14 DAY TRIAL // AMD is really trying to put together the fastest 64-bit workstation and server processor launching today two models clocked at 2.6 GHz and targeted at two and up to eight-processor systems. The heavy-weight Xeon should step into the game in a few weeks time.
The new Opterons are presented only one week after Intel's announcement to bring Xeon MP (multi-processor) as an extension of the existing 64-bit Xeon DP (dual-processor) to the market. The 252 and 852 chips support one-way and up to 8-way workstation and server systems and were announced together with the AMD-8132 HyperTransport PCI-X 2.0 tunnel.
The chipset supports PCI-X 2.0 connectivity, has improved HyperTransport connectivity and RAS capabilities, but also increased throughput.
The Opteron 252 and 852 processors are clocked with 2.6 GHz, integrate support for SSE3 software instructions as well as an increase in bus frequency to 1 GHz. The chips are priced at $851 (252) and $1514 (852) in 1000-unit quantities. The model 152, targeted at single-processorservers and workstations will be available on April 30 and will be priced at $637.
Advanced Micro Devices slashed yesterday prices across its product range, slashing a good 35% off the price of most processors.
Not only the AMD workstation/server chips went through the sudden price cuts, this change was pointed towards all mainstream Athlon 64 desktop and notebook products. Athlons 64 for desktops, desktop replacement laptops, full-size notebooks and thin'n'light mobiles had their prices reduced - only the Athlon 64-FX stood still through all the changes.
Most notably, AMD has begun differentiating between Socket A and Socket 754 parts on price, with the latter versions slightly cheaper.
AMD's full price list can be found here