Replies to post #29273 on Intel Corp (INTC)

[chipdesigner]

With the exception of 104W, those were all tied to major changes: platform (939 --> AM2), cores (single --> double)

[Wouter Tinus]

I wouldn't count on them not redefining the "AM2 FX TDP" any time they need to do so.

But will the motherboards be ready if they do? There could be voltage regulator or other power supply issues if the AM2 spec does not provide the necessary margins. It wouldn't be the first time that same-socket chips needed new boards: think Conroe, Smithfield and Prescott. Most high-end boards won't have trouble dealing with an extra 10-15% power, but I think AMD can't afford to be sloppy and create stability issues on lesser systems.