XP mode a no-go on some AMD chips too

WE RECENTLY REPORTED that Windows XP mode, which will allow certain XP apps to run on the Vole's upcoming Windows 7, may not work on a number of Intel chips, especially those in consumer laptops. Now AMD too has confessed to having chips that won't run XP mode.
AMD says all of its CPUs with the exception of its very low-end Sempron and Turion K8 Rev E processors will include AMD-V, the firm's hardware-based virtualisation technology needed to support XP mode.

"With the exceptions of Sempron-branded processors and Turion K8 Rev E processors, all notebook processors shipped by AMD include AMD-V and therefore support Windows 7 XP mode," AMD noted, adding that in the desktop space only Sempron-branded processors and pre-Rev F Athlon branded processors would not support XP mode.

All Opteron processors, claimed AMD, would include AMD-V and thereby would support XP mode.
Whereas Intel would have consumers believe this is all quite irrelevant because installing a high end OS like Win 7 Enterprise, Professional or Ultimate on a lower end processor is unlikely, the key difference is Chipzilla's non mode-ular offerings are priced around the $600 to $899 portable range, whilst AMD's Sempron line lappies cost about $329.

So AMD's non-compatible chips really are low end, whilst Intel's non-compatible offerings are sold in more mid-range kit.

AMD also reckons Windows 7 will be able to take advantage of its RVI (Rapid Virtualisation Indexing), for better virtual management when hypervisors, guest OSs and other apps are brought into the mix.

Both Intel's VT virtualization tech and AMD's AMD-V are actually just BIOS settings which AMD says system makers tend to switch off in their machines before shipping.

Also, said AMD, to be fair, the whole issue is not just a hardware one, as chipmakers share their designs with software makers well in advance, who are supposed to make sure their programmes are compatible.

This makes the recent XP mode issue a relatively rare beast, as there are usually few, if any, compatibility problems between chips and software, said AMD.

AMD: Tough first quarter; Ready for Intel encroachment for thin, light notebooks

Advanced Micro Devices reported a first quarter net loss of $416 million, or 66 cents a share, on revenue of $1.17 billion, down 21 percent from a year ago. However, CEO Dirk Meyer said Tuesday that AMD is “more nimble” following the spin-off of its manufacturing assets, but the company projects revenue to slide in the seasonally slow second quarter.

Even though AMD’s quarter was tough it still managed to beat Wall Street’s low expectations. The company’s net loss (statement) included a charge of 4 cents a share. Excluding that charge, AMD topped estimates by 4 cents. The first quarter for AMD was about burning off inventory that was built for demand that never arrived.

The company has consolidated GlobalFoundries, the manufacturing joint venture, in its results but referred to AMD “the product company” as the chip design outfit. AMD’s chip design and product business had a net loss of $189 million.

Like its much larger rival Intel, AMD forecasted some balance in supply and demand. “The severe inventory corrections of the last quarter have stabilized,” said Meyer on a conference call with analysts. Meyer stopped short of calling the bottom like Intel has, adding that “I don’t know how anyone can do that.”

Meyer said customers are only buying the processing power they need. Notice AMD’s plan: It is pitching itself as a value chip maker and hinting that Intel gives you more processor than you need. He touted AMD’s Yukon and Congo platforms, which target light notebooks.

CFO Bob Rivet added that AMD saw some demand in the first quarter from value buyers. Nevertheless, Rivet said that second quarter revenue will decline from the first quarter for AMD. AMD hopes to be cash flow positive in the second half of the year.

However, AMD is still going to have a tough time. Meyer was asked about Intel’s launch of chips for the light, thin notebook market. Meyer said AMD wasn’t planning to cede market share, but noted the second quarter was “murky at best.” Meyer said that Intel’s CLUV move was in response to AMD’s move.

Kobian unveils PIG41M and PIG43M Intel Motherboards with HDMI Support, in India

Kobian, the Singapore based manufacturer of Mercury products, launches two new Intel-based motherboards, namely the PIG41M and PIG43M, for the Indian consumers.

Featuring HDMI support, these Intel platform motherboards require no add-in cards or decoders and ensure easy playback of high-definition audio video content on the conventional desktop PCs.

Starting with the PIG43M motherboard, it works effectively with Intel G43 Express and ICH10 chipsets. Moreover, it is compatible with FSB1333, the 4 DIMM DDR2 800 memory and Core 2 Duo processor. Users can even extend the memory to around 8GB. Other highlights of the PIG43M are a built-in GMA X4500 graphic engine that offers smooth HD playback and Vista Premium Eligible with DX10. Users will appreciate the ultimate graphics performance, thanks to the incorporation of the PCI-E Gen2.0 x16 interface that has the ability to enhance the visual and gaming experience.

Speaking about the latest Intel-enabled PIG43M motherboard, Sushmita Das - Country Manager (India), Kobian, stated, “The highlight of this Motherboard is the HDMI support. The HDMI interface supports existing high definition video formats (720p, 1080i & even 1080p), plus multi-channel digital audio on a single cable. Combination with HDCP provides a secure audio/video interface that meets security requirements of content providers and system operators. The board is power packed with the 8Channel High Definition Audio Codec & Gigabit Lan, which enhances every computing & gaming experience.”

Coming to the next Mercury motherboard, the PIG41M supports Intel G41 Express chipset, Intel 45nm processors and Core 2 Quad processors. It features two DIMM DDR2 800 memory support (up to 4GB), assuring superior scalability and total efficiency. Additional attributes of the motherboard are an integrated GMA X4500 graphics and Clear Video technology to deliver an alluring output with 6.1 channel audio codec. It is said to be a perfect motherboard for personal and commercial purposes.

Apart from that, the company guarantees two years walk-in warranty through all Kaizen Infoserve service centres. The PIG41M and PIG43M Intel motherboards are available for purchase from Kobian’s authorized distributor. The price of each motherboard is not announced though.