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.
Contact:
AMD
Catherine Abbinanti, 512/415-9293 (PR)
cathy.abbinanti@amd.com
or
Toni Beckham, 408/749-3127 (IR)
