Research firm IDC, recently released its Q2 data on the microprocessor market.  According to the latest report, AMD seems to have improved over Q1 2011 and gained some share.

IDC’s report mentions that AMD’s share in total PC microprocessor market increased by 1.5% in Q2 2011 compared to previous quarter. However if we dig deeper it seems that the company gained share in notebooks and desktops but continued to perform poorly in servers where its share further declined to 5.5%. Although AMD is expected to launch its bulldozer CPU in later half of this year, we have reduced our market share expectations for the full year 2011 from slight gains to slight losses.

However, the notebook market share gain was a positive surprise and consequently we have adjusted our expectation in the category slightly upwards.

Price estimate for AMD stands at $9.90 , implying a significant premium to the market price.

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AMD shipped about one million Llano APUs in June and 1.3-1.5 million units in July, and with the appearance of the company’s new Llano APUs in the fourth quarter, annual shipments of Llano in 2011 should reach 7.5-8 million units, according to sources from motherboard players.

The sources pointed out that AMD is pushing its 40nm-based C series (Ontario) and E series (Zacate) APUs for the entry-level market, while it is pushing 32nm-based Llano-based APUs for the mid-range to performance and mainstream markets, and is pushing 32nm AM3+ FX series (Zambezi) processors for the high-end market in the fourth quarter.

In 2012, AMD will launch a new APU series codenamed Krishna using a 28nm process from Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC), targeting mini PCs, and all-in-one PCs with an APU series codenamed Trinity to replace Llano for the mainstream market, adopting a 32nm process from Globalfoundries. For the high-end market, AMD will launch an APU series codenamed Komodo.

Source : Digitimes

Intel Sandy Bridge-E processors to be delayed to 2012

We have seen some of these boards at Computex 2011. This new boards featuring the Intel X79 chipset will support the upcoming Socket 2011 Sandy Bridge-E processor.

With a quad channel memory architecture, it is supposedly the successor to tri channel Intel X58.

Although the chipset will be launched as scheduled in Oct 2011, the processors are still having performance issues and bugs that needs to be ironed out.

According to various sources, there were indications that the intial launch date of November 2011 might be pushed back to early 2012.

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc NYSE:AMD announced today about its participation with the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA), HP and Clarkson University in a significant research project that looks at the industry-wide challenge of channeling renewable energy directly to data centers.

Because wind and solar-derived energy can be irregular, the intended study will also examine critical questions of how to automatically shift a compute load between data centers and maintain reliability.

AMD is basically a Semiconductor – Broad Line industry company. The sales of company resulted $6.45 billion for last consecutive twelve months, and the company’s net income recorded $828.00 million. The company’s growth of its sales in recent quarter vs. year ago quarter recorded -4.80% which is below the Industry benchmark of 16.90% and below from Standard and Poor’s benchmark of 13.90%.

Company is on an optimistic track of growth as the gross margin of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc is 44.8% which is below the industry benchmark for gross margin of 57.9% and above the Standard and Poor’s benchmark for gross margin of 37.7%.

The stock price of company on July 29, 2011 decreased 1.08% and settled to the closing price of $7.34. The overall volume in the last trading session was 20.88 million shares. Its fifty two week range was $5.53-$9.58. The total market capitalization remained $5.05 billion.

AMD current stock price is moving above its 52 week low by 32.73% and moving below from 52 week high price by 23.38%. AMD last month stock price volatility remained 3.71%. In its share capital AMD has 687.54 million outstanding shares while company’s float is 686.32 million shares. Ownership of company is 71.88% institutional while insiders owning 0.10%.

Tech report reports that AMD released a graphic novel titled “The Legend of FX” last week in a rather strange effort to build some hype for the brand’s revival later this year. The Legend of FX takes some jabs at Intel while touting AMD’s superior graphics and improved performance, but it’s the recently posted cinematic trailer promoting the novel itself that brings a juicy tidbit: hidden at 0:15 is the date “September 19″ which some have taken as a hint for when FX will see the light of day.

