AMD Helps Customers Counter Rising Data Center Power and Cooling Expenses

SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- January 26, 2009 -- Addressing the number one challenge for data center managers¹, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced widespread availability of five new low-power 45nm Quad-Core AMD Opteron™ HE processors. At 55-watt ACP, these new highly efficient processors help meet the industry’s rising demand for low power, cost-saving data center technology. Now available in eight server systems from HP, the new processors can help customers immediately recognize power savings and increased virtualization performance. Rackable Systems will also have Quad-Core AMD Opteron HE processor-based servers available immediately and additional systems from global OEMs including Dell, Sun, and other solution providers are expected later this quarter ...

More here: AMD

AM3 CPUs comes in early February

Quads and Three cores DDR3

AMD is preparing to launch many three and quad cores based on new AM3 socket but they will all be based on Deneb / Heka architecture. AM3 finally brings overpricved DDR3 memory to Dragon platform as DDR3 was exclusively Intel’s thing for almost two years.

Some of these new CPUs might have less L3 cache compared to Deneb core while Heka is nothing more than Deneb with one core disabled. Heka is triple core and of course both are based on 45nm.

The fastest to launch AM3 CPU will work at 2.8GHz for Three core and 2.6GHz for quad core and the faster AM3 at 3GHz and 3.1GHz CPUs will come in Q2 2009. The will all be branded as Phenom II X4 8x0 for the quad core or Phenom II X3 7x0 for three cores.

The beauty of these CPUs is that they will work just fine in your old AM2+ motherboard, at least most of them...

Source: Fudzilla

AM3 boards overclock better

Compared to AM2+

We just recieved some good news for AMD fans. The new AM3 motherboards coupled with the new AM3 CPUs will overclock better than older, DDR2 based AM2+ boards.

We don’t have percentage figures but someone who is working hard to launch its boards in early February, 9th is the date so far, has told us that they've seen some better overclocking on the new AM3 platform.

The clock to clock performance of AM3 boards versus AM2+ DDR2 platforms is still not great, but there will be new bioses that will make things better. Since many AMD fans going for Quad and three core 45nm AM3 CPUs will be into overclocking, once you overclock - the AM3 platform wins.

These CPUs will also be very affordable and Intel will have some real difficulty in fighting for mainstream space...

Source: Fudzilla

Intel working on X55 and P55

Two chipsets for two CPUs

Intel has two chipsets based on what use to be called Ibex Peak chipset. One of the chips is made for Lynnfield, a cheaper quad-core Nehalem with a dual channel DDR3 memory controller is called P55 while the other one called X55 might come a bit later.

We are not sure which is which, but we are sure that both will hit the market. Havendale, a dual-core Nehalem with IGP, is coming to retail in Q1 2010, while OEMs might get them in Q4 2009 and this one will have its own chipset. We learned that both P55 and X55 will support both CPUs, but this might not be the case for slow, low cost boards.

Intel also plans to re-launch P45s for many Core 2 Duo and Core 2 Quads that will remain selling all the way until 2011...

Source: Fudzilla

Intel prepping Core 2 Duo E8700 for release

hen the Core 2 Duo E8600 was launched last August, Intel implied it could be the last dual-core Core 2 Duo processor that the company would offer before switching to Nehalem. However, the company may have changed their mind, as an E8700 CPU has popped up on Intel's CPU knowledge base...
More here: FiringSquad

AMD Phenom II X4 940 Overclocking Performance (TechSpot)

As things stand today, even with the improved overclocking abilities of the Phenom II X4, these processors are better used for building a low cost quad-core enabled system or as powerful yet relatively cheap upgrade solution for existing AM2+ systems. For the ultimate in performance, however, it is hard to go past the Core 2 Quad series, let alone the new Core i7...

More here: TechSpot

AMD now using Liquid Helium for Overclocks

A couple hours ago, one of the guys I know at AMD sent me a link to a video. This happens every once in a while and we appreciate it when someone such as this individual gives us a lead. In the past, AMD has used liquid nitrogen when doing presentations of Phenom II. Apparently someone thought that they could use something a little better. Below is part of the email that was sent to me. Enjoy and thanks for stopping by...

More here: AMDZone

AMD Posts Quarterly Loss of $1.4 Billion

AMD, one of the worlds largest designers and manufacturers of processors, motherboards, and graphics cards, is reporting a loss for the ninth consecutive quarter.

