AMD Delivers Desktop Product Powerhouse While Reducing Costs For Ecosystem Partners
—Newest AMD Athlon™ 64 FX and AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 Processors Raise Performance, Enable Virtualization —
—Alienware, Fujitsu Siemens, HP, Lenovo, among leading OEMs to deliver systems —
SUNNYVALE, CALIF. -- May 23, 2006 --As part of AMD’s ongoing commitment to deliver leading technology for desktop PCs, AMD (NYSE: AMD) today announced the immediate availability of the AMD Athlon™ 64 FX-62 dual-core processor, the world’s ultimate processor for PC enthusiasts, and the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 5000+dual-core processor compatible with AMD’s new socket AM2 platform. Socket AM2 from AMD is designed to enable next-generation platform innovations such as AMD Virtualization and high-performance, unbuffered DDR2 memory to the award-winning AMD64 architecture. Additionally, socket AM2 streamlines the work for motherboard manufacturers, while reducing costs through economies of scale, which can provide better products and increase supply chain flexibility.
“The introduction of socket AM2 is another example of AMD delivering on our customer promise, on time and with industry support from our AMD64 ecosystem,” said Bob Brewer, corporate vice president, Desktop Division, AMD. “We are again pushing new levels of performance in our dual-core processors while enabling meaningful innovations like AMD Virtualization and DDR2 memory.”
OEMs shipping systems with socket AM2 processors include Alienware, Fujitsu Siemens, HP, and Lenovo, as well as more than 40 leading system builders worldwide. Through an open standards approach, AMD offers customers the ability to build differentiated solutions that meet commercial and consumer end-user needs.
“Our Aurora family of high-performance systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 FX and AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors enable Alienware to offer our customers amazing custom AMD64 computers,” said Frank Azor, senior vice president and general manager, Worldwide Product Group, Alienware Corporation. “Our customers expect a remarkable computing experience using processors from AMD and these new processors are just what our customers are looking for.”
“Our goal is to provide our customers with the newest, industry-leading technology as it becomes available,” said Tom Anderson, vice president of marketing, global consumer PCs, Personal Systems Group, HP. “With the addition of these AMD solutions, consumers can complete demanding graphics projects, download images and watch movies without missing a beat.”
While enthusiasts are often passionate AMD customers, the transition to socket AM2 provides commercial clients with a single socket, feature rich solution to fit their needs.
“Lenovo is committed to delivering optimal performance, superior reliability, and differentiated value in our ThinkCentre desktop PCs,” said Thomas Tobul, executive director, ThinkCentre Desktops, Lenovo. “The performance enhancements enabled by the new socket AM2 from AMD combined with our innovative ThinkVantage Technologies will enhance the breadth and value of our expanded ThinkCentre line-up.”
All AMD64 processors are ready and capable today to provide users with the foundation needed to experience the power of Windows Vista™. AMD has been working closely with Microsoft to identify and develop key hardware and system requirements for Windows Vista.
“We are excited about the socket AM2 processors launching from AMD in preparation for Windows Vista,” said Mike Sievert, corporate vice president, Windows Client Marketing at Microsoft. “The AMD Athlon 64 FX and AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors offer powerful capabilities for new business and consumer scenarios using Windows XP today and will enable even more compelling business and consumer breakthroughs for users of Windows Vista.”
With socket AM2, AMD brings new capabilities like AMD Virtualization to both commercial and consumer users. Virtualization on desktop computers allows a single PC to act like multiple virtual machines. AMD Virtualization can enable client computers to seamlessly support multiple operating environments. Therefore, IT managers can now gain the ability to develop and test software across multiple operating systems on a single computer to facilitate software migrations, isolate business and personal operating environments to increase security and reliability, and to initialize and manage client computers with less interruption to end users. AMD Virtualization helps make it easier for PC enthusiasts to upgrade and maintain their PCs through emulation.
