AMD Announces 8th-Generation Architecture For Microprocessors; AMD Redefines Computer Architecture With Key Innovations in Microprocessor Design, Performance.

Business Editors & High-Tech Writers

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 15, 2001

At Microprocessor Forum today, AMD (NYSE:AMD) disclosed details of the company's next-generation PC microprocessor architecture codenamed "Hammer."

AMD developed "Hammer" architecture as a foundation for its future portfolio of processors.

"The 'Hammer' architecture is designed to enable AMD to expand our presence from the dual processing market to the 4- and 8-way enterprise market, and provide top-to-bottom solutions for the performance desktop and notebook markets," said Fred Weber, vice president and chief technical officer of AMD's Computation Products Group. "AMD's approach to 64-bit computing puts the IT customer first. It enables IT managers to take advantage of existing support, allowing them to upgrade to 64-bit software at the appropriate time and preserve their investment in 32-bit applications."

"The 'Hammer' architecture innovations include a high bandwidth, high-performance integrated memory, input/output and multiprocessing controller, and a highly scalable system bus that uses HyperTransport(tm) technology with support for single- and multi-processor configurations," Weber said. "Together, these innovations are designed to reduce bottlenecks in the data pathways and speed up the transfer of information, providing more performance and therefore, more productivity."

Another key benefit for IT managers is the "Hammer" architecture's ability to run both 32-bit and 64-bit software seamlessly, lowering total cost of ownership.

With "Hammer," AMD has developed an architecture that is centered on delivering unparalleled system performance for desktop and mobile computers as well as workstations and servers. Recognizing that business and home users need an accurate measure of performance, AMD recently announced its True Performance Initiative as a way to help the computer industry develop a reliable processor performance metric that PC users can trust. Processor performance is measured by instructions (work) per clock cycle times megahertz, not megahertz alone. Products developed with "Hammer" architecture are planned to support this initiative.

AMD has consistently focused on removing bottlenecks for both the system and microprocessor to deliver superior application performance. Past innovations such as QuantiSpeed(tm) architecture, Smart MP technology, advanced system buses, and full-speed on-chip cache have all been developed or improved upon by AMD. The next-generation "Hammer" architecture continues this tradition with an 8th-generation microprocessor core and the integration of key system elements.

About "Hammer" Architecture

Industry leaders understand the need to anticipate and plan for future computing needs while meeting today's challenges. Unlike other 64-bit microprocessor architectures, "Hammer" architecture is specifically designed to allow migration from 32-bit to 64-bit code while providing performance for both. This is designed to allow IT managers to move to 64-bit applications as the need arises while continuing to run 32-bit code quickly and efficiently. As businesses begin to adopt 64-bit applications to meet the need for memory-intensive programs, the requirement for fast, seamless execution of both types of code becomes paramount.

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 enterprises to deploy high performance 64-bit capable systems that build upon the billions of dollars already invested in 32-bit software.

About HyperTransport(tm) Technology

HyperTransport technology is a high-speed, high-performance, point-to-point link for integrated circuits. HyperTransport technology provides a universal connection that is designed to reduce the number of buses within the system, provide a high-performance link for embedded applications, and enable highly scalable multiprocessing systems. It was developed to enable the chips inside of PCs, networking and communications devices to communicate with each other up to 48 times faster than with existing 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.

AMD on the Web

For more information about today's announcement, please visit our virtual pressroom at http://www.amd.com/news/spotlight. Additional press releases are available at www.amd.com/news/news.html.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, and combinations thereof, and QuantiSpeed are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices Inc. HyperTransport is a trademark of the HyperTransport Technology Consortium.