Agena will be positioned on the very high-end of AMD's desktop segment, but dual-core processor will move deeper into the mainstream next year and dominate the firm's processor lineup.

In the fourth quarter, AMD will launch the Athlon 64 X2 6000+ (3.0 GHz), 5600+ (2.8 GHz, 2 MB L2) and 5400+ (2.8 GHz, 1 MB L2). The new high-end version will consume 125 watts, while the 5600+ and 5400+ will be rated at 89 watts. The currently shipping 5200+ and 5000+ version will transition from 89 watts to 65 watts in the first quarter of next year and a new 35 watt low power variant of the 4200+ (2.2 GHz) will be added in the same time frame. The higher-end models will be available for order on 20 November, while the 5000+, 4800+, 4400+ and 4000+ will follow on December 5.

AMD will be introducing 65 watt processors beginning late this year. The first processors with 65 nm "Brisbane" core will be the 5000+, 4800+, 4400+ and 4000+ models, which are rated at 65 watt TDP. On the higher end, a 2.8 GHz 5400+ model and a 2.7 GHz 5200+ version will be added in the second quarter of next year. These two processors will decrease the power consumption on the high-end of the mainstream from currently 89 watts to 76 watts.

The transition to 90 nm will not happen as rapidly as promised by AMD. 90 nm Windsor cores will be in the channel over all of 2007 (ranging from the 6000+ down to the 3800+). The models currently scheduled for a phase out over the coming months include the 89 watt versions of the 4600+, 4200+ and 3800+. 65 watt and 35 watt variants will remain available at least until Q4 2007.

AMD's mainstream dual-core line-up for 2006/2007

The same applies to the majority of AMD's single-core Athlon 64 processors. 90 nm 4000+, 3800+ and 3500+ processors will remain available as 62 watt AM2 versions, while the 67 watt socket 939 variants will be dead by the end of the year. The lower end 3000+ and 3200+ AM2 processors will retire in March of 2007. Early in 2007, AMD plans to introduce a 65 nm, 45 watt single-core processor code-named Lima, which will be clocked a 2.4 and 2.2 GHz and complement the current 3800+ and 3500+ versions.

The entry-level Sempron line will see little change and also receive a 65 nm addition (Sparta core) in the third quarter of next year. The new processors will be rated at a TDP of 35 watts (down from 62 watts today) and arrive as Sempron 3400+, 3500+, 3600+ and 3800+ versions.