Microsoft is to support AMD's forthcoming Opteron chips with 64bit versions of Windows XP and Server 2003 by mid-year. The AMD-Windows combination will exploit current PC technology and so could undercut rival 64bit platforms.

Opteron chips, set to launch next week, are based on AMD's x86-64 architecture.

They extend current 32bit PC technology to 64bit while still supporting current 32bit apps.

"Native 64bit Windows on AMD provides a high-performance 32bit application platform with an easy migration path to 64bit computing," said Dirk Meyer of AMD.

The first Opterons will be for multiprocessor workstations and servers.

A 64bit chip for desktops and laptops, the Athlon 64, will ship later in the year.

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