Replies to post #33809 on Advanced Micro Devices Inc (AMD)

[HailMary]

My question to all is, what is keeping Intel from using Nocona in 4P and up servers? Is it simply a matter of compatibility with chipsets that support this? This could be a filler part until they get everything straightened out. I ask because if Potomac is cancelled, is AMD going to have the 4P x86-64 market all to itself until late 2005 or even 2006?

The real question is when did Intel start transitioning to this new strategy of using their other more efficient core. In the chip world, it generally takes at least a year to do even a simple derivative project, and then another 6 months or more after tapeout to get to production. If Intel didn't already start working on a Dothan based server chip with x86-64, it is going to be the end of 2005 or later before it shows up as a product. That looks like a big window for AMD. Also qualification times for server chips is a lot longer than desktop parts, so the window may be even bigger.

What am I missing?

[CombJelly]

"These are processor designers - are they all makin' HDTV now?"

No. But it takes time to get even trivial changes to the logic out. And then, once a new core tapes out, it takes at least a year for it to enter production. For servers, it takes even longer to see any market acceptance.

So sure, all those designers are doing something. Adding 64 bit to a Dothan derivative is on their schedule, as is dual core, HyperThreading and whatever else they can think up. But that is going to take time. Unless Intel started on this last year, they aren't going to make 2005 with all three. I'll grant that HT and dual core probably were started last year if not earlier. But I doubt if any 64 bit capability, even Yamhill, was considered for Jonah last year.