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
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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.