According to a press release from the company's investor relations department, AMD posted a USD $1.424 billion loss for the quarter. The rather lefty loss translates to roughly $2.34 a share. Compared to the same quarter one year previous which had a loss of nearly $1.8 billion, AMD is performing better, but still in the red...

More here: TomsHardware

Intel Chairman Retires in May

Intel announced this afternoon that Chairman Craig Barrett plans to retire this May.

Craig Barrett, who joined Intel back in 1974, will supposedly step down from active management during the company's annual stockholders meeting held in May. Barrett has performed many jobs over the last 35 years, serving as CEO from 1998 through 2005, and as an active participant in Intel's World Ahead Program. Barrett is also the current chair of the U.N. Global Alliance for Information and Communications Technology and Development. However, come May, Barrett will step down as chairman and member of the board of directors...

More here: TomsHardware

Phenom II DDR3 Benchmark

Tom's Hardware Taiwan had posted a benchmark of Phenom II 910 using a DDR3 setup. Below are some pics:







Source: Tom's Hardware TW

AMD doesn't pare 4Q loss as much as analysts hoped

Advanced Micro Devices trims 4Q loss but not as sharply as Wall Street hoped.

SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- Advanced Micro Devices Inc. cut its fourth-quarter loss, but not as sharply as Wall Street had hoped, as the chip maker absorbed a big charge for the falling value of an acquisition.

AMD is suffering, in part, from the same affliction that has caused bigger rival Intel Corp. and software titan Microsoft Corp. to announce layoffs and post steep drops in quarterly profits. Evaporating sales of personal computers have sapped demand for the chips and software that go into those machines...

More here: Yahoo! Finance

Qualcomm Acquires Handheld Graphics and Multimedia Assets from AMD

— Technology and Resource Assets to Strengthen Qualcomm's Leadership Position in Mobile Multimedia —

SAN DIEGO and SUNNYVALE, Calif. -- January 20, 2009 --Qualcomm Incorporated (Nasdaq: QCOM) and AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced that Qualcomm has acquired certain graphics and multimedia technology assets, intellectual property and resources that were formerly the basis of AMD’s handheld business. The acquisition enhances Qualcomm’s multimedia capabilities, allowing Qualcomm to strengthen its leadership position in delivering more advanced products that redefine next-generation mobile user experiences...

More here: AMD

Intel Core i7-920 Overclocking Guide

Processors with Core microarchitecture has become a true “overclocker dream” due to their remarkable frequency potential. New CPUs from Nehalem generation continue the good tradition set by their predecessors. However, how can we take advantage of the potential hidden in the newcomer? Our today’s article will reveal the details...

Overclocking the AMD Phenom II at -30°C

We didn’t have much time to spend with our shiny new Phenom II X4 940 processor and really wanted to do some more serious overclocking with it. As you have undoubtedly heard, the Phenom II loves the cold, loves voltage and has significant frequency headroom. Though we definitely confirmed that last point, achieving an impressive 3.8GHz on higher-end air cooling, we wanted to push it farther...

Top Deals of the Week (January 18, 2009)

1.AMD - HDZ940XCGIBOX Phenom II X4 940 Black Edition 3.0GHz Cache 8MB AM2+ 125W Processor - Retail
2.AMD - HDX920XCGIBOX Phenom II X4 920 2.8GHz Cache 8MB AM2+ 125W Processor - Retail
3.LG Electronics - Blu Ray-model:GGC-H20LK
4.PowerColor - Radeon HD 4870 Video Card
5.Sapphire - Radeon HD 4830 Video Card
6.AMD - AMD Phenom X4 9650 Quad Core Processor HD9650WCGHBOX - 2.30GHz 4MB Cache
7.Asus - ASUS M3A79-T Deluxe - Motherboard - ATX - AMD 790FX - Socket AM2+
8.KDS - K92bw Black 19" Widescreen LCD Monitor (1440x900, 5ms)
9.AMD - Phenom X4 9950 Quad-Core Processor (2.6GHz, 2MB, 2000MHz FSB, Socket AM2+)
10.Asus - GeForce 9600GT Video Card (512MB, PCI Express 2.0 x16, Dual DVI)

Hack: Run AMD Fusion Game Util on Intel CPUs

AMD recently released version 1.0 of its Fusion Gaming utility, but despite efforts to keep the software out of the hands of Intel users, the software can quickly be made compatible with all processors...

