Diamond Multimedia Introduces Enhanced Drivers and New Configurations for Popular Stealth 3D 2000 Accelerator Line; New 4MB Version Supports True Color at 1024x768.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 22, 1996--Diamond Multimedia Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: DIMD), a leader in the desktop multimedia market, today announced driver enhancements and two new models for its Stealth 3D 2000 series of high-performance 2D, 3D and video playback accelerators.

The new drivers, available from Diamond Multimedia's electronic services and through customer service, provide faster 2D performance in the Windows 95 and Windows NT 3.51 operating systems, support Microsoft's new Direct3D application programming interface (API), and include a version of Diamond's InControl Tools 95 desktop productivity utility. Recently, the company also announced support for the Stealth 3D 2000 on the Windows NT 4.0 CD-ROM.

"Current customers of the Stealth 3D 2000 can experience up to 20 percent faster Windows performance with Diamond Multimedia's new drivers. Additionally, they can play new Direct3D games and take full advantage of their PC desktop with InControl Tools 95," said David Watkins, vice president and general manager of Diamond Multimedia's Visual Systems Division. "We are also delivering accelerated Windows NT drivers that are extremely fast!"

To download the latest Stealth 3D 2000 drivers, check the Diamond Multimedia web site at http://www.diamondmm.com. For those who cannot download the information electronically, contact customer service at 408/325-7100 and a disk will be shipped for a nominal shipping and handling charge.

Two New Models

Also announced today, are two new models of the Stealth 3D 2000. A 2MB single cycle Silicon Magic RAM version that is upgradeable to 4MB of total memory, and a 4MB fixed version for enhanced display and 3D memory.

When fully populated with 4MB of single-cycle Silicon Magic memory, the Stealth 3D 2000 will provide true color (24-bit) at resolutions of 1024x768 and high color (16-bit) at 1280x1024. The added memory also enhances resolutions of 3D games by adding memory for Z-buffering and texture mapping.

Available through retail, distribution and select OEMs nationwide, the Stealth 3D 2000, with 2MB of memory upgradeable to 4MB, carries an estimated retail price (ERP) of $169, and the 4MB fixed version is $199. To upgrade a 2MB model to 4MB, the price is $49.

"We are pleased to be offering our customers such a value," added Watkins. "Whether choosing the upgradeable model or the 4MB fixed version, the Stealth 3D 2000 is the best all-around multimedia accelerator for business, multimedia and entertainment applications."

Diamond Multimedia

Diamond Multimedia is driving the desktop multimedia market by providing interactivity and connectivity solutions for home, business and professional PC and Macintosh users. Products include the Stealth and Monster 3D series of multimedia accelerators, the Fire GL series of professional 3D and CAD accelerators, and the Supra series of faxmodems and NetCommander ISDN adapters. Diamond also markets sound cards and multimedia and Internet upgrade kits.

Headquartered in San Jose, Diamond has sales, marketing and technical facilities in Vancouver (Wash.), Singapore, Tokyo, Starnberg (Germany), Clichy (France) and Winnersh (U.K.). Diamond's products are sold through regional, national and international distributors as well as to major computer retailers, mass merchants and OEMs worldwide. Diamond's common stock is traded on the Nasdaq Stock Market under the symbol DIMD.

How to Contact Diamond Multimedia

There are many ways to reach Diamond for sales support, technical assistance, driver updates and general information: -0- Diamond Multimedia's Headquarters and Visual Systems Division: 408/325-7000; Fax: [phone] Diamond Communications Division (Supra brand modems) Main Phone Number: 360/604-1400; Fax: [phone] Diamond European Division (Germany): [phone]; (UK): [phone]; (France) [phone] Diamond Japanese Office (Tokyo): [phone]; Fax: [phone] Diamond Asia-Pacific Sales and Support (Singapore): [phone]; Fax: [phone] Support Information Line for Communications: 1-800-774-4965 Product Support (Voice), Visual Systems: 408/325-7100; Communications: 541/967-2490; Europe (Germany) [phone]; Europe (UK) [phone] Product Support (Fax), Visual Systems: 408/325-7171; Communications: 541/967-2401; Europe (Germany) [phone]; Europe (UK): [phone]; (France) [phone] Pre-sales Information, Visual Systems: 1-800-468-5846; Communications: 1-800-727-8772 Investor Relations: 408/325-7476; Fax-On-Demand: 1-800-346-3329 24-Hour Fax-On-Demand Service, Visual Systems: 1-800-380-0030; Communications: 541/967-0072 America Online (Keyword: DIAMOND; Email: SUPRACORP2) CompuServe: Visual Systems: (GO DIAMOND); Communications: (GO SUPRA); Europe: (GO SPEA) The Microsoft Network: Find DIAMOND FTP sites: ftp.diamondmm.com; or Supra: ftp.supra.com Internet Web Sites: http://www.diamondmm.com; or Communications: http://www.supra.com; or Europe (Germany): http://www.spea.com BBS for Visual Systems 408/325-7080 (to 14.4 Kbps) or 408/325-7175 (to 28.8 Kbps) or 408/383-0551 (ISDN); Communications BBS: 541/967-2444; Europe (Germany) BBS at [phone] (to 14.4 Kbps) or [phone] (to 28.8 Kbps) or [phone] (ISDN); Europe (UK) at [phone]-

Note to Editors: Monster 3D, NetCommander and Supra are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Diamond Multimedia Systems, Inc. All other trademarks referenced are the service mark, trademark or registered trademark of their respective manufacturers.

CONTACT: Diamond Multimedia, San Jose

Kimberley Stowe, 408/325-7204

[e-mail]