Windows 7 hotfix improves AMD Bulldozer performance

Still trying to cope with the disappointment of AMD's latest CPU architecture? A new hotfix from Microsoft might dull the pain. The software giant admits that its operating systems are hindering Bulldozer's performance and has released an update for Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 users that should improve the situation. Current versions of Windows 7 and Server 2008 R2 are inefficient at handling Simultaneous Multithreading (SMT). Naturally, this update introduces the necessary optimizations.

The support page repeatedly notes that the hotfix will allow Bulldozer chips to unleash their full potential, but there's no indication on how much more performance you'll see. We wouldn't get too excited about it though. Windows 8 is more efficient at handling SMT scheduling and based on reports we've seen, Bulldozer performs about 10% quicker in the Windows 8 Developer Preview. Although we haven't run any tests yet (and there's probably no reason to), users are reporting a situational 1% to 10% boost.

Unfortunately, that's probably not enough to mend Bulldozer's tainted first impression, nor would we expect it to sway many purchasing decisions. Nonetheless, those already invested in the platform can enjoy a mild improvement. Installing the update sounds pretty straightforward. Make sure you're running the first service pack for the aforementioned Windows operating system and request the appropriate 32 or 64-bit version of the hotfix here. Feel free to share your performance results in the comments.

As a side note, we should mention that Microsoft has also unloaded a fresh round of Windows updates earlier this week. December's Patch Tuesday addresses 17 bugs via 13 security bulletins, three of which are deemed critical as they could allow remote code execution. One of the bulletins (MS11-087) resolves a publicly disclosed vulnerability in Windows's TrueType font-parsing engine. Windows Server 2003, Vista, 7, Server 2008, Server 2008 R2, Internet Explorer 6-9, and most versions of Office received fixes.

AMD's next-gen Corona desktop platform to fuse CPU with Northbridge

It has been revealed via a leaked roadmap that AMD’s next generation enthusiast-level desktop platform will combine the processor silicon with the Northbridge. According to marketing slides obtained by Zol.com.cn, the new platform is codenamed Corona and will use Komodo CPUs.

The document indicates that Komodo will have up to 10 Piledriver CPU cores, feature AMD Turbo Core 3.0, DDR3 memory and will use the FM2 infrastructure. Piledriver is the name of the new CPU architecture that will be the successor to Bulldozer, also commonly referred to as the second generation of Bulldozer.

The Hudson D4 FCH (Fusion Controller Hub) will provide up to eight SATA 6Gb/s ports, RAID 0/1/5/10 support, 10 USB 2.0 ports and four USB 3.0 ports. Although it’s not specifically stated, it’s safe to assume that the new FM2 infrastructure won’t be backwards compatible with AM3+.

Next generation AMD discrete graphics will also accompany the new platform, but at this time not much else is known about AMD’s plans aside from a 2012 release date. In the meantime AMD fans have the first Bulldozer release to look forward to, which could come as early as September 19.

AMD is resurrecting their FX moniker for use on high-end processors, a throwback to enthusiast-level products with the same branding dating back to 2003. Turkish website DonanimHaber got their hands on an engineering sample earlier this month and broke NDA by releasing benchmarks from a FX-8130P CPU. Pricing for this particular CPU is said to be around $320.

Asus AM3 motherboards get beta BIOS, Bulldozer support

Asus has been quick to announce they are the first manufacturer to offer beta BIOS updates for current AM3 motherboards, receiving instant support for AMD's upcoming Bulldozer processors.

Although AMD's processor refresh is still a few months away, we have come to learn many interesting details about the 32nm CPUs in recent weeks. It's been unofficially confirmed that the company will abandon its Sempron, Athlon and Phenom branding in favor of the FX and A-Series nomenclature, spanning offerings in all price ranges, packing Radeon graphics and sporting up to eight cores on the higher-end models.

Asus AM3 motherboards that get Bulldozer support after a BIOS update are as follows: Crosshair IV Extreme, Crosshair IV Formula, M4A89TD PRO/USB3, M4A89TD PRO, M4A89GTD PRO/USB3, M4A89GTD PRO.

Note that all products above are based on the AMD 890FX + SB850 chipset combination, hinting that similarly equipped motherboards from other manufacturers might follow suit ahead of Bulldozer's release. Interestingly though, this contradicts what AMD claimed last August when they stated that Bulldozer would require the new AM3+ socket.

Going with AMD's desktop platform in 2010 was a risky bet, although as demonstrated in our analysis, on the lower price brackets they did possess a compelling set of products. Today your bet could be paying off as Intel owners wanting to upgrade to Sandy Bridge are forced to switch motherboards once again, while AMD (either willingly or forcefully) is about to give a breath of fresh air to its existing AM3 platform.