Chips In 2006: A CPU Road Map

In three years, when the entire universe of PC computing -- desktop, mobile, server -- is running on highly efficient dual-core, quad-core and eight-core CPU platforms, we'll all look back on 2006 as the year the new world of processors began.

		2006 CPU Roadmap
		•  Introduction •  Intel: 65nm Fabrication •  Intel's Big Shift •  AMD: Staying The Course •  AMD: Sockets And Chips •  What And When To Buy

Both Intel and AMD released dual-core desktop processors in 2005, but consumers are just now beginning to upgrade into the realm of increased hyper-tasking efficiency.

The transition hasn't been entirely smooth -- particularly for Intel, whose Pentium D series of dual-core processors were the target of frequent snipes from techno-critics disappointed by the limitations inherent to processors' architecture.

In contrast, AMD's X2 series of dual-core CPUs impressed critics with highly improved real-world speed increases, winning numerous head-to-head showdowns against Pentium D 800 CPUs.

AMD is playing its plans for 2006 close to the vest.

Intel hopes to reverse this trend in 2006. The chip-making giant has been unusually vocal about its aggressive plans to roll out several new CPU lines and an entirely new fabricating process that could result in increased economic and power efficiencies as well as faster processors. Connect the dots between these new CPUs, the company's high level of activity around rebranding its decade-old "Intel Inside" motto, the marketing push around the new Viiv platform (more on that later), and the pending release of a new mobile processor for Apple computers, it's clear that the company is betting big on the next 12 months.

It's also clear that despite copious speculation predicting otherwise, Intel will be focusing sharply on the desktop and the mainstream-oriented living room markets in coming years.

The perpetual David to Intel's Goliath, AMD is playing its plans for 2006 close to the vest, despite news reports that AMD-powered desktops outsold Intel-powered ones during several periods in 2005. The company has released very few details regarding its plans for the new year, but that didn't deter us from digging up some interesting information regarding a new CPU socket and several new processors in existing lines.

Read on for details about both companies' plans for the coming year.