AMD is the second largest producer of x86 processors in the world. The CPUs found in desktop computers, servers and notebooks are exclusively manufactured in Dresden, Germany, while graphics chips and motherboard chipsets are made by TSMC and Chartered in Taiwan. By acquiring graphics specialist ATI, AMD has secured a good portion of know-how for itself and is now benefiting from this with the launch of its new 780G chipset. Unlike its rivals, this component can decode HD movies encoded with H.264 from Blu-ray Disc or HD-DVD with a very low CPU load. Where CPUs are concerned, AMD is currently playing catch-up with market leader Intel, though. On the other hand, the EU commission has yet to rule on AMD’s claim that Intel used unfair business practices in the OEM and retail arena. AMD’s low share price has also spawned numerous rumours of takeovers.

Tom’s Hardware: Mr Polster, we’ve been hearing about the triple-core version of AMD’s Phenom for a while now. We can’t help but wonder when we will see actual products in stores.

Polster: The triple-core CPUs will be available in stores at the beginning of April.

Tom’s Hardware: When only raw performance is considered, Intel is currently in the lead with its desktop processors. The competition has also made great strides where energy efficiency is concerned. How do you plan to retake the lead in this area?

Polster: Well, the launch of AMD’s Phenom using the B2 stepping did not go quite as we had imagined. This will change with the B3 version, which will be used both in our quad-core and the triple-core CPUs. But let’s look at the facts for a moment. The Phenom is selling very well in the retail/end customer market, and we have absolutely no reason to complain. However, the OEMs and system vendors are causing us a bit of a headache. This segment is waiting for us to release the B3 stepping.

Tom’s Hardware: Is there any truth to the rumour that the Phenom contains a bug in its third core?

Polster: None whatsoever.

Tom’s Hardware: Our tests have shown that the Phenom is not as efficient in idle mode as it should be. Despite the improved Cool’n’Quiet 2 power saving functionality, the CPU’s idle power consumption is not exactly impressive. Here are a few idle power measurements we determined in our lab: AMD Phenom 9600 Black Edition – 20.27 Watts, Athlon 64 X2 3800+ - 8.42 Watts, and Intel Core 2 Extreme QX9650 – 3.78 Watts. How do you explain the Phenom’s comparatively bad results?

Polster: I’d say we’d have to take a closer look. Power consumption should be much lower with Cool’n’Quiet 2 enabled.

Tom’s Hardware: On the other hand, your company is currently leading the way with its newest chipsets. While Intel’s X38 chip draws 36 Watts according to our measurements, your part needs only a fraction of that. AMD claims less than 1 Watt for the 780G.