Endless Reboot Cycle for AMD/XP SP3 PCs

How about watching your PC continually reboot? That's what some aggravated Windows XP users have been doing Friday after installing the XP service pack 3 (SP3).

The problem appears to primarily affect AMD -based computers, though there are also some cases in which Intel -based machines will also run into trouble, Jesper Johansson, a former program manager for security policy at Microsoft who now runs a Windows-related blog, wrote in a recent post.

Mention of the reboot problem first popped up on the Microsoft forums on April 23, prompting some to speculate that the poster's problem was due to an outdated version of SP3, but users who installed the final version soon reported the same issue.

via pcmag

AMD Readies Puma Laptops for Launch

AMD is preparing to show its Puma Laptop Platform to the world, with the launch penned for June during the Computex trade show. Around 100 laptops based around the Puma platform are being readied in time for the launch

The Puma platform highlights includes:

* AMD Turion X2 Ultra CPU (Griffin)
* Both Intergrated Graphics & HD3400 Discrete GPU (Using Hybrid technology to switch between the two to save power)
* WIFI a/b/g/n

AMD won’t be alone in introducing a new laptop platform though; their main rival Intel is also set to release its Atom low power CPU and its Centrino 2 platform at the same event.

VIA is also set to try to take some market share releasing its Isaiah processor, which is scheduled to be available during the middle of this year.

AMD Radeon HD 3870 X2 Review

AMD's R680 is a huge graphics card with huge potential. Does the HD 3870 X2 mark a return to competition for the Green Team?

Two is always better than one, right? Nevermind the performance decrease that occurred when SLI technology was enabled in its infancy. Forget about how much data is lost in high-performance, high-heat RAID-0 arrays. Don’t even bat an eye when huge computer cases are released touting two built-in power supplies. While doubling up has been the source of a fair amount of trouble in the hardware industry, it seems to most often provide a performance increase when all is said and done. But what happens when it doesn’t? What happens when a company spends thousands if not millions in R&D reworking and refining a product that ends up flopping when it hits the market? You can rest assured that it has happened in the past, and even though the companies responsible managed to persevere and today are doing quite well for themselves, one needs only to look to AMD and their infamous Quad FX platform to realize just how big of a risk doubling up can be.

It’s not that AMD’s Quad FX platform was inherently bad, or that their competition’s multitasking was a lot better, but that the way the technology was implemented led to other problems that a vast majority of buyers must have considered a pretty big deterrent. In a world where die shrinks and increased efficiency initiatives would have you thinking that perhaps the emphasis has finally switched from ‘bigger and better’ to ‘less is more’- a delusion if you really take a look at what’s going on – it is always curious when a company decides it necessary to release something totally against the trend. And yet, we have seen these products – many of them – released in the past year alone. That’s why more than a few heads were turned when “R680” showed up on AMD roadmaps and details began to emerge in the second half of 2007.

R680, otherwise known as Radeon HD 3870 X2, is AMD’s third attempt at a dual-GPU graphics card. ATI’s Rage Fury MAXX launched way back in December of 1999 to a generally mixed field of reviews. Many reviewers applauded the exceptional DVD playback and high-resolution 32-bit gaming abilities of the card while criticizing its astronomical price tag (at launch). Perhaps unlike today, however, ATI’s MAXX was not a direct port of a pretty well-designed and respectable existing GPU. Basing a new product on halfway decent technology rather than a poorly executed amalgam of antiquated parts is probably a pretty good idea. The Radeon X1950 Pro dual was another dual-GPU graphics card, but it saw very limited exposure in the press and presumably limited success in the presence of genuinely high-end cards at the time like the GeForce 7900GTX and Radeon X1950XTX (not to mention the fact that it only fit in the very biggest cases). The Radeon HD 3870 X2 on the bench today is a very early sample of the card and the drivers even more so. That’s not to say the numbers you’re about to see aren’t accurate, it’s just we wish we could have tested it closer to launch with proper software support.

