For the first time in a long while, AMD might have both desktop and server processors ready for launch at about the same time. In the past, server processors have been prioritized, but this time the desktop version should be just as ready. The server equivalent Shanghai should reach first-tier partners in Q4 and if nothing goes wrong, Deneb will be in our hands about the same time. Deneb is the name of the new 45nm quad-core and one of the the main reasons it will be ready for launch this soon is because the first models will be AM2+ and not AM3.
[Editor’s note: This is a repost of the previous roadmap updated to correct some factual errors.]
The AM2+ models will be placed above the current top models. Frequencies will be around 2.6-3.0GHz for the two AM2+ models. There is no guarantee we will see 3.0GHz on AM2+ though, since there is always the chance that AMD will play it safe. Deneb will have the same DDR2 memory support as current Phenom models.
In Q1, AMD will announce the AM3 platform sporting the 8xx generation chipsets enabling DDR3 support for AMD processors. The Deneb-based processors for the AM3 platform will have a much broader frequency spectrum since it will be the only quad-core architecture for the AM3 platform. The entry model is said to run at at least 2.4GHz and the launch brother to sport an additional 200MHz.
This means that AM2+ will have the upper hand on the frequency front until Q2 when the faster AM3 models should arrive. These will operate at frequencies equivalent to the AM2+ models, thus 2.6-3.0GHz. All Deneb models sports 512KB L2 cache per core, 6MB shared L3 cache and DDR3-1333 memory support. The AM2+ processors will work in the 125W TDP envelope, while the two initial, and slower, AM3 models have been specified to 95W. The two faster AM3 models launching in Q2 are also of the 125W envelope.
Updated: Along with the quad-core Deneb processors, AMD will announces a series of quad-cores based on the 45nm Heka architecture in Q1. These will sport the same size L2 cache, 512KB, and no shared L3 cache. They will be exclusive to AM3 and operate in the 95W envelope. The first two models should enter somewhere around 2.4GHz-2.8GHz.
Updated: AMD will launch one EE (Energy Efficient) quad-core Propus model in Q1. Numbers suggest a TDP of 65W and a frequency of 2.3GHz. AMD will launch a second EE model operating at 2.1GHz with 45W TDP in Q2. There was no mention of any EE Deneb models.
Updated: AMD will also announce two different tri-core series based on the Heka architecture, with L3 cache, and the Rana architecture, without L3 cache. They are both AM3 exclusive and should launch in Q2.
This roadmap certainly puts AMD back in the game since most of these processors are targeting the segments below those Nehalem will appear in. The three Nehalem models will play in the $280 and above segment, while AMD will most likely target $275 and below with its new models.
In fact, AMD has so much faith in Deneb that it is now thinking of bringing back the FX platform. Deneb FX will launch in Summer of 2009, but we’re not sure exactly what separates it from the regular Deneb core since all specifications look alike between the two.