WCCFTech claims to have confirmed a September launch date with Taiwanese motherboard manufacturers and says four processors will make the initial FX lineup — the FX-8150, FX-8100, FX-6100 and FX-4100.

The range-topping FX-8150 packs eight cores clocked at 3.6 GHz (or up to 4.2GHz in Turbo mode) and has a TDP of 125W, while the FX-8100 drops frequencies to 2.8-3.7GHz and the power rating to 95W. The six-core FX-6100 and quad-core FX-4100 will also have a TDP of 95W and feature base/Turbo clocks of 3.3/3.9 GHz and 3.6/3.8 GHz, respectively.

The chips are all based on GlobalFoundries’ 32nm process technology, come in an AM3+ package, and have a built-in dual-channel DDR3-1866 memory controller. They also feature 1MB of L2 cache per core, 8MB of shared L3 cache, and unlocked multipliers. A previous leak covered here mentioned four additional FX chips and a possible delay into Q4 of 2011, so until we get an official announcement from AMD we won’t know for sure.

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Sandy Bridge-E Model Numbers, Clock Speeds Surface

Here are details of the first three models of Intel’s “Sandy Bridge-E” Core i7 processors in the LGA2011 package. Some of these details were made public as early as mid-April. It was then analyzed that Intel was driving two distinct lines of LGA2011 client processors: Enthusiast and Performance, and within Performance, there were BClk multiplier-unlocked six-core, and locked quad-core chips. With the new series, Intel will move to the 3000 series of processor model numbering, indicating that the new processors will be part of Intel’s 3rd generation Core processors, even though they’re based on the Sandy Bridge architecture.

Before we move to the model numbers, here’s a quick run up of the brand extenders. “X” denotes Extreme Edition, “K” denotes “Unlocked” (BClk multipler unlocked). Leading the pack will be Core i7-3960X Extreme Edition. This six-core (6 cores, 12 threads with HTT) chip has a nominal clock speed of 3.30 GHz, Turbo Boost speed of up to 3.90 GHz, and features the full 15 MB of L3 cache present on the Sandy Bridge-E silicon. Expect this chip to have a four figure price-tag.

Next up, is the Core i7-3930K, with 6 cores, 12 threads, a nominal clock speed of 3.20 GHz, and Turbo Boost speed of 3.80 GHz; but 12 MB of L3 cache compared to 15 MB on the Extreme Edition chip. This chip features an unlocked BClk multiplier, making overclocking it possible.

The most affordable LGA2011 chip will be Core i7-3820, with 4 cores, 8 threads, nominal clock speed of 3.60 GHz, Turbo speed of 3.90 GHz, and just 10 MB of L3 cache. Unlike the other two, this one has its BClk multiplier locked. All three models feature quad-channel DDR3 memory controllers, but it is likely that the lower-end models could also have lower DRAM multiplier limits. All three chips will have other features in common, including a PCI-Express 3.0 root complex that gives out two x16 links to drive graphics.

At Computex Taipei 2011, manufacturers displayed their latest Intel X79 LGA2011 boards. You can view some of them from this link.

Computex Taipei 2011 Coverage ASUS showcase dual socket LGA1366 and LGA2011 ROG motherboard “DANSHUI BAY”

Computex Taipei 2011 INTEL Shows X79 mainboards ASUS CIX79 Deluxe, ASROCK X79 Extreme4, Gigabyte GD X79A-UD3 and the MSI X79A-GD65

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Quad-core processors, which are fairly commonplace in desktop PCs, will be in almost half of all notebooks sold within the next four years, according to market research firm IHS iSuppli.

In a report July 12, IHS iSuppli analysts said that by 2015, 49 percent of all notebooks will ship with quad-core processors. That will be up from about 9 percent this year, according to the analysts. In total, 160 million notebooks powered by quad-core chips will ship in 2015, up from 21.1 million this year.