Intel Halts Production at Two Fabs, Closes Two Other Facilities

45nm production and 32nm ramp not affected

Intel intends to close two of their Assembly & Test facilities, located in Cavite and Penang. They will also halt production at two other facilities, laying off at least 5,000 people...

Intel Cuts Prices, AMD Cuts Jobs

Intel announced substantial price cuts for selected CPUs among its 775 series while AMD announced substantial job cuts and a $622 million goodwill write-down associated with the ATI acquisition...

AMD Will Launch Dual-core Neo CPU in 2009

AMD is reported to be ready to launch a dual-core Neo for the Congo platform in the second half of 2009...

Intel prepping lower-end Core 2 Quad

As a result of today's price cuts, Intel's quad-core processors are more affordable than ever. But as inexpensive as they've become, they still haven't reached the sub-$150 mark. Tech Connect magazine believes that's about to change though. The site claims that Intel is putting the finishing touches on a Core 2 Quad Q7500 part.

Clocked at 2.6GHz and built on Intel's 45-nm manufacturing process, the chip reportedly will sit on Intel's 800MHz FSB with just 2MB of L2 cache. The CPU is expected to sell for less than $150 and a TDP of 65W.

Intel to take on Athlon Neo with CULV platform; new 5-series chipsets coming in 2010

Like AMD, Intel believes the netbook isn't a suitable replacement for the traditional notebook PC. Yet despite this, ASUS, MSI, and others are increasingly offering pricier netbooks with larger displays and other features you expect to find in a notebook...

Leaked AMD roadmap surfaces

Chinese site PC Online managed to get their hands on an AMD presentation that lists their roadmap plans for the first three quarters of 2009. According to the roadmap, next month AMD plans to introduce a slew of new cheaper Phenom II CPUs. Up top the company will reportedly introduce a new Phenom II X4 925 running at 2.8GHz with 8MB of total cache, as well as a Phenom II X4 910 which is clocked at 2.6GHz, also with 8MB of cache...

AMD Phenom II X4 950 info surfaces

AMD could is preparing a new Phenom II processor clocked at 3.1 GHz for launch in April 2009, in the shape of the Phenom II X4 950. The chip, which is mentioned on a slide purportedly leaked from AMD themselves, has 8MB of total cache should be split as 6MB of L3 and 512KB of L2 per core) together with a 125W thermal envelope, support for DDR3 1333MHz memory, and a 4GHz HyperTransport interface speed...

AMD's Fusion Cloud Could Hurt GPU Biz

It's kind of old, but still interesting to read...

How often do you upgrade your graphics card to play the latest first person shooter games? Every six months? Every year?Graphics cards are the focal point in a system for gamers. A GPU is the break or make point for a high-end game to be playable. This in essence, is what AMD wants to address with its Fusion super computer. AMD wants to be able to deliver a game to users on any computer. Because of the way Fusion delivers graphics--essentially pre-rendered and them streamed over the Internet--gamers will be able to enjoy all the latest games, no matter what GPU they have in their system...

AMD cuts prices

With Intel cutting prices earlier this week, AMD has been forced to respond with price cuts of their own, with the Phenom II X4 920 seeing the biggest cut. AMD's Phenom II X4 920 now sells for $195, while the 940 goes for $235. The 9950 and 9850 also saw their prices reduced, as well as the Phenom X3 8750, which now sells for $119...

AMD Cuts Phenom II Prices

In response to Intel quad core price cuts, AMD cuts Phenom II prices.

As of tomorrow they will cost:
Phenom II X4 940 - 225$
Phenom II X4 920 - 195$
(in tray of 1000 CPUs).

Source: AMD.

Intel Sneezes, AMD Gets Pneumonia

Intel reported fourth quarter revenues down 19% with operating income down 50% compared to the third quarter; AMD has not reported yet, but if Intel is down, AMD's fourth quarter results will be much worse.

AMD's financial health is an oxymoron - any company reporting anything like AMD's recent financial statements would be a prime candidate for a Chapter 11 filing. AMD has successfully used its lifelines (eg from Germany, Abu Dhabi and NY State) to keep the ship afloat, but after hitting the global financial iceberg, one wonders if all that's left is re-arranging the deck chairs...