AMD Athlon 64 X2, AMD Athlon 64 and AMD Sempron™ Processor Socket AM2 lineup
For prosumers and digital enthusiasts who are looking to run sophisticated, multiple processor-intense applications simultaneously, AMD has transitioned the entire lineup of AMD Athlon 64 X2 dual-core processors over to the new socket AM2 while adding the AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ and 4000+ dual-core processors.
For current and future needs, the AMD Athlon 64 desktop single-core processors helps ensure exceptional performance on today’s software with readiness for the coming wave of 64-bit computing. With AMD64 technology, customers can embrace the new capabilities of 64-bit computing on their own terms to achieve compatibility with existing software and operating systems. The following AMD Athlon 64 processors are available in both sockets 939 and AM2: AMD Athlon 64 3500+ and 3800+ processors.
AMD Sempron processors are tailored to the growing segment of value-conscious PC users seeking a full-featured product with best-in-class performance for the changing face of everyday computing. The following AMD Sempron processors are now available in both socket 754 and AM2: AMD Sempron 3000+, AMD Sempron 3400+processors. The following AMD Sempron processors are now available only in socket AM2: AMD Sempron 3200+, AMD Sempron 3500+ and AMD Sempron 3600+ processors.
Availability and Pricing
Socket AM2 processors from AMD are available immediately worldwide.
Pricing for the new AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 and AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual-core processors is $1,031 and $696, respectively in 1KU PIB. AMD has also added an AMD Athlon 64 X2 4000+ that will be priced at $328 in 1KU PIB. For pricing details, please visit: www.amd.com/pricing.
About AMD64
The AMD64 processor platform is the gold standard for 64-bit computing. AMD64’s Direct Connect Architecture evolves industry standards to deliver break-through performance on single- and dual-core processors, reducing bottlenecks inherent in traditional front-side bus architectures. AMD64 technology is also designed to enhance the security of computing environments by integrating Enhanced Virus Protection* technology enabled by advanced anti-virus features in current versions of Linux, Microsoft® Windows® and Solaris operating systems. Today, more than 50 percent of the top 500 Forbes Global 2000 companies or their subsidiaries, representing the world’s most competitive industries, now rely on AMD64 technology-based systems to run their enterprise applications. Since their 2003 introduction, AMD64 processors have earned more than 200 industry awards and the support of more than 2,000 OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders and distributors. For more information on the AMD64 processor platform, see www.amd.com/amd64.
About AMD
Advanced Micro Devices (NYSE: AMD) is a leading global provider of innovative microprocessor solutions for computing, communications and consumer electronics markets. Founded in 1969, AMD is dedicated to delivering superior computing solutions based on customer needs that empower users worldwide. For more information visit www.amd.com.
AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, and combinations thereof are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks 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.
*Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) is only enabled by certain operating systems including the current versions of Microsoft® Windows®, Linux, Solaris and BSD Unix. After properly installing the appropriate operating system release, users must enable the protection of their applications and associated files from buffer overrun attacks. Consult your OS documentation for information on enabling EVP. Contact your application software vendor for information regarding use of the application in conjunction with EVP. AMD strongly recommends that users continue to use third party anti-virus software as part of their security strategy.
Socket AM2 Customer and Technology Partner Support Addendum
AMD is collaborating with industry leading companies to help ensure a smooth transition to socket AM2.
“The combination of new AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 and AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual-core processors with ATI’s CrossFire graphics and chipset platforms results in the most impressive PC performance available today,” said Phil Eisler, senior vice president and general manager, Integrated and Mobile Business Unit, ATI Technologies. “Using CrossFire Xpress and Radeon Xpress as the bedrock for AMD’s formidable dual-core processors, we’re delivering brilliant 3D image quality and rock-solid reliability, demonstrating that AMD and ATI continue to enjoy a strong relationship that brings the best technologies possible to PC users everywhere.”