Six-core chips also will make inroads, the analysts said. Currently there are no notebooks with six-core processors, they said. That will change by 2015, when 18 percent of notebooks will ship with six-core chips.

In 2015, 58.9 million notebooks will boast six-core chips, according to IHS iSuppli.

The numbers represent a natural progression, as chip makers like Intel and Advanced Micro Devices look to improve chip performance through the use of more cores rather than upping the chip’s frequency, according to Matthew Wilkins, principal analyst of compute platforms for HIS iSuppli.

“The cornerstone of PC performance, the microprocessor, is continuing to evolve to provide new levels of performance to the PC market,” Wilkins said in a statement. “For decades, the main focus for increasing microprocessor performance was in the area of clock speed, with suppliers battling to offer parts with the most megahertz or gigahertz. However, the competition now has shifted to the battle over cores, with suppliers racing to offer parts that boost performance by providing greater parallelism. The battle now has moved from the dual-core segment into the quad-core area—and next will spread to the six-core realm.”

IHS iSuppli analysts pointed to recent chip releases—such as Intel’s six-core Core i7-970 and AMD’s six-core Phenom II X6—as examples of offerings to come. Currently they’re aimed at desktops, but the chip makers will bring higher core counts to notebook processors as well.

Such chips are examples of the ongoing development of PC technology, even at a time when consumers are turning their attention to tablets, particularly Apple’s iPad. Both IDC and Gartner in April noted that in the first quarter, the worldwide PC market saw its first year-over-year decline in six quarters, due in large part to consumer interest in tablets.

“‘Good-enough computing’ has become a firm reality, exemplified first by [netbooks] and now media tablets,” IDC senior research analyst Jay Chou said in a statement at the time. “Macroeconomic forces can explain some of the ebb and flow of the PC business, but the real question PC vendors have to think hard about is how to enable a compelling user experience that can justify spending on the added horsepower.”

Despite the pressure on the market, PC OEMs and chip makers continue to improve the performance, design and features in the systems, IHS iSuppli analysts said. They also evolving the notebooks to fit user demands for all-day mobile computing. An example of that is in the move to integrate graphics technology onto the same piece of silicon as the CPU, which helps with power consumption.

Intel—which is the world’s top chip maker with 82.6 percent of the market, according to HIS iSuppli—is offering integrated graphics in its chips based on the new “Sandy Bridge” architecture, while AMD does the same with its Fusion APUs (accelerated processing units). Both vendors launched their integrated-graphics offerings at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show in January. AMD is the world’s second-largest chip vendor, with 10.1 percent of the market.

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We have already reviewed a Gigabyte A75 board earlier. Today, we received yet another A75 board. This time round, it comes from ASRock. The A75 Extreme6 has 3 full length PCIe slots for CrossFire X. On the board itself, there is a label indicating that it supports DDR3-2500+. Before we go into the tests, let’s check what is inside the package.

WHile we are waiting for AMD to officially announce the sales of this processor, we already got one in our hands. Here is a short video of us unboxing it. Stay tuned to our review at OCWORKBENCH in the coming month of July 2011.

AMD Desktop APUs A6 and A8 series specs have been leaked on the net prior to Computex. Boards were also on display at Computex Taipei 2011. To date, there seems to be a lack of processors to satisfy the market.

To our surprise, our HK correspondent told us that he came across the retail box of the processors on a Hong Kong site. Apparently, the boxes are at one of the retail shops. It means stocks are ready for sale awaiting for an early July launch. Pricing is not provided.

AMD APU A6-3650 and A8-3850  The speeds are rated at 2.6GHZ (A6-3650) and 2.9GHZ (A8-3850).

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AMD APU A8, A6, A4 series processor details; A6-3500 (3 core) might have hidden core disabled and can be turned into A6-3600

It’s confirmed that there will be 7 different models of APUs that will be released in early July 2011.

