Nehalem Goes Wide; AMD Cancels Kuma

 

Chicago (IL) - It typically takes a while until new processor architectures become available to the mass market, but a new roadmap leaked onto the Internet suggests that the upcoming Nehalem processor will not just be available to the performance segment initially.

The leaked roadmap, published by Expreview, lists the Nehalem CPU with Bloomfield core within Intel’s Extreme, performance and mainstream segments. Clock speeds are 2.66 GHz for the mainstream, 2.93 GHz for higher-end CPU and 3.2 GHz for the Extreme version. Bloomfield joins Intel’s current Q9550, Q9400 and the (not yet released) E8600 processor. Intel’s mainstream processor portfolio typically spans from just over $200 to about $500, so expect the cheapest Bloomfield CPU to slip into this range, while the Extreme version should cost at least $1000.

Meanwhile, the AMD rumor mill has been spinning this morning. Xbit Labs) that AMD has cancelled its dual-core Kuma processors (next-gen Athlon X2) as well as dual-core and quad-core Agena FX processors based on its triple- and quad-core designs. The cancellation of its dual-core chips apparently has been triggered by complaints about the performance of the triple-core Phenom X3 8000-series: The triple-cores are priced against dual-core processors and simply leave no room for dual-cores, HKEPC claims.

The FX-series, planned to debut as FX-90 and FX-95 processors has hit a power wall, consuming about 140 watts at 2.66 GHz, according to the website. If HKEPC is right, we will have to wait until the 45 nm generation of AMD processors for new dual-cores and FX CPUs. And according to our sources, 45 nm CPUs will not be rolled out until Q4 of this year — 1 year behind Intel and six months behind AMD’s original plan.

Tom’s Hardware had the opportunity to sit through a private meeting with Intel engineers earlier last week at Computex in Taipei and witness a very promising Nehalem test run. The prototype system consisted of a single 4-core Nehalem CPU with Hyper Threading activated, providing a total of 8 logical processors. The demonstrated lasted roughly 10 minutes and consisted of real-time 1080p HD editing and high resolution photo manipulation. Core frequency? In the same ballpark as some of the fastest overclocked Penryn chips available. Best part of the test run was that we were told the CPU was running air-cooled.

To take down some recent rumors, Intel spoke to us indicating that while several publications indicated that the Nehalem family would be delayed, this is in fact incorrect. Our Intel contact indicated that Nehalem is still on track and going into full production towards the end of 2008.

  • great... can't wait
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  • nihility
    will it be possible to overclock nehalem? I heard rumors that it wouldn't be or will only be possible with the extreme version of the chipset (motherboard)
    Reply
  • Lozil
    The Nehalam looks Great.... Intel Has a winner in it's hand it seems...
    Never Seen the AMD in Action for The Long time now.... Just ATI is Getting back to the game... Expecting someting which can challenge Intel from AMD A soon as possible.....

    Free Software's Links
    Reply
  • randomizer
    AMD has refuted the rumours of Kuma cancellation:

    "The speculation is completely untrue," said AMD spokesman Jake Whitman. "We're still on track to launch a dual-core--code-named Kuma--part in the second half of '08. It will be 65 nanometers, still be based on the Star's core. So, that's coming."

    http://crave.cnet.com/8301-1_105-9966067-1.html

    Of course, they can say what they want, doesn't make it true.
    Reply
  • caskachan
    im sorry im jaded by phenoms disaster, im getting nehalem and this from someone that for 12 years has been selling/using amd systems mostly ;s
    Reply
  • Wheat_Thins
    I hope AMD can do something to keep Intel prices in line, I could care less which company holds the performance crown as long as there is enough competition where I am not paying $500.00 for a midrange processor.
    Reply
  • greenspoon
    I wish Tom's could get back on top of reviewing their articles. It is hard to put any stock in anything when it is filled with mis-types.
    Reply
  • lopopo
    Personally not a fan boy of AMD or INTEL. Just like the competition because it drives down prices. AMD were beaten by penryn. Ok it happens.
    But now they will be raped performance wise by Nehalem and the lower priced yorkfields and wolfdales will make sure no AMD processors are sold wile retailers dump their stock of older model processors.
    This is cutthroat business and if AMD wont compete then I hope Samsung or Motorola buys them out. AMD has smart people behind the workbench but their boardroom is run my morons.
    Reply
  • lopopo
    *by
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  • tipoo
    it says FX-90 and FX-90, im assuming thats a typo.
    Reply