“We are pleased to be working with AMD again to bring a powerful and high-performing processor to our motherboards using socket AM2," said Joe Hsieh, vice president, Motherboard Business Unit, ASUSTeK, "Together with ASUS’ excellent design and manufacturing ability, users can enjoy an enhanced computing experience."
"Thanks to the new AM2 memory controller design, we were able to take
DDR2 memory performance to a new level. Our market-leading memory modules are able to reach higher clock speeds with AMD's new processors than with any other memory controller," said John Beekley, vice president, Applications Engineering, Corsair Memory. "We applaud AMD on this latest release. We believe our common customers, computer hardware enthusiasts and gamers, will benefit immediately from these advances in memory performance."
“As complete support for dual-core CPUs is becoming essential, we at Croteam definitely appreciate all the power we can get for our new Serious Engine,” said Dean Sekulic, programmer, Croteam. “The AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor is the power behind our development.”
“CyberPower is excited to offer the new socket AM2 processors like the AMD Athlon™ 64 FX-62 dual-core processor, and the AMD Athlon™ 64 X2 dual-core processor 5000+ for delivering the ultimate in gaming performance for your hardcore enthusiast demands,” said Eric Cheung, CEO, CyberPower, Inc. “With our renowned loyalty to service and support, CyberPower can unleash the most powerful gaming performance for you.”
“Since the introduction of multi-core processors, the way we create technology for games has changed forever. DICE (Digital Illusions) is in the process of creating a new powerful gaming engine that take full advantage of the extra processing power that multi-core CPUs give us,” said Torbjörn Söderman, lead rendering programmer, DICE. “This power enables us to create richer and more lifelike worlds which will enhance the immersion and quality of game play to new heights. The new AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor excels in these environments and future DICE games using our new multi-core engine technology will fully harness its power.”
"Elitegroup is glad to announce the KN3 SLI2, KA3 MVP and RS485M-M will support the socket AM2 processors and DDR2 memory. The KN3 SLI2 and KA3 MVP motherboards are dedicated gaming platforms for the enthusiast, while the RS485M-M is a highly integrated motherboard for entertainment,” said Adam Chou, marketing director, Product Marketing Division, Elitegroup. “Elitegroup provides a full product line of socket AM2 solutions for different market segments."
“The AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor is an amazingly powerful processor,” said Tim Sweeney, CEO, Epic Games Inc. “It provides excellent performance for next-generation games built on Epic's Unreal Engine 3. We're thrilled to see AMD moving so quickly to bring high-performance dual-core computing to gamers.”
“Gamers who own an AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor and a solid graphics card will be rendering Civilization 4 in all its glory,” said Tim McCracken, qa manager, Firaxis Games. “On a huge map with 18 Civilizations, the AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor processed my gaming strategy turns instantaneously.”
“Fujitsu Siemens Computers’ modular and environmentally-conscious designed ESPRIMO Professional PC line offers users the highest quality standards and cutting-edge technology,” said Andreas Thimmel, vice president, Business Clients, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "The transition to socket AM2 enables performance enhancements and next-generation platform innovations such as AMD Virtualization and high-performance, unbuffered DDR2 memory.”
“GIGABYTE is honored to work with AMD to bring an impressive socket AM2 solution to the PC market," said David Chiang, general manager, GIGABYTE Channel Business Unit. “GIGABYTE GA-M59SLI-S5, a socket AM2 motherboard, brings consumers some of the best motherboard engineering development ever undertaken by GIGABYTE such as Silent, Speed, Smart, Safe and SLI. Socket AM2 processors in conjunction with GIGABYTE motherboards, enable excellent performance from the socket AM2 platform.”
“The AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor is optimal for our HydraCore™ technology which allows our customers to harness the power of a multi-core or multi-threaded system,” said Tom Keating, director of engineering, Havok. “Not only does HydraCore run smoothly and without any problems, but it runs a staggering 82% faster when utilizing both cores. Combine that with games running on AMD’s Athlon 64 FX dual-core processors and the results will be phenomenal.”