First the A8 series. There are two models in A8 series, namely the A8-3850 rated 100W 2.9GHz Quad Core. The other model is A8-3000 rated 65W, 2.7/2.4GHz (turbo Core). Both has 4MB L2 cache, 400 Radeon Cores with GPU at 600MHz. Graphics class is HD 6550D.

There are three in A6 Series, the first is A6-3650. It is a 100W, 4core at 2.6GHz. THe A6-3600 is 65W 4Core, 2.4/2.1GHz (Turbo Core). The A6-3500 is 65W 3 core 2.4/2.1 (turbo Core). All has 4MB L2 cache except A6-3500 which has 3MB. All three models have 320 Radeon Cores at 443MHz. Graphics class is HD 6530D

Lastly the A4 series A4-3400 is 65W 2 cores 2.7GHz and A4-3300 65W 2C at 2.5GHz. All A4 models have 160 Radeon Cores of HD 6410D. L2 cache is 1MB and the graphics GPU clock is 600MHz for A4-3400 and 443MHz for A4-3300.

The most interesting processor I would say is the A6-3500. As it is a tri core, it seems that this processor is exactly the same as A6-3600 with one core “turned off”. Will there be any BIOS hack that can turn on the hidden core if the hidden core exists ?

At Computex Taipei 2011, AMD reveals it’s roadmap for its AMD Client Platform for Mainstream, Ultrathin/Notebook and Tablet for 2011-2012.

From the chart, it is not surprising that APU is the way to go for AMD for the comnig year. While LIano processors are still not on sale (scheduled for early July as we heard), Trinity (Bulldozer core) will be the next big thing in 2012. Likewise for the Ultrathin / Noteboko we have a transition from Ontario to Krishna. As for Tablets, it will be from Desna to  Hondo.

Photo Courtesy of mycom.co.jp

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In a surprise announcement at Computex in Taiwan, AMD unveiled its plans to produce a Bulldozer-based APU, codenamed Trinity. The company also launched its Z series chips, aimed at Windows tablets, and announced the official branding for its Llano APUs. (“APU” is AMD-speak for a processor that combines CPU and GPU cores on a single die.)

Not much was revealed about the 32nm Trinity chip apart from the codename, the fact that it combines Bulldozer cores with a GPU, and the fact that the GPU supports DX11. This would definitely pose a big challenge to the Intel Sandy bridge which has a weaker GPU.

AMD also launched it’s Z series APUs targeting tablets. The Bobcat-based Z series parts will have a 6W TDP, which is much higher than Intel’s Moorestown (which is in the 1W range, depending on what you’re doing), and certainly not even close to being in the same league as the sub-1W ARM competition. With the higher power draw, the Z series would most likely see itself on netbooks rather than on a tablet.

AMD announced the official VISION branding for Llano today, dubbing it the A series of APUs. The three tiers in the Llano family are A4, A6, and A8, which means that the recently leaked slides showing these codenames were legit. As was shown in the leaked presentation, AMD will be aiming Llano squarely at Intel’s current Sandy Bridge lineup.

For a preview of the benchmark performance of the A series LIano against the Intel Sandy bridge, please click here.

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Performance preview of AMD LIano vs Intel Sandy Bridge

In a few more weeks, the Intel Sandy bridge will face a new challenger, the AMD LIano. AMD LIano is the new processor series that is based on AMD Fusion, integrating the graphics processor into the same package of the processor. Also known as APU, it will compete head to head to Intel Sandy bridge which also power an embedded graphcis processor within.

While Intel H55 or Z68 can be paired up with the Core i3/i5 processors for it’s graphics capabilities, the AMD LIano processors have to be paired up with the A75 series motherboards with Socket FM-1.

So, how does the AMD LIano performs against the Intel Sandybridge? We take a look at two comparison running different processors on INTEL and AMD platform for 3DMark Vantage and PC Mark Vantage.

