"Unprecedented demand" for Athlon 64 X2s prompts shortage fear

CHIP FIRM AMD is having problems keeping up with demand for Athlon 64 X2 processors, the firm confirmed.

And that has led to a shortage of the microprocessors.

Several European resellers have pointed out problems sourcing these CPUs over the last 10 days. One out of a number of resellers said: "There is a major shortage of all X2 processors from AMD. There seems to be only single core processors in the channel now. Estimated deliveries for dual cores keep slipping further. If AMD makes X2 processors as they used to, where are they going? It must be the big OEMs."

A representative from AMD said: "As far as the Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors go we are experiencing an unprecedented demand. We believe that this demand is a testament to the market acceptance of the outstanding dual-core architecture and performance of the AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processor."

The phenomenon is being exacerbated by several factors. August is an important month for system integrators as they prepare products for the back to school season. AMD and Intel are currently in the thick of a price war. And Intel is desperately ramping up its nextgen Conroe Dual Core 2s after whipping up demand by seeding review sites with product. µ