AMD Demonstrates World's First x86 Dual-Core Processor
Tuesday August 31, 12:01 am ET
AMD's Newest Leadership Milestone Changes the Dynamics of the Industry
SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 31, 2004--Today, AMD (NYSE:AMD - News) announces it is demonstrating the industry's first x86 dual-core processor. During demonstrations held at the company's Austin facilities, AMD is showing an HP ProLiant DL585 server powered by four dual-core AMD Opteron(TM) processors manufactured on 90nm silicon-on-insulator process technology.
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With a simple upgrade path to more efficient computing, based on AMD's existing system infrastructure and industry-standard architecture, enterprise customers can expect more efficient processing power without the penalties of increased power consumption and heat dissipation. The dual-core AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations is expected to offer the best performance per watt in the market when AMD plans to make it available in mid-2005.
"This industry milestone changes the dynamics of the computing business," said Dirk Meyer, executive vice president, AMD Computation Products Group. "Once again, AMD is delivering a simplified approach to more efficient processing power, with products that will deliver multi-core 64-bit computing to our strong customer base."
This announcement follows a series of impressive firsts from AMD. As the first company to ship products that meet customer demands for high-performance, simultaneous x86-based 32- and 64-bit computing, AMD set in motion an industry-wide transition to pervasive 64-bit computing. Next, AMD was the first company to implement 64-bit computing and Enhanced Virus Protection (enabled by the Windows® Service Pack 2) in desktop and low-power mobile PC processors. AMD64 continues to lead the industry transition to pervasive 64-bit computing and AMD's processor roadmap continues to leverage the efficiency and benefits made possible by AMD64 technology.
"Dual-core technology provides an attractive path for increasing processor performance with little or no increase in power consumption or heat dissipation," observed Nathan Brookwood, principal analyst at Insight64. "AMD laid the groundwork for its dual-core processors years ago, when it gave its single-core AMD64 processors the on-chip plumbing they would need to support a second core at a later date. As AMD moves dual-core technology from theory to practice, it is reassuring to see that current investments in core logic and platform technology will remain relevant for years to come."
"AMD has recognized the importance of keeping a compatible system architecture while still meeting today's demanding computing needs," said Kevin Krewell, editor-in-chief, Microprocessor Report, Instat-MDR. "AMD's demonstration of a current platform operating on dual-core AMD Opteron processors based on AMD64 technology represents another industry first for AMD as the company continues to provide industry-leading innovations to the industry-standard architecture."
Industry Support
By collaborating with strong partners, AMD continues to lead technology transitions in the x86 industry, demonstrating technology that will enable the transition to dual-core products.
"Dual- and multi-core processor technologies on industry-standard servers will redefine scalability, performance and value for enterprise and SMB customers," said Paul Miller, vice president of marketing, HP Industry Standard Servers. "Having the industry's first dual-core x86 processors from AMD up and running on HP ProLiant servers demonstrates both HP's close relationship and collaboration with AMD and our ongoing commitment to rapidly deliver the best new technologies to our customers."
"As AMD's strategic partner, we are in a unique position to support AMD64 dual-core technology with our hardware and software products," said John Fowler, executive vice president of the Network Systems group at Sun Microsystems, Inc. "The Solaris OS combined with the AMD Opteron processor-based Sun servers and workstations will take full advantage of the AMD64 dual-core architecture, managing multi-threaded applications with superior efficiency and performance."
Innovation from an industry leader
Based on the existing 940-socket infrastructure, AMD expects the upcoming dual-core AMD Opteron processor to provide better performance on a majority of server/workstation workloads by combining two processing cores on a single die. The form factor, energy consumption and performance needs of today's computer designs demand new innovations. Dual-core processor technology will equip customers with more balanced performance based on industry-standard system architecture.
Dual-core processors are a natural extension of AMD64 technology with Direct Connect Architecture. In addition to being the first to help eliminate the bottlenecks inherent in x86 front-side bus architectures, AMD is now demonstrating the capabilities of being the first to directly connect two cores on the same die along with the memory controller, I/O and other processors - which will improve the overall system performance and efficiency.
Availability
AMD plans to introduce a full dual-core processor line-up for the one- to eight-socket server and workstation market in mid-2005 based on the existing 940-pin socket. Dual-core processors for the client market are expected to follow in the second half of 2005.
For more information on today's announcement, visit www.amd.com/dualcore2
About AMD64
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 high-performance 64-bit applications. 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® XP Service Pack 2 and the upcoming 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 processors for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 55 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 - News) 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 helping its customers deliver standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers. For more information, visit www.amd.com.
Cautionary Statement
This release contains forward-looking statements, which are made pursuant to the safe harbor provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally preceded by words such as "plans," "expects," "believes," "anticipates" or "intends." Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements in this release involve risks and uncertainty that could cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations. Risks include the possibility that the company will not achieve its current product and technology introduction schedules; that adoption of AMD64 products, including upcoming dual-core processors, by tier-one OEMs and other customers will not occur as expected; that solutions providers will not timely provide the infrastructure, including operating systems and applications, to support the company's AMD64 technology; and that Intel Corporation's pricing, marketing programs, product bundling, new product introductions or other activities targeting the company's processor business will adversely affect the company's sales plans. We urge investors to review in detail the risks and uncertainties in the company's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including but not limited to the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 28, 2003, and the Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 28, 2004.
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 Corporation in the U.S. and/or other countries. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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Contact:
Advanced Micro Devices, Inc, Sunnyvale
Jane Kovacs, 512-602-4929
jane.kovacs@amd.com
www.amd.com
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