The scores are preliminary based on early beta drivers.

ECS A990FXM-A is the first AMD 8 Core-ready motherboard in the world

The Latest ECS Black Extreme A990FXM-A is based AMD990FX chipset with 140W AM3+ Processor support. The A990FXM-A includes AMD CrossfireX,NVIDIA SLI technology and DirectX 10.1 capabilities. A990FXM-A has 3 PCIEx16 output interface, and Realtek ALC892 7.1CH High Definition audio with Content Protection for Blu-Ray.A990FXM-A is covered with QooTech IV Heatpipe in MOS,NB and SB to focus on silent Cooling. In addition the SB950 features 6 SATA 6Gb/s ports with RAID 0,1,5,10 configurations, and proprietary ECS tweaking through the M.I.B X Overclocking utility. A990FXM-A also has USB3.0 Port for supporting super speed USB3.0 technology.ECS A990FXM-A builds a perfect gaming center for users, providing the complete application.

Rapid 333 Support latest generation USB 3.0, SATA 3.0 (6Gbps) and eSATA 3.0 (6Gbps) high-speed interface technologies that meet the high-capacity and high-speed needs of multi-media publishing and PC gaming.	Clear CMOS Button One of ECS 4″E” Design which is especially a great plus that brings users remarkable convenience while overclocking or tweaking system performance. ( 4″E” Design : Easy button; DebugLED; Clear CMOS; Right-Angled SATA Slots)
Mutli-language BIOS Multi-language BIOS allows you to see and set up the BIOS with your native language. It helps Non-English users to solve the problem of setting up the BIOS and achieve extra system performance easily.	ECS GUI UEFI BIOS ECS GUI UEFI BIOS is a convenient tool for tweaking BIOS in Graphical interface. Users can select functions in BIOS with mouse and keyboard. The user-friendly interface with ECS designed wallpaper radically brings users convenience and easy-to-use experience.
Supports 140W CPU Mainbords support 140W CPU processors	HT3.0 The highly scalable Hyper Transport 3.0 is capable to provide incredible bandwidth of the system bus up to 20.8GB/s which would dramatically elevate the efficiency of computing performance.
Support 32nm processors New 32nm architecture enables support for 6 cores (or above) CPUs as well as the multi-chip packages that allow for integrated graphics on the CPU.	ATI CrossFire X The technology not only combines multi-GPU and motherboard power that soars into a new dimension of graphics capability, but also delivers the highest image quality and screen resolutions, even with the most demanding 3D titles.
Dual Channel DDR3 2133 OC Dual DDR3 2133 O.C. is able to raise processor and RAM clock up to 2133mHz through capable RAM in overclock mode. It assists system to obtain optimal performance to meet the O.C. enthusiast needs.	PCI EXPRESS 2.0 The exceptionally increased interconnect bit rate from 2.5GT/s up to 5.0GT/s would effectively eliminates the bottle neck of the system performance and brings the most terrific computing experience from the present to the future.
RAID 0, 1, 0+1, 5 Supports RAID 0(Striped disk array), RAID 1(Mirroring disk array), RAID 0+1(A mirror of stripes), RAID 5(Block Interleaved Distributed Parity). Provides users the performance and protection.	eSATA 6Gb/s eSATA III with 6Gb/s data transfer rate can promise substantial performance gain to a new hard drive enclosure. The data transfer rate is double than previous SATA II(3Gb/s) and also supports external HDD hot plug and keyed connector end for fool-proof.
Content Protection for Blu-Ray Features Realtek ALC 892 HD Audio Codec with loss-less content protection technology that allows full-rate audio and quality performance for Blu-ray Discs.	8 Channel High Definition Audio Integrated 8-channel HD Audio CODEC delivering advanced multi-channel audio and bringing you the experience of home theater-quality sound.
