Although some analyst blamed AMD for integrating the memory controller inside the x86-64 processors, this decision definitely has a lot of advantages. For example, the Sunnyvale based company now can change everything inside their code-named Hammer microprocessors without affecting the design of core-logic. On Friday we told you that AMD planned to redesign the core of the CPUs in order to be able to clock the actual devices high enough (see this news-story). It is now rumoured that AMD has certain problems with the memory controller and need to do perform some changes with it.

Fortunately, it seems that thanks to the unique architecture the Hammer provides, the forthcoming changes in the processor’s integrated circuits will not affect the chipsets developed by the third party companies as well as PCB designs for the mainboards that are also ready.

As we know AMD’s x86-64 microprocessors utilise the HyperTransport technology as data transmission interface and also incorporate memory controller inside the core. Since the HyperTransport version is not subject to change very fast and also due to its universality, AMD has an astonishing opportunity to implement any new instructions and features inside the CPU, change the memory controller and continue to utilise the same chipsets! Of course, if they start to use DDR-II, they will have to ask mainboard makers to install the 240-pin DIMM slots for that purpose, however, if they make some minor changes, nobody will even notice them.

In fact, the industry is going to meet the next-generation AMD processors very warmly. All Taiwanese core-logic makers already showcased or announced their chipsets and most of the biggest mainboard manufacturers also prepared their products for the launch. Now the industry is waiting for the CPU to come.