New Opteron systems upgradable to quad-core

Platforms built for dual-core Opteron processors launched today will also run quad-core versions set to launch next year, AMD says.

The quad-core design, known as a tape-out, has already been finalised, AMD said. It uses the same Socket F as the new dual-cores and has the same thermal and electrical characteristics.

This means will machines be easily upgradeable, and manufacturers will not need to design complete new systems for the quad-cores.

The news will be welcomed by large computer manufacturers that fear a decline in sales as the rollout of quad-core in mid-2007 approaches.

Opteron processors are designed for use in servers and current models are dual-core. Multi-core processors are especially useful in a server environment where different tasks are constantly being run concurrently.

Also beneficial is the reduced power consumption of multi-core processors, a key concern in large data centres.

Rival chip maker Intel is developing two quad-core processors for servers, codenamed 'Clovertown' and 'Tigerton'. Both are based on Intel's Core Microarchitecture and are slated for release in 2007.

See also:

AMD warns of profits drop

Weak desktop and mobile chip sales as Intel starts fightback  07 Jul 2006

Intel claims dual-core launch beats Opteron

Xeon Processor 5100 series marks manufacturer’s first major fight-back in server war with AMD  30 Jun 2006

Intel launches Woodcrest server chips

They are 135 percent faster but 40 percent less power hungry, says the company  26 Jun 2006

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