by how quickly information can move within a system. HyperTransport outperforms any other available chip-to-chip link option in terms of reducing latency and is the industry leader in delivering bandwidth."

"Storage is becoming a more and more important component of the overall data center strategy," said Vernon Turner, Group Vice President and General Manager of Enterprise Computing at IDC. "As companies face increasing pressures to be able to archive and then quickly retrieve all of their data, based on business requirements like security backup and Sarbanes-Oxley, the storage systems deployed need top-notch performance. AMD's dual-core technology is only going to improve on an already storage-optimized architecture that can move data quickly and provides ample memory bandwidth."

AMD64 processors are currently being designed into a number of forthcoming high-end embedded systems. Beyond network storage and telecommunications, industries such as military computing, homeland security and medical imaging should also recognize the performance and efficiency of true dual-core technologies.

"We find AMD's true dual-core technology increases performance without requiring more power or a larger footprint," said Chiman Patel, CEO and CTO of WIN Enterprises. "We designed our AMD Opteron processor-based EBX controller to support both single- and dual-core processors, as well as multiple processors via the stackable HyperTransport(TM) connector. AMD's unmatched performance-per-watt is a key selling point for our customers who are also concerned with thermal and physical limitations -- which are common requirements in the embedded industry."

In addition to offering support and supply longevity, AMD is further enabling the embedded design community with a new upcoming Reference Design Kit from Critia Computer Inc., expected to be available in Q3 of 2005. This RDK represents a Compact PCI design and will help speed customers' development of communications infrastructure and high-end embedded products.