Advanced Micro Devices is set to launch its first quad-core chip designed for notebooks at a certain point in 2010. Although this would be a step forward for AMD, the chip will still be about one year behind the first similar CPU that will arrive from Intel. As already showed on the previously released roadmap, AMD's quad-core microprocessors aimed at notebooks would be code-named Champlain.

This up-coming chip is announced to go hand in hand with the code-named “Danube” platform, as AMD announced during a recent meeting with financial analysts. The Sunnyvale chip manufacturer hasn't disclosed any further detail on this chip, but, considering the fact that it will make its appearance in 2010, it might come under the 32nm process technology, since AMD has been reported to plan moving to smaller fabrication in that time frame.

Before the quad-core CPU emerges in 2010, along with the “Danube” platform, AMD is said to plan the release of its “Tigris” platform, expected to surface during the next year. The “Tigris” platform is based on the company's dual-core CPU code-named “Caspian,” which will be manufactured under the 45nm fabrication process, as well as on the next-generation RS880M+SB710 core-logic set. According to the news, both forthcoming “Caspian” and “Champlain” microprocessors will feature the same form factor, socket s1 3rd generation.

Jon Peddie Research analysts said a few times that desktop replacement notebooks for gamers were “showing strong gains,” which makes it regrettable that AMD's quad-core mobile chip would come with a one year delay. As many of you already know, Intel already has a quad-core processor for high-performance notebooks, and the chip maker is reported to expand its line-up during the next year.

Nevertheless, quad-core chips for mobile computers are not expected to see wide adoption and high popularity, yet AMD lacks the appropriate option in its portfolio that would make it a strong competitor to Intel in the high-performance/desktop replacement laptop market segment.