System Configuration Used:

* Test SetupCase: Vigor Force
* Power Supply: Cooler Master Real Power Pro 850
* Motherboard: Foxconn N68S7AA
* Processor: Intel Core 2 Extreme QX6700
* Hard Drive: Western Digital WD2500KS 7,200RPM
* Video: NVIDIA GeForce 8800GTS 640, GeForce 8800GTX (stock, reference design clocks), Diamond Viper Radeon HD2900XT 1GB, 2x NVIDIA GeForce 8800GT, NVIDIA GeForce 8800 GTS 512MB, AMD Radeon HD3870X2
* Sound: Creative X-Fi XtremeMusic
* Memory: 2048MB (2x1024MB) G.Skill PC2 6400
* Optical Drive: Lite-ON SHW160P6S05
* Cooling: ASUS Silent Square Pro

Software Configuration
* Operating System: Microsoft Windows Vista Home Premium 32-bit
* Video Driver: NVIDIA ForceWare Version 169.01, AMD Vista Sample 8.45 RC4

Software Used:

* 3DMark2006
* FEAR (DX9)
* Call Of Juarez (DX10)
* Team Fortress 2 (DX9)
* Company Of Heroes (DX9, DX10)
* Oblivion (DX9)
* BIOSHOCK (DX9, DX10)
* Crysis

AMD Radeon HD 3870 X2 Specifications:

* Core Clock: 825MHz
* Memory Clock:1800MHz
* Memory Type: GDDR3
* Memory interface: 256Bit (x2)
* Memory capacity: 1024MB
* Manufacture Process: 55nm
* Transistor Count: ~1333 Million
* Math Processing Rate: 994 GFLOPS
* Shaders: 640
* Standard Shader Model: 4.1 (Vista Only)
* Standard DirectX Version: 10.1 (Vista Only)
* 128-Bit HDR Lighting
* 8192x8192 HR Textures
* Interface: PCIe 2.0

Full @ FPSLabs

AMD Phenom X4 processor pricing update

Different to a report unveiled earlier this month, a new pricing scheme for Phenom X4 processors would mean that AMD is ready to undercut similar Intel "Penryn" quad core processors when they are released next Monday.

The new Phenom processors are based on the K10 micro-architecture and will be aimed directly towards Intel's Core 2 family. On launch date you can expect three models to be available, all Phenom X4s which means they will carry four cores and a 2+2MB L2/L3 Cache: the 9700 (2.4GHz), 9600 (2.3GHz), and 9500 (2.2GHz).

According to sources close to AMD distribution channels we got word that volume pricing for these processors would look like this next Monday:
Phenom X4 9700 / 2400MHz / 4MB Cache / 2000MHz HT / 125W - $279
Phenom X4 9600 / 2300MHz / 4MB Cache / 1800MHz HT / 95W - $269
Phenom X4 9500 / 2200MHz / 4MB Cache / 1800MHz HT / 95W - $239

TechSpot.com

AMD Launches 'Black Edition' Athlon 64 X2 5000+

To complement the Athlon 64 X2 6400+ Black Edition, AMD has silently launched its Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition. All technical aspects of the processor are identical to its non-Black Edition counterpart; the only new feature is an unlocked multiplier – allowing overclockers to increase the frequency of the processor without the need to adjust the HyperTransport clock. In other words, the chipmaker is hoping the processor’s overclocking performance will make it a worthy new product. According sources familiar with the new CPUs launch schedule, retail availability of the processors should come later this month, but as of right now no major supplier is selling the new processor. AMD guidance sets the MSRP of the Athlon 64 X2 5000+ Black Edition at $136 in quantities of 1,000.

DailyTech

AMD Barcelona Review

In just a short few hours AMD will officially launch its newest addition to is server processor lineup named Barcelona. Barcelona marks an important point in the AMD roadmap as it is AMD's first quad core server cpu.

This is the AMD Barcelona, or Opteron 2347 Quad Core processor which clocks in a 1.9Ghz. As some might have noticed this chip differs slightly from previous CPU's offered. The integrated heat spreader has a beveled edge. We can only speculate that this assist with heat transfer and mating of the heatsink to the CPU. The new Quad Core AMD Barcelona retains the same socket F as the current generation Opterons making the upgrade a no-brainer for IT admins looking to increase processing power and density without having to buy an entirely new board.

