''Our checks suggest Intel's Nehalem server parts will initially launch in single-socket only, which we believe will be viewed by customers and investors as a delayed ramp of the company's second generation 45-nm server architecture due out in late 2H '08,'' said analyst Doug Freedman of American Technology Research Inc.

''Our long stated position has been that Nehalem will be in production in Q4 '08,'' according to a spokesman for Intel, in response to the report. ''We are on track for that. There has been no change.''

Intel has already rolled out its first 45-nm processors. Codenamed Penryn, the devices make use of high-k and metal gate technologies. Intel's next-generation microarchitecture, codenamed Nehalem, is also a 45-nm technology, based on high-k and metal gates.

''We believe this may be viewed as the second launch delay in recent weeks and is likely to call into question Intel's solid record of on-time execution,'' Freedman said in a report. ''We consider recent news regarding the Montevina notebook platform as Intel's first 'delayed' product launch.''

Montevina, according to the analyst, will consist of a two-phase roll-out. ''Core2 Duo Montevina platform launched on July 14 without integrated graphics,'' he said. ''Montevina with integrated graphics and Centrino2 branded chipsets certified for WiFi 802.11n launched the first week of August.''

The delays in turn could boost Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD). ''We believe the Nehalem launch plan opens the door for AMD's Shanghai server chip (45-nm shrink of Barcelona) in 2H '08/1H '09 should AMD be able to execute to its present schedule,'' he said.