“Kingston is strongly committed to supporting the latest AMD roadmap and new technology efforts,” said Mark Tekunoff, senior technical manager, Kingston. “Kingston’s involvement with AMD in technology development and our close collaboration with AMD ensures our mutual customers will have ample availability of DDR2 modules worldwide. Kingston is ready to support AMD's new socket AM2 transition with our full line of DDR2 memory modules.”
“MSI is pleased to announce the K9N SLI Platinum and K9N Ultra motherboards now support the socket AM2 platform,” said Charles Chiang, vice president, Research & Development Division, MSI. “K9N SLI Platinum is a powerful solution for the socket AM2 platform, K9N Ultra is the mainstream powerful product for power users with products that has been tested to meet AMD’s strict standard of compatibility. The K9N series products are among the highest quality MSI flagship motherboards.”
“The AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor-based machines give us a 25% reduction in build times for development, while at the same time still providing excellent frame rates when we crank the display and graphics settings all the way up in Flight Sim,” said Carl Edlund, dev manager, Microsoft Flight Sim Team. “The application load times are one tenth our other machines, which makes this a very sought after piece of hardware in our halls.”
“AMD’s latest socket AM2 processors pave the way for improved bandwidth with DDR2 memory, and offer new ways to optimize performance over older DDR memory technology,” said Terren Tong, product manager, NCIX.com. “In conjunction with AMD’s proven X2 dual core technology, we’re excited by the performance boost that socket AM2, AMD Athlon 64 FX-62 and AMD Athlon 64 X2 5000+ dual-core processors will bring to the consumer.”
“Multi-core is clearly the future of performance computing and AMD is at the forefront of this technology,” said Tom Gambill, senior software engineer, NC Soft. “The AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor is the clear leader in 3D gaming and a dual-core version is just what we have been waiting for.”
"AMD has been a valuable partner to the overall success of our entire NVIDIA nForce product portfolio, which, as of today, are deeply entrenched in the enthusiast, mobile, professional, and UMA markets," said Drew Henry, general manager of MCP business at NVIDIA. "NVIDIA and AMD share a common passion in developing innovative technologies and today's introduction of the new socket AM2 platform continues that tradition in fine form."
“Remedy welcomes AMD Athlon 64 FX as its dual-core capabilities are the true next generation of PC gaming,” said Markus Mäki, development director, Remedy Entertainment. “Alan Wake will run with improved visual and physical fidelity on dual-core processors, and the extra processing power will be integral for future gaming.”
“SiS fully endorses AMD’s pioneering vision of next-generation platform innovations and will keep providing support to its industry standardization to have better solutions created for our customers,” said Daniel Chen, CEO, SiS. “SiS has been co-developing technologies with AMD for many years, and realizes immediate benefits from AMD dual-core processors. With native dual-core AMD64 processors, users are able to run multimedia and security applications with enhanced performance, and also enjoy new levels of multi-tasking capabilities.”
"Vivendi Games is pleased to reinforce our continued commitment to PC gaming excellence based on AMD64 technology. With the launch of the next generation AMD Athlon 64 FX dual-core processor, we're seeing the PC gaming experience really come of age,” said Peter Della Penna, EVP/COO Worldwide Studios, Vivendi Games. “Combining the advantages of dual-core technology, the AMD64 instruction set, and an incredibly fast HyperTransport™ link, PC games are set to reach new levels of realism and performance. We've been thrilled to discover our own benchmarks reveal outstanding performance across a broad range of our titles. Our support for the AMD Athlon 64 platform continues in 2006 and beyond."
“VIA is proud to support AMD’s continued processor leadership in the transition to socket AM2,” commented Chewei Lin, vice president, Product Marketing, VIA Technologies Inc. “Through the support of technologies such as AMD Virtualization and high-performance DDR2 memory, the new socket AM2 platform together with VIA’s leadership in top-to-bottom chipset solutions will offer customers optimal performance without compromise.”
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