AMD reassures partners over Barcelona

Chip giant says channel partners have appreciated its openness over shipment delays

AMD has praised the “commitment” shown by its channel partners as it works to overcome delays around its new Barcelona family of chips.

The chip giant launched Barcelona - its first quad-core server processor - in September to much fanfare (CRN, 17 September)

However, an error in the product’s TLB (translation lookaside buffer) has led to shipment delays and widespread ridicule from the technical press. The hitch has also impacted Phenom, the desktop equivalent of Barcelona that was launched last month.

Giuseppe Amato, technical director sales and marketing EMEA at AMD, told CRN that channel partners have welcomed the manufacturer’s response to events.

“Because of the erratum we have had to talk with channel customers one by one to see what end-users they are shipping to. For some scenarios and workloads we decided to delay shipments.

“We are not happy that we have created a delay for our channel friends. But on the other side, they have appreciated AMD’s openness. What has helped us is the commitment our customers have shown to work with us and find the best solution for the end-user.”

Amato added that the issue has not had a “substantial” impact on AMD’s revenues.