AMD Demonstrates Next-Generation Processor
First Public `Hammer' Processor Demo Debuts With 64-Bit and 32-Bit
Technology
SAN FRANCISCO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 26, 2002--AMD (NYSE:AMD - news) today
demonstrated our vision of the future of computing with our next-generation processor, codenamed
``Hammer.''
``Great architectures are built on strong foundations, and 'Hammer' is rock solid. Based on AMD's
x86-64 technology, the 'Hammer' processor will be the industry's first and only 64-bit processor for
x86 computing, and is designed to offer unparalleled performance on both 32-bit and 64-bit
software,'' said Ed Ellett, vice president of Marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group.
``Beyond performance, 'Hammer' will give users a smooth migration path to the 64-bit software of
tomorrow, all the while preserving the billions of dollars of today's 32-bit software applications.''
``Hammer'' processors are expected to be AMD's first x86 processors to have a fully integrated
DDR memory controller and ``Hammer'' processor-based solutions are expected to be the first to
incorporate a full HyperTransport(tm) technology-based chipset. Both technology advancements
help remove bottlenecks and speed the flow of information through the PC. The ``Hammer''
processor family will also be extremely versatile, with processor versions planned to power systems
from thin-and-light notebooks to 8-way enterprise servers.
AMD's demonstration featured ``Hammer'' running both a 64-bit Linux and 32-bit Microsoft®
Windows® operating system. The AMD ``Hammer'' processors were manufactured on 0.13
micron, Silicon on Insulator (SOI) technology, which together enable higher performance and lower
power consumption.
``'Hammer' remains true to AMD's traditions. We're innovating within industry standards, innovating
with compatibility, and innovating with users in mind,'' said Fred Weber, chief technical officer of
the Computation Products Group of AMD. ``Because it is based on the long-established x86
instruction set architecture, software developers, engineers and IT personnel don't have to start over
from scratch.''
AMD expects to begin shipping the first version of the ``Hammer'' family of processors at the end
of 2002.
About ``Hammer'' Architecture
Industry leaders understand the need to anticipate and plan for future computing needs while meeting today's challenges. The
``Hammer'' processor architecture is designed to provide unparalleled performance with 32-bit applications while allowing a
seamless migration path to 64-bit applications. This future family of microprocessors will also feature a high-performance integrated
memory controller and a high-speed scalable system bus using HyperTransport(tm) technology.
About AMD's x86-64 Technology
AMD's straightforward approach to 64-bit computing builds upon the x86 instruction set, one of the industry's most proven and
widely supported technologies. AMD's x86-64 technology is designed to support applications that address large amounts of
physical and virtual memory, such as high performance servers, database management systems and CAD tools. The x86-64
technology seamlessly integrates into the current computing and support environment, and is designed to enable enterprise to deploy
high performance 64-bit capable systems.
About HyperTransport(tm) Technology
HyperTransport technology is a high-speed, high-performance, point-to-point link for integrated circuits, and is designed to meet the
bandwidth needs of tomorrow's computing and communications platforms. It helps reduce the number of buses while providing a
high-performance link for PCs, workstations, and servers, as well as numerous embedded applications and highly scalable
multiprocessing systems. HyperTransport technology is designed to allow chips inside of PCs, networking and communications
devices to communicate with each other up to 48 times faster than with some existing bus technologies.
About AMD
AMD is a global supplier of integrated circuits for the personal and networked computer and communications markets with
manufacturing facilities in the United States, Europe, Japan and Asia. AMD, a Fortune 500 and Standard & Poor's 500 company,
produces microprocessors, flash memory devices, and support circuitry for communications and networking applications. Founded
in 1969 and based in Sunnyvale, Calif., AMD had revenues of $3.9 billion in 2001. (NYSE:AMD - news).
AMD on the Web
For more AMD news and product information, please visit our virtual pressroom at www.amd.com/news/virtualpress/index.html.
Additional press releases are available at www.amd.com/news/news.html.
Cautionary Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private
Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by words such as ``plans,'' ``expects,''
``believes,'' ``anticipates'' or ``intends.'' Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and
uncertainty that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations, including the risks that the ``Hammer''
processor will not be introduced on schedule, will not perform pursuant to its design specifications, and will not achieve customer
and/or market acceptance. We urge investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in the Company's filings with the United
States Securities Exchange Commission.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices Inc.
HyperTransport is a trademark of the HyperTransport Technology Consortium.
Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or other jurisdictions.
Other product names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
biz.yahoo.com |
