SAN JOSE, Calif. - Advanced Micro Devices Inc. is launching its first PC microprocessors with two computing engines on a single chip Tuesday, further expanding its product line with a technology that's expected to be a major driver of PC performance for years to come.
The four chips to be announced Tuesday at the Computex trade show in Taiwan are targeted at high-end personal computers used for advanced tasks such as creating or editing digital media. In April, AMD introduced dual-core chips for servers and workstations.
AMD's announcement of the Athlon 64 X2 comes less than a week after Intel Corp. launched its first mainstream dual-core chips, dubbed the Pentium D.
Both companies have been in a tight race to deliver the processors since engineers realized that simply ratcheting up the clock speed of single-core chips was creating too much heat and not producing the same improvements seen in previous models.
It became apparent that performance could be boosted by creating two computing cores and running them at a slower speed on a single chip.
But the technology does have drawbacks. For one, it only benefits users who run several programs at once or have software specially designed to take advantage of the two engines.
AMD claims its chips have been designed from the start for dual-core use, and early reviews indicate they outperform Intel's offering despite the larger chip maker's higher frequencies. AMD's chips also can address larger amounts of memory than Intel's current dual-core offerings.
The first Athlon 64 X2 chips are roughly twice the price of Intel's Pentium D processors. The low-end AMD chip runs at 2.2 gigahertz and costs $537 when purchased in volume, while the high end runs at 2.4 GHz and costs $1,001.
By comparison, Intel's low-end Pentium D runs at 2.8 GHz but costs $241, while its high-end Pentium D runs at 3.2 GHz and costs $530. Intel also offers a dual-core Extreme Edition Pentium for $999 each.
By MATTHEW FORDAHL, AP Technology Writer
Tuesday, May 31, 2005
AMD Launches Dual-Core Athlon 64 X2
Advanced Micro Devices launched its dual-core Athlon 64 processor at the Computex trade show in Taipei on Tuesday.
Like one launched last week by Intel, the chip contains two processors on a single piece of silicon and represents one of the biggest changes in PC processor architecture for several years. Dual-core chips offer users higher performance because tasks can be balanced between the two cores.
For instance, tasks such as editing video and burning discs can be done at the same time without slowing each other down. Microsoft's Windows XP operating system is already set up to take advantage of the technology, as are many applications, AMD says.
"[Everyone] will benefit dramatically and qualitatively with multi-core," said Dirk Meyer, president and chief operating officer of AMD's microprocessor solutions sector, at the company's launch event. (To read our review of the new Athlon 64 X2, click here.)
The Athlon 64 X2 is hardware-compatible with motherboards for AMD's single-core Athlon 64 chip, although current boards will require a BIOS (basic input output system) upgrade. The advantage of this is that boards for the chip are already on the market, and it also makes upgrading an existing system relatively simple.
Too Expensive?
The chip will initially be available in four versions, which don't come cheap. The prices range from $537 for the 4200+ version to $1001 for the 4800+ version--and those prices are for bulk purchases of 1000 chips or more. "We've decided to go first at the high end of the market," said Henri Richard, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, at a news conference in Taipei.
Asked if AMD's chips might be too expensive for system integrators, especially compared to the slightly lower prices of dual-core Intel chips, Richard said Intel's chips require a new chip set and additional cooling. As a result, the overall price difference between the companies won't be as great as the difference in chip pricing, he said.
Several prototype systems based on the new chip were on show at the launch event. They included a consumer desktop PC from Hewlett-Packard, a media center PC from Wistron, the Feng Xing K9000 from Lenovo Group, Acer's Aspire T140, Iwill's ZMax DP, and Shuttle's XPC ST20G5.
So now that they're here, are dual-core chips for everyone?
The answer depends on your needs, says Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group in San Jose, California, who attended the AMD event. Users who recently bought a machine don't need rush into replacing it with a dual-core model, but users just replacing their machine now might consider the dual-code chip, especially given the typical three-year lifespan for a desktop PC.
The reason: the new chips will deliver even greater performance gains when used with a 64-bit operating system. Microsoft just launched such a version of Windows but it is not easy to obtain for the average user, and there are still many issues associated with drivers for peripherals.
"If you want a machine that's ready for Longhorn, that's when it comes into play," Enderle says.
For more coverage of Asia's largest technology show, see PC World's Computex news page.