Dual Gigabit Lan with teaming The dual Gigabit LAN with Teaming allows 2 single connections to act as 1 single connection for double bandwidth. In addition, it prevents network downtime by transferring the workload from a failed port to a working port and balances the network traffic load evenly between 2 CPU cores in order to improve performance.	USB 3.0 The latest generation Super Speed USB 3.0 Card is able to transfer data 10 times faster than USB 2.0. An innovative power management system provide better energy saving and carry more power to recharge more USB rechargeable devices. USB 3.0 Card is compatible with USB 2.0 to add more convenience and excellent performance.
eBLU – BIOS Live Update Utility ECS eBLU utility makes updating BIOS fast and easy. eBLU saves time and hassle of searching for BIOS online and avoid complicated flashing steps. With simple and easy steps it checks for new BIOS version on-line and safely guides the user to flash the system BIOS.	eDLU – Drivers Live Update Utility ECS eDLU utility makes updating Drivers fast and easy. eDLU Saves time and hassle of searching for Drivers online and avoid complicated steps. With simple and easy steps it checks for new Drivers version on-line and let the user to update the Drivers.
eSF(ECS Smart Fan Utility) ECS Smart Fan Utility provides smart and user friendly way to adjust fan speed depending on PCs system loading and temperature. It offers five modes to adjust fan speed within safe range without entering BIOS for smart, easy and silent environment.	eGS (Easy Green Saver) eGS (Easy Green Saver) is a simple and easy-to-use interface for efficient power saving solution. It is based on computer loading to automatically adjust CPU frequency to reduce power consumption. eGS benefits not only by saving personal pocket money but also save environment.
Norton™ Internet Security Simple, Easy-to-Use Interface, delivers fast and comprehensive online threat protection, guarding your PC, network, without slowing you down. Giving you greater insight into downloaded applications, whether they can be trusted, and how they may impact your PC’s resources and performance Offering users a safer and more convenient environment than ever.ECS recommends the immediate installation of Norton Internet Security of your computer.	EZ Charger EZ Charger technology provides 3 times current than general USB port in off mode for USB devices. It’s useful and excellent, especially for the iPhone, iPad and iPod touch devices that need a large amount of current for faster recharging within less time.
Certified For Windows® 7 Windows® 7 platform introduces a number of manageability improvements that can reduce total cost of ownership by helping to increase automation, improve user productivity, and provide flexible administrative control to meet compliance requirements. It is more user-friendly and has been optimized to consume less system resources with Windows® 7 as well. Furthermore, the VT technology is enhanced to support real-time multimedia application including video playback and 3D games.	AMD Vision Ready Build your PC with VISION Technology from AMD. Combine AMD processors and ATI Radeon TM graphics to see, share and create a more vibrant digital world.
EUP 2013 ECS Motherboards have been certified by EuP 2013 of European Union. Stand by mode and off mode not to exceed 0.50W consumption to save energy and maintain sustainable environment.	Bluetooth Technology Supports Bluetooth v2.1+ EDR technology, which is easier to connect devices to improve the paring experience on Bluetooth and increasing the use and strength of security. Bluetooth v2.1+ EDR also provides faster data transfer and able to reach 3Mbps with reduced power consumption and improved security. It also offers you a better wireless life.

ASRock to showcase AMD 990FX board 990FX Extreme4, AMD A75 board A75 Extreme6 and Intel Z68 board Fatal1ty Z68 Professional at Computex Taipei 2011.

The first two boards are the highly anticipated ones based on new AMD chipsets 990FX and AMD Liano A75 based board which supports Socket FM1 100W Processors.

Last but not least is the Fatal1ty Z68 Professional, the gamers board based on the Intel Z68 series chipset.

Below are the pictures and specifications of the boards.

