Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) is set to launch its dual-core Opteron “Rev. F” chip on August 15, aiming to compete with Intel in the server chip market.
Major server distributors such as HP, IBM, and Sun Microsystems plan to utilize “Rev. F” in their high-end server and workstation lines to enhance multi-core processing, virtualization, and operational performance compared to the current Opteron series.
Although AMD chips account for up to 25% of the server market, the Opteron line has only recently been released and has yet to secure a deserving position. Revenue from Opteron in Q2 2006 increased by 141% compared to the same period last year, contributing significantly to AMD’s total revenue of $89 million in that quarter.
Despite substantial recent efforts, analysts suggest that AMD cannot outperform Intel in the server market unless it transitions from a 90-nanometer technology platform to a 65-nanometer one, and from dual-core chips to quad-core chips.
Meanwhile, Intel has begun implementing 65-nanometer designs for its Core 2 Duo chip line, which includes Woodcrest, Conroe (for desktops), and Merom (for laptops). The company also plans to release its quad-core server chip – “Clovertown” (codename) and the quad-core desktop chip – “Kentsfield” by the end of this year.