Martyn Williams, IDG News Service Tue May 31,10:00 AM ET
Like one launched last week by Intel, the chip contains two processors on a single piece of silicon and represents one of the biggest changes in PC processor architecture for several years. Dual-core chips offer users higher performance because tasks can be balanced between the two cores.
For instance, tasks such as editing video and burning discs can be done at the same time without slowing each other down. Microsoft's Windows XP operating system is already set up to take advantage of the technology, as are many applications, AMD says.
"[Everyone] will benefit dramatically and qualitatively with multi-core," said Dirk Meyer, president and chief operating officer of AMD's microprocessor solutions sector, at the company's launch event. (To read our review of the new Athlon 64 X2, click here.)
The Athlon 64 X2 is hardware-compatible with motherboards for AMD's single-core Athlon 64 chip, although current boards will require a BIOS (basic input output system) upgrade. The advantage of this is that boards for the chip are already on the market, and it also makes upgrading an existing system relatively simple.
Too Expensive?
The chip will initially be available in four versions, which don't come cheap. The prices range from $537 for the 4200+ version to $1001 for the 4800+ version--and those prices are for bulk purchases of 1000 chips or more. "We've decided to go first at the high end of the market," said Henri Richard, executive vice president of worldwide sales and marketing, at a news conference in Taipei.
Asked if AMD's chips might be too expensive for system integrators, especially compared to the slightly lower prices of dual-core Intel chips, Richard said Intel's chips require a new chip set and additional cooling. As a result, the overall price difference between the companies won't be as great as the difference in chip pricing, he said.
Several prototype systems based on the new chip were on show at the launch event. They included a consumer desktop PC from Hewlett-Packard, a media center PC from Wistron, the Feng Xing K9000 from Lenovo Group, Acer's Aspire T140, Iwill's ZMax DP, and Shuttle's XPC ST20G5.
So now that they're here, are dual-core chips for everyone?
The answer depends on your needs, says Rob Enderle, principal analyst with the Enderle Group in San Jose, California, who attended the AMD event. Users who recently bought a machine don't need rush into replacing it with a dual-core model, but users just replacing their machine now might consider the dual-code chip, especially given the typical three-year lifespan for a desktop PC.
The reason: the new chips will deliver even greater performance gains when used with a 64-bit operating system. Microsoft just launched such a version of Windows but it is not easy to obtain for the average user, and there are still many issues associated with drivers for peripherals.
"If you want a machine that's ready for Longhorn, that's when it comes into play," Enderle says.
For more coverage of Asia's largest technology show, see PC World's Computex news page.
Martyn Williams, IDG News Service Tue May 31,10:00 AM ET
64-Bit Windows? Wait for Longhorn
After more than 18 months of delays, the shipping version of Microsoft's
Windows XP Professional X64 Edition operating system is finally here. But even if your PC has a 64-bit CPU, we advise waiting for Longhorn, Microsoft's next-generation Windows due out in 2006, unless you work with data-intensive programs such as video rendering, 3D animation, or CAD and engineering.
XP X64 can process data in 64-bit chunks and address a whopping 128GB of RAM (up from 4GB in today's systems), allowing a dramatic increase in performance by keeping most of the data an app might need in RAM rather than on the slower hard disk. It looks and acts much like the 32-bit version of XP, and these days more popular software either comes in a 64-bit version or works with the new OS. (For details on its features, see March's "XP Goes to 64 Bits"). Caveats abound, however: Compatibility with existing hardware remains one trouble spot, and--more alarmingly--Microsoft says that installing the new OS will void your PC's warranty. Vendor policies vary on this, so check with your PC's maker before you upgrade.
Microsoft offers a free upgrade for users of XP Pro who purchased XP after March 31, 2003. But when you upgrade, you can no longer boot back into your 32-bit OS. Consider downloading a trial version of XP X64 from Microsoft to make sure everything works properly before you switch for real.
More Software
Microsoft has made headway with recalcitrant installers that plagued prerelease versions of X64, but many 32-bit apps--including some Microsoft products like the popular PowerToys for Windows XP--still balk at installing or running on XP X64. Also, some small features in XP X64 don't work as they do in 32-bit XP. For example, X64's Outlook Express can't check spelling.
One bright spot: 64-bit compatible antivirus packages are starting to appear. The 32-bit Symantec AntiVirus 10 Corporate Edition, for example, works just fine in XP X64.
The first applications written specifically for 64-bit systems will be for specialized professional markets, such as digital content creation and software development.
