As expected, AMD announced a new dual-socket desktop platform during its technology analyst meeting today. Dubbed 4x4, the platform will allow users to run two dual-core Socket AM2 Athlon 64 FX processors on a single motherboard. AMD says such a dual-socket system can then be fitted with two dual-GPU graphics cards, yielding a total of four CPU cores and four GPU cores-hence the 4x4 name.

Building on AMD's already recognized leadership among PC enthusiasts, AMD also announced plans for a new enthusiast platform codenamed "4x4" that will extend AMD's long-standing commitment to those consumers who demand the highest-performing PCs. The 4x4 platform features a four-core, multi-socket processor configuration uniquely possible via AMD's Direct Connect Architecture. The 4X4 platform will be designed to be upgraded to eight total processor cores when AMD launches quad-core processors in 2007. Project 4x4 represents system-level enthusiast enhancements and is designed for ultimate multi-tasking performance across gaming, digital video, processor-intensive and heavily-threaded applications.

Ah yes,

but then what happens when you put 2 Quad cores into the same mobo? eh? Feel me now?

EDIT: "The 4X4 platform will be designed to be upgraded to eight total processor cores when AMD launches quad-core processors in 2007."

I think 8 Cores would be able to handle pretty much anything. You could even LPAR the thing for christ sakes, haha.

I'm under the impression the only thing holding the industry back now is memory. With the highest density being 2GB per stick, that kind of limits the applications you can run, even if (and maybe especially when) you have 4 or 8 cores.

It probably won't be long before the "desktop" and "server" lines start to blur.

Hmm they are supposed to be releasing quadcore next year, so this just seems like a pointless waste of time until we get the next real deal. Just like the 7900. Only reason it exists is to take up a bit of slack until Vista endows us with it's presence.

THIS! is what i'm talkin bout!

Now the only thing that's getting me down about the upgrade next winter is Vista. MS must know if they allowed DX10 on XP then noone would buy it.

What happens to all the game and hardware releases depending on DX 10 if/when Vista slips another 6-9 months. I have a feeling the hardware would just get pushed back along with it, but the games? i don't know. I guess if they have an excuse to take more time they might as well polish them more right?