Round Rock (TX) - Following Michael Dell's announcement on 13 September, Dell released configuration pages for its initial AMD-based systems yesterday morning. The computers can be ordered now and the company promises to begin shipping the built-to-order systems later this week. Dell heavily promotes the green party, which indicates a long-term commitment to AMD.

AMD has cracked the last and strongest bastion of Intel-only loyalty. Dell, which so far had refused to adopt anything else than Intel processors is now offering first computer systems with AMD processors.

To the consumer, it is apparent that Dell is positioning AMD below comparable Intel models. The product catalog now offers the C521 and E521 with AMD CPUs with prices from $360 and $330, respectively. The slim-line C-series is AMD only, but Dell offers an Intel-based E520 model, which starts at more than twice the price of the E521 - $720. But if you check those options in Dell's online configuration pages to build a higher-end multimedia system and you'll find out that the E520 and E521 are similarly priced - just below $2000 with bigger harddrives, more memory, a 17" LCD, dual optical drives and a soundcard. In fact, the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ is slightly more expensive than a comparable Core 2 Duo E6400 system.

While its has been speculated that Dell may be using AMD just for the short term and to negotiate itself into a better position with Intel, the product pages almost set a scenario of no return.

The AMD offering is a careful start for Dell, but it appears that the company is paving the way for more AMD desktop and possibly notebook systems in the future. And despite it only offers two AMD systems at this time, analysts expect a positive impact for the system builder. "AMD has gained a lot of respect and they have gained a momentum that can help Dell," said Tony Duboise, an industry analyst with Current Analysis. "Everyone else is already offering AMD. Dell is basically just catching up."

written by Florin C.

source: tgdaily.com