Another area where XP X64 is currently ahead of the game, so to speak, is gaming. Several 64-bit versions of popular game titles have already been released or are on the way, such as Atari's Shadow Ops Red Mercury, Epic Games' Unreal Tournament 2004, and Ubisoft's Far Cry. Eventually these and other 64-bit games will speed game play by completely loading large maps into memory and will offer more-detailed 3D environments.
Hardware Holes
Although XP X64 ships with more than 15,000 drivers--a greater number than any previous Windows version did--and even more are available via Windows Update and third-party developers, many drivers aren't available and perhaps never will be. Such consumer goods as MP3 players (including the Ipod) and some scanners lack drivers; graphics cards and various mass storage devices are better supported. Check Microsoft's hardware compatibility list.
Microsoft says that the transition to a 64-bit desktop OS will take a few years, and that 64-bit computing will be mainstream only with Longhorn.
We advise you to hold off on XP X64 but to consider 64-bit hardware--especially PCs that can address 8GB or more of RAM--when it comes time to buy your next system. That way, you can adopt XP X64--or more likely a 64-bit Longhorn OS--down the road.
Written by: Paul Thurrott Tue May 31, 4:00 AM ET
Windows XP Professional X64 Edition operating system is finally here. But even if your PC has a 64-bit CPU, we advise waiting for Longhorn, Microsoft's next-generation Windows due out in 2006, unless you work with data-intensive programs such as video rendering, 3D animation, or CAD and engineering.
XP X64 can process data in 64-bit chunks and address a whopping 128GB of RAM (up from 4GB in today's systems), allowing a dramatic increase in performance by keeping most of the data an app might need in RAM rather than on the slower hard disk. It looks and acts much like the 32-bit version of XP, and these days more popular software either comes in a 64-bit version or works with the new OS. (For details on its features, see March's "XP Goes to 64 Bits"). Caveats abound, however: Compatibility with existing hardware remains one trouble spot, and--more alarmingly--Microsoft says that installing the new OS will void your PC's warranty. Vendor policies vary on this, so check with your PC's maker before you upgrade.
Microsoft offers a free upgrade for users of XP Pro who purchased XP after March 31, 2003. But when you upgrade, you can no longer boot back into your 32-bit OS. Consider downloading a trial version of XP X64 from Microsoft to make sure everything works properly before you switch for real.
More Software
Microsoft has made headway with recalcitrant installers that plagued prerelease versions of X64, but many 32-bit apps--including some Microsoft products like the popular PowerToys for Windows XP--still balk at installing or running on XP X64. Also, some small features in XP X64 don't work as they do in 32-bit XP. For example, X64's Outlook Express can't check spelling.
One bright spot: 64-bit compatible antivirus packages are starting to appear. The 32-bit Symantec AntiVirus 10 Corporate Edition, for example, works just fine in XP X64.
The first applications written specifically for 64-bit systems will be for specialized professional markets, such as digital content creation and software development.
Another area where XP X64 is currently ahead of the game, so to speak, is gaming. Several 64-bit versions of popular game titles have already been released or are on the way, such as Atari's Shadow Ops Red Mercury, Epic Games' Unreal Tournament 2004, and Ubisoft's Far Cry. Eventually these and other 64-bit games will speed game play by completely loading large maps into memory and will offer more-detailed 3D environments.
Hardware Holes
Although XP X64 ships with more than 15,000 drivers--a greater number than any previous Windows version did--and even more are available via Windows Update and third-party developers, many drivers aren't available and perhaps never will be. Such consumer goods as MP3 players (including the Ipod) and some scanners lack drivers; graphics cards and various mass storage devices are better supported. Check Microsoft's hardware compatibility list.
Microsoft says that the transition to a 64-bit desktop OS will take a few years, and that 64-bit computing will be mainstream only with Longhorn.
We advise you to hold off on XP X64 but to consider 64-bit hardware--especially PCs that can address 8GB or more of RAM--when it comes time to buy your next system. That way, you can adopt XP X64--or more likely a 64-bit Longhorn OS--down the road.
Written by: Paul Thurrott Tue May 31, 4:00 AM ET
Monday, May 30, 2005
If Microsoft Sells Antivirus Software, Who Will Buy?
In the baseball-fantasy-flick Field Of Dreams, protagonist Ray Kinsella--played by Kevin Costner--hears a godly but whispery voice resonate: "If you build it, he will come." A similar question can be posed about Microsoft and the antivirus software it's in the midst of creating.
