In a move that appears like another shot across the bows of the beleaguered AMD, it seems Intel is going quad core by the end of 2006 to further boost revenue.In a move that appears like another shot across the bows of the beleaguered , it seems is going quad core by the end of 2006 to further boost revenue.Don’t get too excited though, since the first quad-core chips will effectively be two dual-core chips stuck together in a single package. Intel's quad-core Xeon server processor is codenamed Clovertown, and the desktop variant Kentsfield. It will still fit into a single processor slot.
On the other side of the fence AMD is banking on its 4x4 technology; that’s two dual-core chips in two sockets on the same board. It won’t be long before we see it, either. Indeed, the looming release of 4x4 could be one very crucial reason why Intel is keen to bring forward the release its quad-core chips.
Heating up
The real quad-core magic is set to arrive later in 2007 when Intel will probably introduce a leaner processor on a single die manufactured using the forthcoming 45nm process. AMD’s quad-core designs, slated for later on in 2007, are likely to be a on a single die from the off.
Quite what this will mean in terms of power required and heat outputted remains to be seen, though there will inevitably be some advance on Core 2. This might seem like jumping the gun, but since the new packages will essentially be two Core 2 Duos, it’s no wonder the thermal envelope will be pushed.
Ramping up
Intel has certainly ramped up its release schedules in recent months. Woodcrest, the Xeon chip, went on sale earlier this year when initial roadmaps showed it wouldn’t be on the market even now. The Tulsa Xeon chip for quad-processor servers looks set to be out in the autumn. Indeed, HP is already showing off machines on its website featuring said silicon.
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