AMD has reportedly postponed the launch of its Trinity processors for desktop platforms from August to October in order to make some adjustments to the processors' designs. Downstream motherboard makers are also rushing to make adjustments to their new motherboard projects set to release in the second half, according to sources from motherboard makers.
In addition to production and design issues with the Trinity processors, AMD's previous-generation Llano processor's high inventory levels which need to be digested are reportedly one of the reasons that AMD decided to delay the launch of Trinity. However, AMD did not confirm the speculation.
Many Socket FM2-based processors including A10-5800k will be delayed.
Meanwhile, AMD originally planned to fully replace AM3-based processors with its FM1-based processors, but has recently adjusted its roadmap and changed the phase-out schedule of AM3-based processors from mid-2012 to the second quarter of 2013, while the processor series will account for 30% of AMD's total desktop processor shipments, the sources noted.
The sources also pointed out that after October, many AMD-based CPUs with different sockets will be available in the market including AM3, AM3+ (Vishera), FM1 (Llano), FM2 (Trinity) and FT1 (Brazos 2.0). Of which, FM2-based processors will account for 22% of AMD's total desktop processor shipments in the fourth quarter, while FM1-based products' proportion will drop from 30% in the third quarter to only 16%. AM3 and AM3+ processors will still be the major CPU segments for AMD in the fourth quarter.
In October, AMD also plans to launch three new AM3+ Vishera-based processors (Volan) including FX-8350 (125W/95W) and FX6300, with FX-4320 to be launched at a later time.
AMD Taiwan declined to comment on products that have not yet been launched and pointed out that its product lines are all currently processing on track.