Advanced Micro Devices gave analysts a briefing on its computing platform road map through 2011 Wednesday, with company executives saying they intend to differentiate the company’s chips from rival offerings by enabling a complete computing experience featuring stunning graphics and video. The executives also said AMD remains on schedule to deliver a new family of Fusion processors in 2011 that promise to dramatically lower power consumption in server and mobile-device applications.
“We’ve got the opportunity at AMD to change the game, to redefine the way that people think about computer technology and, in particular, to redefine the way that people interact with computers going forward,” said AMD CEO Dirk Meyer.
A Huge Industry Uptick
Starting next year, OEMs will be able to use quad-core processors featuring a 2M cache and DDR3 memory support. Code-named Danube, the chips are expected to help laptop makers deliver seven or more hours of notebook battery life. Moreover, AMD’s third-generation Nile platform promises to deliver the same level of battery performance when deployed in ultra-thin notebook designs.
AMD also plans to launch a six-core processor targeting gaming enthusiasts. Called Leo, the new chip will include support for the company’s latest ATI Eyefinity technology as well as DirectX, which AMD spokesperson John Taylor predicts will “bring incredible graphics capabilities and stunning HD video to AMD’s new notebook platforms.”
Two DDR3-based processing platforms will also become available for use in server applications for data centers, where IT managers have been asking for more performance, but without incurring any corresponding increase in power consumption, according to AMD Senior Vice President Rick Bergman.
“We are in the midst of one of the biggest performance increases on our server platforms in the history of AMD,” Bergman told analysts. “In 2009, 2010 and 2011 we will be seeing a huge uptick on…