The new Opteron (Barcelona) not only adds two additional cores to the server lineup but it also adds a number of unique new features. Let's take a look at the guts of the Barcelona and compare them to the current Rev. F Opterons.

As you can see the new Barcelona reduces the amount of L2 cache by half of its older sibling but it adds 2MB of shared L3 cache and a 2nd FPU.

More @ TechWareLabs

AMD Introduces Gaming Site

AMD joined 1UP, Steam and a dozen of other services and sites as it introduced a new gaming website intended as a hub for PC gamers to hang out, communicate, check out the latest in PC gaming. The release states, in part, that the "cool features worth mentioning" include: Gaming:

Dedicated news, reviews, and other syndicated content such as trailers, screenshots, tips, and tricks. Gamers are able to get a "behind-the-scenes" look at AMD, while accessing exclusive game content. A system check is available on the site to ensure that every user currently has the minimum requirements to enable certain games. New drivers and utilities will be updated on an ongoing basis as well.

Community: Section will feature forums and articles on gaming, and hardware by partners, game developers, press, and gamers themselves. An editorial focused feel provides users with a comfortable gaming community, enabling ongoing discussion and opinionated conversations.

Contests & Prizes: Monthly contests provide users with the opportunity to win exclusive prizes. For the month of September, gamers that register to the site will be entered into a draw to win two extreme gaming systems powered by AMD, the iBuyPower Gamers Fire 1950 and the CyberPower Gamer Ultra 8800 PRO.

Events: Event page showcases AMD at LAN and gaming-focused tradeshows. Information will be provided on sponsorship opportunities and upcoming LAN support for gamers.

Toolbar Feature: Each registered user will receive access to the "toolbar" feature, giving them customized news based on user preferences (such as game genres), IM chat feature, video player, and many other features.

[ via: ExtremeTech ]

ATI Catalyst Display Driver 7.8 WHQL For WinXP/Vista

AMD have released version 7.8 of their ATI video card driver package.

The Catalyst™ software suite 7.8 contains the following:
- Radeon™ display driver 8.401
- Multimedia Center™ 9.16
- HydraVision™
- HydraVision™ Basic Edition
- Remote Wonder 3.04
- WDM Driver Install Bundle
- Southbridge/IXP Driver
- Catalyst™ Control Center Version 7.8

Release Notes

AMD Announces 9-watt Sempron 2100+

AMD has announced the latest addition to its embedded product lineup, the Sempron 2100+ processor. The new Sempron 2100+ has a thermal design power rating of nine watts – an ideal pick for fan-less embedded systems. The Sempron 2100+ is packaged in a Socket S1 package and is compatible with the AMD M690T chipset. It is the first embedded targeted processor from AMD to feature AMD64 technology. AAEON and Arbor offer boards compatible with the new processor.

DailyTech

DirectX 10 Support from AMD Coming

It was believed until recently that AMD will be launching R600, RV630 and RV610 based graphics cards either in early May or in the middle of the month. These forecasts were based on the information we received from AMD partners, so it was certainly less credible than the statements made by the company officials. At this time the preview of these solutions is being held in Tunisia for members of the worldwide press.

At the quarterly conference AMD representatives were speaking about their plans regarding the launch of these upcoming graphics solutions, the detailed transcripts from the briefing can be found here. Henry Richard shared some data about the upcoming R600 based graphics cards announcement. Now we are talking about the second half of May. AMD has already picked the place for their launch. In May they will reveal 10 solutions supporting DirectX 10. And when someone asked whether there will be enough graphics cards for beginning of shipments, Henry Richard answered that AMD had never been known for paper launches.

