AMD Unleashes AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 Processor
HANNOVER, Germany—(BUSINESS WIRE)—March 18, 2004—
At CeBIT, AMD (NYSE:AMD) announced that it is sending
computer enthusiasts on another thrilling, high-performance ride with
the worldwide introduction of the AMD Athlon(tm) 64 FX-53 processor.
The AMD Athlon 64 FX processor delivers what no other PC processor
can: the best performance to drive demanding 32-bit applications, and
the power of 64-bit computing for the next wave of head-spinning
software. This dual capability for an x86 processor was invented by
AMD, and underscores our leadership in the 64-bit computing market.
AMD64 processors are the only 32- and 64-bit capable processors
available today, and are the only PC processors with built-in enhanced
virus protection security technology when used in conjunction with the
upcoming Windows(R) Service Pack 2.
Specifically designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts, the AMD
Athlon 64 FX processor enables a "cinematic computing" experience that
is immersive, interactive and provides a new level of realism.
"With the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor in your PC, you're in for
the ride of your life," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general
manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "AMD understands that
extreme PC users crave performance; they demand graphic images that
are nearly indistinguishable from reality. AMD continues to push the
bounds of cinematic computing to satisfy those cravings. We know they
will enjoy the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor."
The launch of the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor comes just in
advance of the much-hyped release of the game "Far Cry(tm)." Leading
video game publisher Ubisoft will release a 32-bit version of the
much-anticipated 3D "Far Cry" action game later this month, and plans
to introduce a 64-bit beta version shortly thereafter. "Far Cry" has
been optimized to take advantage of AMD64 technology.
"AMD64 technology will enable gamers to move to the power and
excitement of 64-bit games, without sacrificing performance or their
investment in 32-bit software," said Cevat Yerli, CEO and president of
Crytek, the "Far Cry" game developer. "CryEngine, the 'nervous system'
of our games, was designed to take full advantage of the AMD64
architecture. AMD64 technology not only provides unbelievable 32-bit
performance, but will also provide a true next-generation gaming
experience when running the upcoming 64-bit version of our game."
Dennis "Thresh" Fong, world champion of "Doom," "Quake," and
"Quake 2," recently put an AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor-based system
through its paces.
"I was blown away by the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor," said
Fong. "I have never played on a system that performed as well as this
one. It has taken my gaming to a whole new level."
Like all AMD64 processors, the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor has
the added security benefit of enhanced virus protection technology.
This, in combination with Microsoft's Data Execution Prevention in the
upcoming Windows XP Service Pack 2, will prevent certain types of
viruses from replicating and spreading to other systems, providing a
more secure computing environment.
"Securing computers is of paramount concern to PC users. Buffer
overflow and similar techniques have been commonly exploited by
malicious programmers to compromise computer security. Any mechanism
to mitigate the vulnerability of computers to such techniques is a
valuable feature," said semiconductor analyst Joseph Byrne of Gartner
Inc.
Because the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor uses the same socket-940
infrastructure as the AMD Athlon 64 FX-51 processor, it provides an
easy upgrade path for owners of AMD Athlon 64 FX-51 processor-based
systems who want to stay at the apex of performance.
Pricing and Availability
The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor will initially be available in
limited quantities from select high-performance PC manufacturers
worldwide. We expect to broaden that availability within the next few
weeks to fulfill demand generated by hard-core gamers, digital content
creators and other performance-demanding customers. Systems based on
the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor are expected to be available from
the following:
-- Europe: Alternate, Arbol, Batch PC, CDC, EID, Evesham,
Formoza, Fox PC, Hattelco, Komplett, Mesh, Network Technical,
nVentiv, Olidata, Paradigit, Scan, Time Computers and Unika
-- US: ABS, AFT, Alienware, BOXX Technologies, CyberPower, Falcon
Northwest, Monarch, Polywell, Velocity Micro, Vicious PC,
Voodoo and ZT Group
-- Japan: Aro-system Co. Ltd, Bless Co. Ltd, Unitcom Inc., MCJ
Co. Ltd., PROSIDE Corp., Thirdwave Corp., and Visual
Technology Inc.
The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor is priced at $733 in 1,000-unit
quantities.
About AMD64 technology
AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to
support the demanding 64-bit environment that will enable future
generations of computer functionality and productivity. AMD designed
the AMD64 platform to allow end users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class
performance on the 32-bit software they own today while preparing for
a seamless transition to tomorrow's high-performance 64-bit
applications.
Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD
Opteron(tm) processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon
64 processors for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than
35 awards for innovation and performance, and the support of more than
1,000 hardware and software developers, OEMs and distributors.
About AMD
AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces microprocessors, Flash memory
devices and system-on-chip solutions for the computer, communications
and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to helping its
customers deliver standards-based, customer-focused solutions for
technology users, ranging from enterprises to government agencies and
individual consumers. Founded in 1969, AMD is a Standard & Poor's 500
company with global operations and manufacturing facilities in the
United States, Europe, Japan and Asia.
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.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, AMD Opteron and combinations
thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. Windows is a
registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the U.S. and/or other
jurisdictions. Far Cry and Ubisoft are trademarks of Ubi Soft
Entertainment in the US and/or other jurisdictions. CryEngine and
Crytek are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Crytek GMbH.
Other product and company names are for informational purposes only
and may be trademarks of their respective companies.
Contact:
AMD
Catherine Abbinanti, 512-602-2292 (PR)
cathy.abbinanti@amd.com
or
Mike Haase, 408-749-3124 (IR)