Fatal1ty Z68 Professional - Fatal1ty F-Strem Program - Fatal1ty Mouse Port - Fatal1ty XFast USB - ASRock On/Off Play - Lucid Virtu - Intel Smart Response - Graphical UEFI - Cyberlink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial

990FX Extreme4 - Supports AM3+, 8-Core CPU - ASRock XFast USB - ASRock On/Off Play - ASRock Turbo UCC - Graphical UEFI - Cyberlink MediaEspresso 6.5 Trial

Gigabyte E350N-USB3 AMD Brazos Mainboard Review Intro
Bluetooth 8 Mar 2011

AMD has been busy with developing the APU for some years. With Intel releasing it’s latest H67 processors with embedded graphics, AMD’s game plan is to tackle it’s competitor from bottom up, e.g. low processor speed high performance graphics at a good price point.

Known as the AMD brazos, the GA-E350N-USB3 comes with an APU and the Fusion Controller HUB (FCH). The APU integrates a CPU and a graphics processor inside one unit. The embedded graphics is a DX11 AMD Radeon HD 6310 class graphics. The mainboard supports only 2 DIMMs running single channel memory architecture of up to 8GB of DDR3-1333(OC)/1066.

As this board is meant to be a low power deskbook, it only has a TDP of only 18W, making it a direct competitor to the Atom processors from Intel.

Other specifications of this board include 1 full length PCI e 2.0 slot running at PCIe x4. On board 8 USB 2.0 and 2 USB 3.0 (NEC) ports, SATA 6Gbps x 4.3 display ports D-SUB, HDMI and DVI-D. The audio uses Realtek ALC892 w Dolby home theatre.

Below is the unboxing of the package.

Today, we received some news that the upcoming AMD Processor sporting 8 cores will launch around 8 June this year. So far we are unable to confirm the date but we suspect it should be around that period as it coincides with the 3rd largest technology show Computex in Taipei.

The accompanying chipset 990X or 990FX will also be launched just 1-2 weeks before the actual processor is made available to the retail channels.

Rumour has been on going for some time about a potential buy out of AMD. This coincides with the sudden change of management, starting with CEO Dirk Meyer, followed within weeks by COO Robert Rivet and Marty Seyer, senior VP for corporate strategy. This left the company without a leader. The search for replacements would take months before major decisions can be made.

So the rumour started in the industry that Dell was mentioned as a possible buyer. AMD shares traded up 4 percent for part of the day but closed down 3 cents during the regular session. Dell more or less shot down the rumor yesterday. During its earnings conference call, CEO Michael Dell, answering a question on acquisitions said “…we’re looking for relatively smaller sized ingredient acquisitions where we can leverage them with our substantial customer access and distribution.” With AMD currently trading at a valuation north of $6 billion with about $2.2 billion in long-term debt, it’s not the kind of target that would qualify as “smaller sized.”

To buy over AMD, the company needs to be careful with patents involving Intel. Secondly, AMD is 20 percent owned by Mubadala Development Company, the investment arm of the Arab Emirate of Abu Dhabi.

So, will there be a merger & acquisition deal for AMD ? It is too early to tell.

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Last night, HP announced it would use the Palm/WebOS in its PCs later this year. According to RBS this could help ARM penetrate the PC market as the WebOS is based on ARM CPUs.

Didier Scemama at RBS says:

“We believe this announcement is potentially significant for ARM as HP, the leading PC vendor, intends to use a different OS than MSFT’s Windows, in its PCs.

“Currently all HP’s PCs are based on x86 processors from INTC or AMD.

“While it is unclear which architecture (x86 or ARM) these webOS PCs will use, we believe.

“ARM would be a logical choice since all existing WebOS smartphones and tablets run on ARM CPUs.

“HP commented that its strategy going forward would be to link all devices (PCs, smartphones, tablets, printers, …) so that they can communicate seamlessly. They see WebOS as the way to achieve this vision.

“We also note that the HP slide that supported the WebOS-based PC announcement showed not only a notebook PC but also a desktop PC, suggesting that HP has got big ambitions for WebOS.”

RBS have a target price of 625 on ARM Holdings Plc

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