Intel Corp (INTC)

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Sarmad, AMD may see some improvement by going from their initial 65nm process to an initial 45nm process. Assuming AMD doesn't put as much improvement into 65nm, or at least far less improvement than their 90nm process received over its lifetime, then I can see 45nm looking good by comparison. However, as you point out, HK/MG is really required before a 45nm process can offer scaling similar to processes in the past. AMD won't get the 20% frequency gains or the 5x leakage reductions that Intel is anticipating, that's for sure.

I think this will be the first time that Intel's process has a true, undisputed lead over the competition, other than by virtue of being a node ahead. AMD could have certainly used a mid-life process kick for the Barcelona launch, but it doesn't look like they are going to get it. Meanwhile, Intel will get theirs will Penryn, and vault Core 2 micro-architecture even further ahead of AMD.