Intel Outlines Multi-Core Processor Plans. AMD Responds.

Correction: This blog published an item a week ago from The Register speculating that Intel's 8-way Itanium system for 2007, code-name Tukwila, had been cancelled. Not so, says Intel. In fact, the company committed this week to another generation beyond Tukwila -- but there are no details about Richford, expected around 2010.

MultiCores Everywhere
A total of 15 multi-core CPUs are in the Intel pipeline. All the new processors will support the execute disable (XD) bit, Enhanced SpeedStep or Demand Based Switching, as well as EM64T for 64 bit support. Intel is roughly catching up with all the features AMD has been offering for months, such as the NX bit, Cool & Quiet and 64 bit capabilities. Virtualization technology will be added this year. Next year, server I/O Acceleration and advanced manageability will debut, as well as 65 nm processors.

Intel's strategy is to out-gun AMD in useful but Intel-proprietary technologies, drawing the battle away from CPU speeds and feeds and more into feature set and overall value. Intel is also leading AMD down the lithography curve: AMD is beginning to transition to 90 nm products while Intel is delivering samples of 65 nm parts to OEMs. In getting almost a generation ahead of AMD in manufacturing technology, it will be hard for AMD to (profitably) play the lower price card and win. No bets yet on dual-processor performance, however, an area where AMD has had some success over the past year.

More on Intel's processor plans in this press release. Desktops lead the way in May, followed by Xeon later this year. Dual-processor Centrino notebooks, built on new 65 nm technology, appear early next year. Itanium leads up the rear. More review depth ZD, and The Inquirer. Tom's Hardware conference coverage here.

Meanwhile, AMD wants everyone to know it is doing dual-core too, and may even get to market in the next 60 days. With both AMD 64 processors at 2.4 GHz or better, these should be fast.

Note that Intel went out of its way to show many dual-core server, desktop and even next year's dual-core 65 nm Yonah notebook -- all running Windows XP and applications, many with production microprocessor packaging. Perhaps embarrassed about the Prescott launch disappointments, Intel wanted everybody to know these chips were running (many) months before being offered for sale.

It will be an interesting summer for consumers, sorting out all the silicon goodies now in manufacturing.

Peter S. Kastner