AMD ha immesso sul mercato una nuova generazione di processori Athlon 64 X2 dual-core, derivati da un processo produttivo che per la prima volta in casa AMD è a 65nm. Questo approccio, che il chip-maker americano estenderà progressivamente a tutte le sue linee di cpu, diventerà lo standard di riferimento per la produzione AMD a partire dalla metà del prossimo anno.

La tecnologia a 65nm consente di integrare più dispositivi su un wafer di silicio avente la dimensione tipica di 300mm; questo permette, da un lato, di incrementare la capacità produttiva e, dall'altro, di aumentare le prestazioni dei chip, pur riducendo il consumo di potenza. I nuovi Athlon 64 X2 sono definiti con enfasi dal costruttore come capostipiti di "una nuova generazione di Energy-Efficient Computing".

Gli Athlon 64 X2 5000+, 4800+, 4400+ e 4000+ hanno un prezzo unitario pari rispettivamente a $301, $271, $214 e $169 (in versione boxed e in blocchi da 1000 unità). A partire dal primo semestre del 2007 saranno inclusi dei pc di noti system builder come Acer, Dell, Founder, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Packard Bell e TongFang.

SUNNYVALE, CALIF. -- December 5, 2006 --Launching the next generation of energy-efficient computing, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the transition to 65nm process technology, beginning with the immediate availability of energy-efficient AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core desktop processors. The move to 65nm process technology enables AMD to produce more processors on a 300mm wafer, for increased production capacity, while continuing to aggressively scale performance and reduce power consumption. AMD processors built with 65nm line-widths are designed to deliver exceptional performance when running multiple applications, as well as enable small form factor PCs that complement both home and office environments. By mid-2007, AMD expects to be fully converted to 65nm production at Fab 36. With the rapid conversion to 65nm process technology, AMD is scaling capacity intelligently to meet growing demand worldwide for x86 processors.

“With AMD’s established leadership in desktop and server performance-per-watt, both businesses and consumers can benefit greatly from our energy-efficient AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors,” said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president, Desktop Division, AMD. “Customers continue to demand solutions that focus on low-power consumption and quieter operation. AMD is responding by increasing manufacturing efficiency to deliver on the next generation of energy-efficient desktop processors, enabling OEMS to innovate using highly reliable AMD64 processors and without compromising performance.”

OEMS offering systems ready to experience responsive and spectacular high-resolution 3D visual effects of Microsoft Windows Vista™ with 65nm AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors immediately, and beginning in Q1 of 2007, include Acer, Dell, Founder, Gateway, HP, Lenovo, Packard Bell, and TongFang, as well as leading system builders worldwide.

“Acer is committed to delivering cutting-edge, dependable systems that enhance the efficiency and productivity of our customers,” said Jim Wong, president of IT Products Business Group, Acer Inc. “Our Aspire family of high-performing desktop systems with the new energy efficient AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors can enable powerful and cooler computing experiences that help break the barriers between people and technology.”

“Dell leads the industry in worldwide desktop computer shipments because we listen to customers and deliver innovative technology products at a high value and quality,” said Vivek Mohindra, vice president of desktop product marketing, Dell Product Group. “With the new energy-efficient AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors, Dell OptiPlex and Dimension desktops can provide customers breadth of choice and personalized, dual-core performance and power efficiency to meet their office productivity or entertainment needs.”

“As the world’s leading PC manufacturer, HP is committed to providing our customers with the latest, industry-leading technology as it becomes available,” said Shagorika Dixit, senior product marketing manager, Consumer Computing – North America, HP. “With the next generation of energy-efficient desktop processors from AMD, HP can continue to proactively develop energy-saving solutions for a variety of affordable, environmentally-friendly desktop products to help consumers and business customers reduce energy costs.”

Advancing Silicon Process and Manufacturing Technology
Building on AMD’s industry-leading 90nm high-performance, low-power Silicon-on-Insulator (SOI) technology, AMD’s 65nm SOI technology takes full advantage of our 90nm high-performance technology, scalability and power efficiency. The move to 65nm allows for reductions in line widths which enable AMD to produce more processors on a 300mm wafer, for increased production capacity. As a result, AMD can deliver high output volumes and enhanced products for its customers. AMD’s 65nm processes have evolved from a technology agreement with IBM that has been highly beneficial to AMD.

Semiconductor Insights (SI), a leading technical advisor to the global microelectronics industry recently performed an analysis on the 65nm AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core desktop processor. Upon completion of the analysis, Semiconductor Insights awarded AMD with their 2006 INSIGHT Award for Most Innovative Process Technology.

“Our analysis of the device has confirmed that the 65nm AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor, produced at AMD Fab 36, uses minimum gate lengths of 35nm, nine copper and one aluminum metal levels, strained silicon channel and a Silicon on Insulator (SOI) substrate,” said Don Scansen, lead process analyst at Semiconductor Insights. “Put altogether, it is an impressive technology package”

AMD has an aggressive yet disciplined approach to transistor development through Continuous Transistor Improvement (CTI) and Shared Transistor Technology (STT). CTI involves making consistent improvements on an ongoing basis to the transistor. This continuous improvement cycle helps AMD stay at the forefront of transistor level performance and power efficiencies, while also allowing for the rapid and smooth introduction of the latest technologies into volume production. With STT, AMD uses its most advanced transistor from the previous generation as the starting point for next-generation process technology. This approach helps obtain maximum transistor...