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Semiconductor industry

AMD Moves Ahead in Dual-Core Chip Race

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

Austin-based Advanced Micro Devices Inc. has unveiled prototypes of its first dual-core chip, days before Intel Corp. is expected to showcase early prototypes of its dual-core processor at the Intel Developer Conference in San Francisco. The AMD dual-core chip, scheduled for release in the middle of next year, has already demonstrated its capability in a four-processor Hewlett-Packard Co. server, requiring minimal modification. Analyst Nathan Brookwood of Insight 64 believes that AMD's design advantage stems from its chip family being created with the idea of having future chips with two processing cores, making hardware makers' transition smoother. This move solidifies AMD's position in the market, with Brookwood stating, "AMD's product position versus Intel is in better shape than I can remember."

Key Takeaways:

  • AMD has unveiled prototypes of its first dual-core chip, demonstrating its capability in a four-processor Hewlett-Packard Co. server with minimal modification.
  • The chip is scheduled for release in the middle of next year, with analysts expecting a smoother transition due to its design advantage.
  • Analyst Nathan Brookwood believes that AMD's design advantage stems from its chip family being created with the idea of having future chips with two processing cores.
  • Freescale Semiconductor Inc. is expected to cut costs, which could lead to job losses, according to analysts, including John Lau with Banc of America Securities.
  • Rocksteady Networks Inc. has introduced a version of its bandwidth-management software aimed at Voice over Internet Protocol, delivering bandwidth for emergency calls over broadband networks.
  • RockSteady has received $3 million from Centennial Ventures to fuel its new product line, in addition to the $4 million invested last year.

Statistics:

  • AMD's dual-core chip is scheduled for release in the middle of next year.
  • The chip requires minimal modification in a four-processor Hewlett-Packard Co. server environment.
  • Freescale Semiconductor Inc. employs 22,000 people worldwide, including 6,500 in Austin.
  • RockSteady Networks Inc. has received $3 million from Centennial Ventures.
  • RockSteady's last year's investment was $4 million from Centennial Ventures.

Sources:

  • "AMD moves ahead in dual-core chip race." (No specific date or source provided)
  • Nathan Brookwood, Insight 64 analyst.
  • John Lau, Banc of America Securities analyst.
  • "Rocksteady Networks develops VoIP software." (No specific date or source provided)
  • David Turnbull, RockSteady Networks Inc. marketing vice president.

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