AMD, Intel Dual-Core Race

AMD and Intel are racing to get their respective dual-chip processors out the door and into workstations, servers and PCs. AMD's Opteron looks to have a slight lead but Intel, in true tradition, is not likely to hand over its market dominating position.

AMD's server oriented dual-core Opteron processor line was released this week. The company's Vice President said a majority of AMD's Opteron chips will ship as dual and multi-core processors by the end of this year. Desktop computers using AMD's dual-core chips under the brand name of Athlon 64 X2, should be out in June.

This week also saw Intel launch its dual-core chips for its Pentium EE line targeted at gamers. Intel is also hoping to get its dual-core Xeons (targeted at desktops and workstations) to market as soon as possible but they're currently not expected before late this year or early 2006.

The new-generation power processors can hold mutliple cores, or processors, on a single chip. In operability terms this means multiple tasks can be run simultaneously by different processors allowing for better all around functioning and speed.

How does the road lay for the two processor kings? ABC said it best:
"What's next for dual-core processors? AMD announced the dual-core Athlon 64 X2 CPUs on April 21st, and we're sure to see more system builders drop these Athlon 64 X2 CPUs and Opterons, as well as Intel's dual-core Pentium D, Pentium EE 840 and Xeons, in high?powered multimedia and gaming systems in the months to come."