Xbit Labs.com

AMD Opteron - 3 gigahertz

Advanced Micro Devices has begun quietly selling new 3GHz versions of its dual-core Opteron server processor, the 2222 SE and 8222 SE, which feature higher performance but consume up to 120 watts compared to 95 watts for conventional 2.8GHz Opterons and 68 watts for 2.6GHz high-efficiency models. The 2222 SE, for dual-processor systems, costs $873 in quantities of 1,000, while the 8222 SE, for systems with four or eight processors, costs $2,149 for quantities of 1,000. For comparison, the 2.8GHz 2220 SE and 8220 SE cost $698 and $1,514 in that quantity. AMD spokesman Phil Hughes confirmed that the company has begun shipping the new chips but said that the company will officially launch the products Monday.

News.com

AMD Cuts Prices on High-end Processors

AMD has cut prices on its high-end dual-core desktop processors and has announced its new restructuring plans to compensate for reduced quarterly revenue. As usual, prices are in 1,000 unit quantities. The price cuts affect AMD Athlon 64 X2 for single processor desktops and Athlon 64 FX Quad FX processors. Quad FX Athlon 64 FX-74 and FX-72 processors prices drop to $799 and $599 from $999 and $799, respectively. AMD no longer lists the Athlon 64 FX70, the lowest priced pair of Quad FX processors, in its price list. All AMD Athlon 64 X2 processors are now priced under $250:

• Model ( Previous Price to New Price )
• X2 6000+ ( $464 to 241 )
• X2 5600+ ( $326 to $188 )
• X2 5200+ ( $232 to $178 )
• X2 5000+ ( $222 to $167 )
• X2 4800+ ( $217 to $136 )
• X2 4400+ ( $170 to $121 )
• X2 4000+ ( $144 to $104 )
• X2 3800+ ( $113 to $83 )
• X2 3600+ ( $102 to $73 )

source: DailyTech

AMD Tailors Latest Chipset for Mobile Computers

Advanced Micro Devices has unveiled a lineup of AMD M690 core-logic sets which derive from the company’s recently announced AMD 690-series chipsets. The world’s second largest manufacturer of x86 central processing units (CPUs) promises that notebooks based on the M690 will feature longer battery life amid improved graphics performance at an affordable price-point. “AMD CPU and GPU technologies work in tandem to deliver increased battery life for mobile workers and consumers who demand a superior graphics and multimedia experience wherever the road takes them,” said Phil Eisler, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD chipset division.

Technically, AMD M690 chipsets are similar to the desktop AMD 690 core-logic family that combines that combines AMD 690 north bridge with SB600 input/output controller. Currently AMD offers three versions of the core-logic: AMD M690, AMD M690T and AMD M690V. The AMD M690 features integrated DVI/HDMI output, the M690T features DVI/HDMI and additional memory buffer (that AMD calls Display Cache). while the M690V lacks both aforementioned capabilities as well as external PCI Express x16 port. The M690-series also feature a series of power-saving mechanisms.

Source: Xbit Labs

AMD: Bringing "Torrenza" and "Fusion" Together

This week at CeBIT 2007, AMD has revealed that its "accelerated computing" platform, codenamed Torrenza, is planned as a platform where application-specific processors can interact cost effectively and offer better performance than a general purpose CPU, while remaining compatible with off the shelf platforms. A Torrenza system will have at least two sockets, and both will accept accelerators and processors which have integrated "accelerators" embedded into them. According to AMD, Torrenza systems are not limited to CPU sockets and will accept accelerators in a PCI-Express interface too (Mercury systems announced a PCIe plug-in accelerator late last year), allowing for multiple application specific accelerators to access system memory and processor functions directly.

One accelerated-processor project is slated for 2008 under the codename Fusion. It combines a dedicated GPU or GPU accelerator onto the same package or even the same silicon die as the main CPU. Other Torrenza ready projects are also coming to light. Clearspeed announced its CSX600 math-coprocessor plug-in last year, with the stated intention of creating a socket plug-in version for Torrenza. Los Alamos National Labs is currently building the world's fastest supercomputer, Roadrunner, with Opteron and Cell processors on the Torrenza platform. Intel guidance suggests the company will announce its Torrenza competitor sometime in mid-2008.

Source: DailyTech