AMD is expected to release on Monday the Spider platform, which was reported to combine the company’s popular quad-core microprocessors, graphics cards and chipsets in one tough platform that would deliver better graphics, improved HD video and performance-per-watt. Spider would target multimedia enthusiasts and gamers, whom AMD wants to provide with the “ultimate visual experience.”

The new platform will include AMD’s new quad-core Phenom microprocessors (the desktop versions of Barcelona), HD3800 series graphics, which AMD launched just a few days ago, and the new 790 chip set. Spider will thus become the perfect Christmas gift for the gaming and entertainment enthusiasts.

Spider’s quad-core Phenom processor, which is also expected to be released on Monday, will provide the new platform with the necessary processing power and will feature initially speeds of 2.2 and 2.3 GHz. Starting with the first quarter of 2008, the processors’ speeds will reach 2.4 and 2.6 GHz, according to AMD’s director of product marketing for desktop systems, Leslie Sobon.

The new platform will also ship with the ATI Radeon HD 3850 and ATI Radeon 3870 graphics cards, which will support Microsoft’s DirectX 10.1 specification that enhances PCs’ overall image quality. Thanks to DirectX 10.1, users will be able to enjoy better game and HD DVD and Blu-ray images.

Another key element of the platform is represented by the CrossFireX technology, which allows Spider to support up to four graphics cards on a single system and up to eight displays. HDMI connectivity with integrated HDCP and audio for HDMI video will as well be supported by the new platform.

According to Leslie Sobon, users will be able to buy computers with the Spider platform starting with Monday.