By Sylvie Barak
12 June 2008 03:22PM
Tags: amd

AMD is apparently intending to scrap its plan to release Kuma, its new dual-core Phenom microprocessor which is based on the firm’s brand new K10 micro-architecture on 45nm technology.

According to news sources, the company told its Taiwanese motherboard maker partners that it would be canceling its Kuma microprocessor, as well as its Phenom FX - 9x and Phenom FX - 8x, dubbed Agena FX.

Whispers on the blogosphere suggest the move could be the firm's way of keeping development costs lower faced with increasing uncertainty about whether or not the chips would be able to turn a profit for the company.

Other rumours postulate AMD was having trouble increasing the clock speeds of the new dual core K10 offerings, which led the firm to cancel the release, which was due for the end of this year.

It was widely believed that Kuma would have bettered AMD’s flailing competitive chances against major competitors like Intel, but it now seems the company will have to fall back on its antiquated K8 micro-architecture powered AMD Athlon 64 X2 chips, released way back in 2005.

This leaves AMD in a bit of tight spot, as the company will now have to attempt to do well enough by flogging its not-quite-as-good-as-Intel’s high end models instead.

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