Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) is set to launch its dual-core Opteron “Rev. F” chip on August 15, aimed at competing with Intel in the server chip market.
Major server distributors like HP, IBM, and Sun Microsystems have plans to utilize “Rev. F” in their high-end server and workstation lines to enhance multi-core processing, virtualization, and overall performance compared to existing Opteron models.
Although AMD’s chips account for up to a quarter of the server market, the Opteron line was only recently introduced and has yet to secure a significant position. Revenue from Opteron in the second quarter of 2006 surged by 141% compared to the same period last year, contributing notably to AMD’s total revenue of $89 million for the quarter.
Despite considerable efforts in recent times, analysts suggest that AMD cannot outperform Intel in the server market unless it transitions from a 90-nm technology platform to a 65-nm one, and from dual-core chips to quad-core chips.
Meanwhile, Intel has already begun implementing 65-nm 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 quad-core desktop chip – “Kentsfield” by the end of this year.
