K8L Taped Out

[maverik-sg1]

The first native x86 quad-core processor is finally taped out

With the news of AMD's DDR2 Opteron launch, AMD managed to squeeze in one tidbit of information definitely newsworthy: quad-core Opterons have been taped out. AMD's Executive Vice President Henri Richard had previously dubbed these native quad-core design as the K8L architecture.

The company's press release claims "AMD plans to deliver to customers in mid-2007 native Quad-Core AMD Opteron processors that incorporate four processor cores on a single die of silicon." For a little historical perspective, AMD's dual-core Opteron was taped out in June 2004, and then officially introduced in late April, 2005.

The press release further adds that the quad-core Opteron will be compatible with the dual-core DDR2 Opteron motherboards. The news of backwards compatibility with existing DDR2 Opteron motherboards is in line with AMD's previous announcements on its other platforms. On roadmaps earlier this year the company also claimed that AM3 processors would be compatible with AM2 motherboards.

Intel has recently accelerated its quad-core plans; the company recently announced that quad-core desktop and server chips will be available this year. Intel's initial quad-core designs are significantly different than AMD's approach. The quad-core Intel Kentsfield processor is essentially two Conroe dice attached to the same package. AMD's native quad-core, on the other hand, incorporates all four cores onto the same die. AMD countered Intel's accelerated roadmap by claiming the new quad-core processors would be demonstrated this year.

However, absent from AMD's quad-core announcement is any news of non-native quad-core processors. Non-native quad-core Opterons, previously dubbed Deerhound, existed on AMD's roadmap as late as May of this year. These 65nm processors were essentially two 65nm dual-core Opterons on the same package, but AMD has made virtually no comment on any 65nm dual or single-core processors since the AMD Analyst Day on June 1 of this year. AMD still plans to introduce 65nm dual-core processors for desktops this year.

 

[jellybeard999]

Nice, cross referenced post

Very informative

 

[maverik-sg1]

Dont thank me thank Digitimes

 

[bazx]

lol i thought you had been up all night putting the post togethrer

till i moved down

 

[DonS1mpson]

Great, Just as I'm ready to order my Intel Based spec, AMD does this

So, does this mean the new chips are coming a little eariler and if so, how far away are they?

 

[maverik-sg1]

65nm is due out before the year end - dont expect them to do much more than close the gap to a less embarassing level with that though.

K8L wil be Probably June next year at the very earliest - by which time Kentsfield (Intel Quad core) will have been out 6 months and their native quad core will be just months away.

Cheers

Mav

 

[Master_G]

The 65nm shrink and the revision G core shouldnt do all that much to change the difference in performance, much like the switch from 130nm to 90nm with Newcastle and Winchester cores, so Intel should be on top for some time to come, especially if you overclock your chip.

You always have to remember that whatever you are about to order, there is always something coming along that will beat it.

I have to say i am not overly fussed about quad cores atm, i dont really use dual at the moment.

G

 

[sacha35]

some more info Guys.

 

[K404]

This tape-out should be on 65nm, which should also hint that AMD are happy with their 65nm progress. Seeing as 65nm is due this year, it does make ya wonder how far (or IF) AMD can/will bring K8L forward, to counter Kentsfield as much as anything.

Despite the obvious advantages of Core 2 chips, sticking 2 CPUs onto one sub (like Intels first dual-cores) and the subsequent beating that took from AMDs properly designed dual-core, makes ya wonder if AMD cant perform a double whammy here. Quad-core AND a new architecture in one go, Vs Intels stepped releases...crude quad core then "real" quad-core. AMD have more to gain, and the IMC will make the performance boost that bit better.