AMD Announces 8th-Generation Architecture For
Microprocessors
AMD redefines computer architecture with key innovations
in microprocessor design, performance
San Jose, CA October 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.