And the answer is a resounding yes, according to a survey of 100 CIOs' software-buying plans that Forrester Research conducted for the investment bank Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Seven in 10 CIOs surveyed say they'd consider licensing a Microsoft antivirus product.
CIOs also expect to spend more on software than previously anticipated, weighted toward the last half of the year, Credit Suisse First Boston says in its analysis. Thirty-seven percent expect their 2005 IT budgets to be flat to up 5% compared with last year's, and more than a quarter expect their budgets to be up 5% or more. Enterprise resource planning, security, and business intelligence are the year's top spending priorities.
The strong interest in Microsoft antivirus software astounds Jim Slaby, a senior analyst at IT advisory firm the Yankee Group, given the troubles Microsoft has had securing Internet Explorer and Windows. "Buying security software from Microsoft is like buying medication from a doctor who has been successfully sued for malpractice," Slaby says. "In spite of all the security dysfunction around Microsoft, the [IT] ecosystem will be willing to try anything it offers."
Jim Andreoni, CIO and VP of IT at Goodwill Industries of Southeast Wisconsin, which also serves Goodwill's Chicago operations, isn't surprised. "We don't think of the brand name when choosing a product; we'll consider any product that works," he says.
Among respondents who'd consider a Microsoft antivirus product, nearly a quarter cite aggressive pricing as a reason they'd switch. Price is important, Andreoni says, especially for a not-for-profit like Goodwill, but it should be considered only after the product is tested and benchmarked. "It has to work first, then we can talk price," he says. "You don't want a good price and a mediocre product."
It's too early to determine Microsoft's fate in the enterprise antivirus market, Credit Suisse First Boston says. It could gain a foothold in the market through aggressive pricing. The key will be how it optimizes the link between its security systems and the Windows platform. Still, any impact on other security software vendors will be minimal over the next 12 to 18 months, the report says.
Earlier this month, Microsoft revealed sketchy plans to provide antivirus and other security protection under a program it calls Windows One Care, a subscription service aimed at consumers and small businesses. The offering would put Microsoft in competition with Computer Associates, McAfee, and Symantec.
By Eric Chabrow Mon May 30,12:00 AM ET
And the answer is a resounding yes, according to a survey of 100 CIOs' software-buying plans that Forrester Research conducted for the investment bank Credit Suisse First Boston LLC. Seven in 10 CIOs surveyed say they'd consider licensing a Microsoft antivirus product.
CIOs also expect to spend more on software than previously anticipated, weighted toward the last half of the year, Credit Suisse First Boston says in its analysis. Thirty-seven percent expect their 2005 IT budgets to be flat to up 5% compared with last year's, and more than a quarter expect their budgets to be up 5% or more. Enterprise resource planning, security, and business intelligence are the year's top spending priorities.
The strong interest in Microsoft antivirus software astounds Jim Slaby, a senior analyst at IT advisory firm the Yankee Group, given the troubles Microsoft has had securing Internet Explorer and Windows. "Buying security software from Microsoft is like buying medication from a doctor who has been successfully sued for malpractice," Slaby says. "In spite of all the security dysfunction around Microsoft, the [IT] ecosystem will be willing to try anything it offers."
Jim Andreoni, CIO and VP of IT at Goodwill Industries of Southeast Wisconsin, which also serves Goodwill's Chicago operations, isn't surprised. "We don't think of the brand name when choosing a product; we'll consider any product that works," he says.
Among respondents who'd consider a Microsoft antivirus product, nearly a quarter cite aggressive pricing as a reason they'd switch. Price is important, Andreoni says, especially for a not-for-profit like Goodwill, but it should be considered only after the product is tested and benchmarked. "It has to work first, then we can talk price," he says. "You don't want a good price and a mediocre product."
It's too early to determine Microsoft's fate in the enterprise antivirus market, Credit Suisse First Boston says. It could gain a foothold in the market through aggressive pricing. The key will be how it optimizes the link between its security systems and the Windows platform. Still, any impact on other security software vendors will be minimal over the next 12 to 18 months, the report says.
Earlier this month, Microsoft revealed sketchy plans to provide antivirus and other security protection under a program it calls Windows One Care, a subscription service aimed at consumers and small businesses. The offering would put Microsoft in competition with Computer Associates, McAfee, and Symantec.
By Eric Chabrow Mon May 30,12:00 AM ET
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
