"Conversion to new central processor micro-architecture will be slow for Advanced Micro Devices, media reports citing the latest roadmap of the company. Slow transition may mean that it will take some before AMD manages to grab the performance lead from Intel Corp. in mainstream market segments.

AMD is projected to introduce new family of desktop microprocessors which are code-named after stars and use the new code-named K8L micro-architecture will be introduced in the third quarter of 2007, according to a recent roadmap of the chipmaker. Those chips are made using 65nm process technology and the family is set to include both dual-core and quad-core microprocessors, though, it is uncertain whether K8L lineup includes single-core central processing units (CPUs) too. It is believed that micro-architectural enhancements of the K8L will allow AMD to more successfully compete against Intel Core 2 family of chips.

The new desktop chips will feature AM2+ form-factor and will not be drop-in compatible with existing infrastructure. By the Q4 of 2007AMD’s product mix will include 20% of AM2+ processors, while by the end of Q1 2008 there will be “above 60%” of AM2+ processors among all chips shipped by AMD."

Although the news is mixed for AMD, and at the very least the company from Sunnyvale, California isn't standing around and willing to concede the marketplace like Intel did when AMD roared onto the CPU scene with their famous AMD Athlon XP processors. Although the recent debut of the AMD's own quad-monster garnered mostly flat buzz, Intel knows AMD is setting up their strategy to rule the budget and mainstream markets before their very eyes with a 1-2 combo of AMD CPU's and integrated ATI graphics that offer a potentially explosive profit combo against Intel.

X-bit Lab