AMD ices competition with four new desktop processors: offers exclusive enhanced virus protection for more secure business and consumer desktop computing, when enabled by upcoming Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2.

AMD (NYSE:AMD) recently raised PC performance to new heights with the launch of four new processors in the award-winning AMD Athlon 64 processor family featuring the exclusive Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) capability for desktop and mobile computing when enabled by the upcoming Microsoft Windows XP Service Pack 2. The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 and AMD Athlon 64 processors 3800+, 3700+ and 3500+ provide businesses and consumers world-class performance and a more secure computing environment. The AMD Athlon 64 processors are also the only desktop processors to offer an innovative power-management capability with AMD's Cool'n'Quiet technology.

"AMD offers the highest performing PC processors today--hands down," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "Enhanced Virus Protection, an exclusive benefit of desktop and mobile AMD64 processors, will provide another layer of protection against many rampant virus attacks when enabled by the upcoming Microsoft Windows XP SP2."

The AMD Athlon FX-53 processor and AMD Athlon processors 3800+ and 3500+ are now available in AMD's new 939-pin package, a platform designed to provide customers with enhanced performance and longevity.

AMD64 processors also feature the exclusive Direct Connect Architecture. Direct Connect Architecture directly connects the memory controller and I/O to the central processor unit, improving overall system performance and efficiency. Direct Connect Architecture helps eliminate the bottlenecks inherent in older, competitive technologies that feature a front-side bus. In fact, Direct Connect Architecture provides up to 1600MHz, while the competitor's current technology runs at 800MHz.

HP is among the computer manufacturers and system builders supporting the extended AMD Athlon 64 processor line.

"HP is committed to offering consumers the latest technology enhancements in our platforms, providing them with a superior computing experience," said Sam Szteinbaum, vice president, North America Consumer Computing Organization, HP. "With the new line of AMD processors, we are able to offer our Compaq X Gaming PC customers a powerful gaming system--enabling a more realistic and exciting view of their favorite PC games."

The Compaq X Gaming PC, which will be available in the United States in July, will support the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor and AMD Athlon 64 processors 3800+ and 3500+.

Only AMD64 technology addresses the need for virus protection in x86 processors by providing the capability for a more secure environment with Enhanced Virus Protection when enabled by the upcoming Microsoft Windows XP SP2.

"There is a strong desire in the PC industry to secure its platforms against the increasing assault of viruses and attacks. As companies like Microsoft and AMD push towards the 64-bit platform, technologies that usher in a new generation of secure computing are invaluable to the industry as a whole," said analyst Rob Enderle of The Enderle Group.

Microsoft Corp. most recently discussed their vision for 64-bit computing on the desktop during Bill Gates' keynote at WinHEC on May 4, 2004. Microsoft's next operating system, expected in the next two years, will be based on 64-bit instructions and company officials continue to underscore the arrival of pervasive 64-bit computing.

"A fundamental piece of next-generation computing is driving 64-bit chips into the mainstream, where you don't have to think of high-end computing and consumer PC computing as two separate things," said Chris Jones, vice president, Core Operating Systems Division, Microsoft. "AMD has successfully delivered the reliable, high-performance AMD64 platform to Windows users who don't want to settle for 32-bit computing."

The award-winning AMD Athlon 64 desktop processors also feature Cool'n'Quiet technology, an innovative system-level feature that lowers the power consumption of the PC when maximum performance is not needed. A PC with AMD's Cool'n'Quiet technology can consume less power, and run cooler and quieter on most applications, making AMD Athlon 64 processors the ideal solution for PCs that run Microsoft Windows Media Center.

The new AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor and AMD Athlon 64 processors 3800+, 3700+ and 3500+ are available immediately worldwide. AMD is introducing the AMD Athlon FX-53 processor, and AMD Athlon processor models 3800+ and 3500+ in a new recyclable Processor-In-a-Box (PIB) packaging developed to improve ease-of-use and reduce environmental impact.

All pricing is in 1,000-unit quantities. The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor is priced at $799. The AMD Athlon 64 processor models 3800+, 3700+ and 3500+ are priced at $720, $710 and $500, respectively. For pricing details please visit: http://www.amd.com/pricing.

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 processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon 64 processors for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 45 awards for innovation and performance, and the support of more than 1,000 hardware and software developers, OEMs and distributors.