AMD’s Next-Generation High-End “Leo” Platform Due in Q2 2010

From X-bit Labs: The first desktop six-core microprocessors from Advanced Micro Devices code-named “Thuban” are scheduled to arrive rather sooner than later, according to sources with knowledge of the matter. In fact, AMD does its best in order to release its Phenom II X6 central processing unit (CPU) in Q2 2010.

The world’s second largest developer of x86 chips plans to start shipping its AMD Phenom II X6 “Thuban” processors in the second quarter of next year, according to sources familiar with AMD’s roadmap. Presently it was thought that AMD would only start shipping its six-core desktop chips sometimes in Q3 2010, considerably later than its rival Intel Corp., which is set to release its six-core Core i9 “Gulftown” processors in the second quarter. However, AMD seems to continue its trend of launching its products rather earlier than later, which was started by Shanghai and Istanbul processors.

AMD Phenom II X6 will be compatible with socket AM3/AM2+ (with split power plane) infrastructure and will have integrated dual-channel PC3-10600 (DDR3 1333MHz) memory controller. It is very likely that Thuban processors will retain the design of the code-named Istanbul chips for servers, thus, will feature 3MB L2 cache (512KB per core) and 6MB of L3 cache. The chips will be made using 45nm SOI fabrication process. Power consumption of the chips is set to be decided.

The new six-core CPUs will be the main part of AMD’s Leo platform that will be based on the AMD 890FX and 890GX core-logic sets. The new chipsets will offer better performance and functionality, e.g., they will support Serial ATA-600, 14 Serial ATA 2.0 ports and so on, but both will only hit mass production in April, 2010, and will be formally released in May next year, according to market sources.

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