AMD Demos Dual-Core Desktop Chip

Refusing to let rival Intel steal the show when it comes to dual-core processors for desktop PCs, AMD today demonstrated its upcoming consumer offering. The dual-core Athlon 64 chip was manufactured on 90-nanometer technology and allows for better multitasking. But AMD is keeping quiet on the processor's specs.

Intel, meanwhile, expects to ship its dual-core Pentium 4 "Smithfield" processor in the second quarter. AMD unveiled dual-core Opteron chips for servers last week at LinuxWorld, but has remained relatively quiet regarding its plans for the desktop space.

AMD has, however, promised a smooth upgrade path from single-core chips, with the dual-core Athlon using the same socket found in current Athlon 64 systems.

"Client AMD64 dual-core technology will provide consumers and businesses a customer-centric approach with systems that deliver enhanced performance and a simple, non-disruptive upgrade path from single-core solutions," said Marty Seyer, corporate vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit.

But AMD's dual-core processors won't take center stage just yet; the company plans to keep the single-core Athlon 64 FX as its premier offering. "Many applications, such as games, will continue to experience maximum performance on single-core processor solutions," AMD said.