AMD Showcases Wide-Ranging Motherboard Support for Dual-Core AMD64 Processors.

TAIPEI, Taiwan -- Dual-Core AMD Opteron(TM) and AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 Dual-Core Processors Are Well-suited for Existing Channel Hardware and Only Require BIOS Update

Following the introduction of the world's first dual-core AMD64 processors, including the first x86-based dual-core server and workstation processor, AMD (NYSE:AMD) announces close alignment and support from the world's premier motherboard manufacturers. AMD and partners have shown a sustained commitment to AMD64 technology with dual-core support for the world's highest performing x86-based 32- and 64-bit processors.

A significant advantage to AMD's approach is that the Dual-Core AMD Opteron(TM) and AMD Athlon(TM) 64 X2 dual-core processors are designed to work cooperatively with existing AMD64 939- and 940-pin processor-based motherboards with a BIOS update, resulting in easy system implementation and deployment.

"When AMD pioneered x86 dual-core processing, we made sure the migration path was as simple as possible, causing minimal disruptions to deliver exponentially more computing power," said Emile Ianni, corporate vice president, Platforms and Infrastructure Development Group, Microprocessor Solutions Sector, AMD. "Today we're celebrating AMD's engineering foresight to make dual-core processing a reality. Our close collaboration with the industry's finest motherboard partners helps users break free to exciting new performance levels."

To promote a broad selection of dual-core AMD64 technology-based motherboards, AMD has partnered with ABIT, Albatron, AOpen, Arima, Asrock, ASUSTeK Computer Inc., Biostar Group, Chaintech, DFI, Elitegroup Computer Systems (ECS), Epox, FIC, Foxconn, GIGABYTE, IWILL, MSI, Quanta, Sapphire, Shuttle, Soltek, Supermicro Computer, Inc. and Tyan Computer Corporation.

Industry Support:

"Dual-core technology has not only impacted processor micro-architecture design going forward, it can hold incredible implications in the evolution of computing performance and impact on the world at large," stated Danny Hsu, vice president of sales and marketing, Tyan Computer Corporation. "Through the complete implementation of AMD's dual-core infrastructure into Tyan's product lines, our current and future customers can experience new levels of multi-tasking and multi-user performance previously unavailable to them -- another powerful example of how Tyan enables its customers to gain technology leadership."

"Our work with AMD is a testament to our joint innovation that delivers dual-core processing to our customers so they can achieve higher performance-per-watt in server and workstation environments," said Rover Chen, product marketing director, IWILL Corporation. "Because AMD64 processors were engineered from the ground up for multi-core technology, dual-core AMD64 processors directly connect two cores on a single die for easy implementation that can improve overall system performance and efficiency."

"Along with AMD, we are celebrating the innovation that ultimately offers our customers and users incredible freedom of choice," said LC Tsai, chief technology officer, Arima Computer Corp. "AMD's multi-core approach can provide improved performance for computers running multiple applications, and a simplified overall computing infrastructure that helps save money for our customers."

"AMD64 dual-core processors are designed to deliver the amazing performance of a multi-core processor with the same socket infrastructure as single-core AMD64 939- and 940-pin processors," said Joe Hsieh, director, ASUS Motherboard Business, ASUSTeK Computer, Inc. "For us, this represents a significant improvement that simplifies any engineering updates that would otherwise be necessary."

"GIGABYTE is very pleased to be working with AMD on this exciting dual-core technology," said Richard Ma, executive vice president, GIGABYTE. "Due to AMD's ingenious dual-core design, systems builders will have readily-available parts to build their branded products without disruption, and end-users will see dramatically improved performance."

"AMD dual-core technology is a natural extension of AMD64 technology with Direct Connect Architecture because it connects two cores on a single die," said Daniel Wang, channel business development sales vice president of MSI Computer Corp. "This inventive technology can offer superior performance for compute-intensive applications and multi-threaded environments."

"Supermicro is really excited to be collaborating with AMD on dual-core technology," said Dr. Tau Leng, director of technical marketing, Supermicro Computer, Inc. "Along with AMD, we are committed to bringing to market the highest performing motherboard solutions that support x86-based, 64-bit dual-core processors."

About AMD64

AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the demanding 64-bit environment and enables next-generation functionality and productivity today. 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 high-performance 64-bit applications. Designed from the ground up to support multi-core capability, AMD64 dual-core processors amplify the elegance and power of AMD's current single-core solutions. The AMD64 architecture is also designed to enhance the security of your computing environment by integrating Enhanced Virus Protection technology enabled by advanced anti-virus features in Windows(R) XP Service Pack 2 and Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD Opteron(TM) processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon(TM) 64 processor for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 80 awards for innovation and performance, and the support of more than 2,000 OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders, and distributors.

About AMD

AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to delivering standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers. For more information, visit www.amd.com.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, AMD Opteron, and combinations thereof, are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.