AMD Demo's First Native Quad-Core CPU

[Sledgehammer70]

AMD today offered a first glimpse at a 4-way, quad-core Opteron processor system during its annual analyst conference. As Intel was the first out of the gate with a quad-core processor, AMD will be the first out fo the gate with a native quad-core chip - four processors that are integrated in one piece of silicon.

http://www.short-media.com/forum/attachment.php?attachmentid=21863&d=1164921547
AMD chief sales & marketing officer Henri Richard compares AMD's "Barcelona" Opteron quad-core (left) to Intel's dual-die Clovertown (Xeon 5300) quad-core CPU.

In many cases it may not matter that AMD can flaunt a "native" quad-core over Intel's Clovertown, which essentially integrates two Xeon 5100 (Woodcrest) dual-cores. For the enthusiast and high-end segment, there won't be much difference - if any - in performance. However, AMD claims that the integration of four cores into one piece of silicon will enable the company to maintain its current Opteron power envelope: Opteron product manager Steve Demski confirmed in a conversation with TG Daily that there will be Opteron quad-cores that will consume 68 watts, 95 watts and 125 watts.
Source: TG Daily (http://www.tgdaily.com/2006/11/30/amd_native_quad_core_barcelona/)

[Thrax]

that's the real advantage: Heat.

[TheSmJ]

I just want to know if these CPUs will require new chipsets, or if current AM2 chipsets can handle this with a BIOS update.

[Datsun 1600]

I just want to know if these CPUs will require new chipsets, or if current AM2 chipsets can handle this with a BIOS update.
Socket F/1207, there will be no quad-core for AM2.

AMD's QuadFX (http://www.xbitlabs.com/articles/cpu/display/amd-quad-fx.html), now there is system only a Fanboi would even consider.

Datsun 1600

[javipas]

Socket F/1207, there will be no quad-core for AM2.

Datsun, you'll have to explain that to the Opteron product manager :wink:

However, Demsky said that AMD wills tick to its easy upgrade promise: Opteron quad-cores (2000 and 8000 series) will continue to use socket 1207 and will be even available as socket AM2 versions later in 2007.

Thrax, seems we've had to wait little to know something more about native quad-cores!

[Thrax]

I knew it was coming for AM2, and when. :) I even wrote an article about it, roughly 3 weeks ago.

[TheSmJ]

Socket F/1207, there will be no quad-core for AM2.


Not true. AMD has already stated Altair (coming in Q3) will be a quad-core CPU for AM2/AM2+ boards.

[Krikey]

Man, I'm totally lost...how does this dual core, quad core crap work anyway??

- Krikey

[Thrax]

Short-Media has the answers, Krikey!

http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=261
http://www.short-media.com/review.php?r=346

[Jengo]

i think processor companies are getting core crazy... geeze... pretty soon they are going to be like car engines and cylinders.. geeze...

[danball1976]

I think the reason for the multi core CPUs is that we've hit the end of Moore's Law regarding current silicon technology.

[Thrax]

Moore's law is perfectly in line with these CPUs.