According to internal AMD documents, system builders will be able to purchase the new AM2 processor starting on May 15th.
Dual core and single core Athlon 64 processors will be available as well as 64-bit Sempron processors.
Overview - AM2 Roadmap :
AMD's newest roadmaps claim the new 940 pin Socket AM2 will launch at Computex Taipei on June 6, 2006. The AM2 socket is not compatible with existing Socket 940 CPUs, but will allow AM2 processors to utilize up to DDR2-800.
Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX and Sempron will all use the AM2 socket. The unified socket should alleviate many of the nightmares system builders experienced during the Socket 754/939 days.
You may notice the TDP on the Athlon 64 FX-62 has been increased to 125W.
Like Intel, there was a large emphasis on TDP this time around. The Athlon FX series is approaching thermal envelopes reminiscent of Prescott, and it seems clear to all parties involved that something more innovative needs to occur to counter that trend.
AMD will also soon unveil a new set of desktop Sempron and Athlon 64s specifically geared for HTPC and other low noise / low power devices. The goal is to build processors that do not need a lot of cooling -- specifically to reduce the noise of the overall system to the 27dBA range for idle and 30dBA under load. One of the upcoming Windows MCE requirements for CPUs is that the processor fan not exceed 30dBA for MCE certification.
The Energy Efficient CPUs will have a slightly redesigned Sleep, Power and Suspend states. These states are controlled by the operating system, but will require BIOS updates.
The Energy Efficient Athlon 64 3800+ rated at 35W is not a typo -- AMD actually has a dual core 35W processor on the roadmap.
AM2 Pricing :
AMD's Athlon 64 FX-62 will be the company's top desktop offering for the remainder of the year. It is not until Q1 of 2007 that we will see the FX-64 hit the market. All other AM2 processors are officially under embargo until June 6, 2006.
The SSBP above denotes the Suggested System Builder Price. Actual manufacturer purchase prices are approximately 10% less.
And of course, you can be sure those new CPUs will come with heatpipe coolers and new packaging. AMD insiders have confirmed to us that AM2 motherboards will be shipping for several weeks before the launch to assure widespread availability at launch.
Dual core and single core Athlon 64 processors will be available as well as 64-bit Sempron processors.
Overview - AM2 Roadmap :
AMD's newest roadmaps claim the new 940 pin Socket AM2 will launch at Computex Taipei on June 6, 2006. The AM2 socket is not compatible with existing Socket 940 CPUs, but will allow AM2 processors to utilize up to DDR2-800.
Athlon 64, Athlon 64 X2, Athlon 64 FX and Sempron will all use the AM2 socket. The unified socket should alleviate many of the nightmares system builders experienced during the Socket 754/939 days.
You may notice the TDP on the Athlon 64 FX-62 has been increased to 125W.
Like Intel, there was a large emphasis on TDP this time around. The Athlon FX series is approaching thermal envelopes reminiscent of Prescott, and it seems clear to all parties involved that something more innovative needs to occur to counter that trend.
AMD will also soon unveil a new set of desktop Sempron and Athlon 64s specifically geared for HTPC and other low noise / low power devices. The goal is to build processors that do not need a lot of cooling -- specifically to reduce the noise of the overall system to the 27dBA range for idle and 30dBA under load. One of the upcoming Windows MCE requirements for CPUs is that the processor fan not exceed 30dBA for MCE certification.
The Energy Efficient CPUs will have a slightly redesigned Sleep, Power and Suspend states. These states are controlled by the operating system, but will require BIOS updates.
The Energy Efficient Athlon 64 3800+ rated at 35W is not a typo -- AMD actually has a dual core 35W processor on the roadmap.
AM2 Pricing :
AMD's Athlon 64 FX-62 will be the company's top desktop offering for the remainder of the year. It is not until Q1 of 2007 that we will see the FX-64 hit the market. All other AM2 processors are officially under embargo until June 6, 2006.
The SSBP above denotes the Suggested System Builder Price. Actual manufacturer purchase prices are approximately 10% less.
And of course, you can be sure those new CPUs will come with heatpipe coolers and new packaging. AMD insiders have confirmed to us that AM2 motherboards will be shipping for several weeks before the launch to assure widespread availability at launch.
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