AMD will spill the beans on its Hammer 64-bit CPU architecture and how it extends the x86 instruction set into the 64-bit space on 15 October.

On the same day, Intel is expected to make public its desktop, mobile and server processor roadmaps - and reveal further details of its next-generation mobile processor, Banias.

And if that weren't enough, Transmeta will be unveiling its Crusoe roadmap and - we think - formally unveil its 1GHz+ Crusoe TM5800. The chip was expected to have been launched by now, and with shareholders breathing down the company's neck over the delay, we reckon the time is right for Transmeta to tell the world all about it.

Expect to hear how VIA's chip development wing, Centaur Technology, will take the C3 beyond 1GHz with the Voyager part too.

What links all these announcement is their venue, the Autumn Microprocessor Forum. The bi-annual event will this year take place half a day early, with an extra batch of sessions, the organisers say, "due to the overwhelming number of first time introductions".

Microprocessor Forum may be intended for the serious chip techie, but it is well known for the number of processor launches and early looks at upcoming designs. Intel has launched Itanium and the Pentium 4 at past Fora; AMD has taken the wraps of all generations of its Athlon processor; Motorola regularly gives sneak peeks at its upcoming PowerPC parts.

The Register will, of course, be there to bring you all the details. ®

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