AMD details 64bit Hammer chip spec

AMD has released architecture specifications for its forthcoming 64bit chip family, and received an endorsement from former Intel ally Sun Microsystems.

The specification provides the information the software community needs to begin incorporating support for AMD's chips in their operating systems, applications, drivers and development tools before the chips, codenamed Hammer, are released at the end of 2001.

In contrast to Intel's forthcoming 64bit processor, AMD's technology is designed to be compatible with existing x86 32bit software. AMD is enhancing its x86 architecture to include a 64bit mode and has both 64bit address space and data space. The architecture also detects automatically whether 32bit or 64bit processing is needed.

An AMD spokeswoman said: "We're supporting the x86 instructional set because people don't want to throw away years of investment. For software vendors we're reducing the learning curve for development on a 64bit processor."

AMD will be pitching Hammer at the high-end workstation and server market, she added.

Fred Weber, AMD's vice president of engineering, said: "AMD's x86-64 technology will permit users to adopt 64bit applications at their own pace, as the hardware and software support for 64bit computing becomes available."

AMD received the noteworthy backing of Sun, which has been engaged in a highly public spat with Intel over each company's commitment to delivering Solaris on Intel's forthcoming 64bit processor architecture. Sun appears to be distancing itself from Intel and endorsing the approach of arch-rival AMD.

Anil Gadre, vice president and general manager for Solaris at Sun, said: "The Solaris team is very excited about AMD's x86-64 technology. We applaud AMD's ISV [independent software vendor] and upgrade strategy as well as their open technology announcement today."

However, some analysts questioned whether AMD is taking the right approach with its technology by developing on its existing chip architecture.

Chris Martin, an analyst at researcher Xephon, said: "Moving forward with the existing architecture may not be the best approach. Moving forward with an existing architecture you do get software compatibility, but you don't incorporate current thinking and new architectural developments."

Martin suggested that AMD had taken an approach of supporting the existing x86 architecture because, while it does not have Intel's resources, it has to produce a 64bit because the industry is moving in that direction and failing to do so would risk been "left out on a limb".