KEY POINTS:
Advanced Micro Devices will finally release the quad-core version of its Opteron processor next month, although an exact date has not yet been announced.
But those who've been waiting for the hyped-up lightning fast processor codenamed Barcelona that forums were humming about will be disappointed to hear the clock speed will be less than promised at just 2GHz.
The quad-core version will remain within the same thermal envelopes (65 and 95 watts) as the dual chips.
AMD last week reported an operating loss of $US457 million
for the quarter up to June 30.
Intel and AMD look ready to lock horns again in a hyper-competitive marketplace with processor speed no longer the holy grail as multi-core technology evolves.
Intel has already demonstrated an 80-core chip, but there is no operating system smart enough to run it.
- NZ HERALD STAFF
