APRIL 24--AMD (Sunnyvale, CA; www.amd.com) has introduced its Opteron processor, claimed to be the world's first 64-bit processor compatible with the industry-standard x86 architecture and the highest performing two- and four-way processor for servers. IBM Corp. plans to offer a server product for high-performance computing based on the Opteron processor. Moreover, Microsoft is committed to developing a 64-bit operating system for the processor, with a beta version available in mid-2003.
The AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations, which extends the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA) to 64-bit computing, is also the first processor in a new class of computing called AMD64. AMD64 directly follows the evolutionary path of the industry-standard x86 ISA, allowing development of a unified 64-bit computing infrastructure fully compatible with the pervasive x86 architecture. The AMD Opteron processor helps eliminate barriers to 64-bit computing by simplifying the transition between current and future generations of software.
AMD64 technology allows customers to protect their investments by continuing to use all their 32-bit software until they decide to implement new 64-bit software. Because the existing and new software can run side-by-side, computer systems based on AMD64 create the foundation of the industry's first unified 32- and 64-bit information technology infrastructure.
The AMD Opteron processor is the highest-performing 2P and 4P server processor, according to industry-standard benchmarks. In TPC-C benchmark tests, considered among the most important for servers, the Opteron processor achieved performance up to 14% greater than competing 32-bit server processors. On the important Internet-related performance benchmark SPECweb99, the AMD Opteron processor Model 844 is the first computer processor to break the 10,000 score.
AMD Opteron processor Models 240, 242, and 244 for up to two-way servers are available now. AMD Opteron processors in the 800 series for up to eight-way servers will be available later in this quarter. AMD expects that AMD Opteron processors in the 100 series for one-way servers will be available in 3Q-03. Prices for the 200 series of the AMD Opteron processor start at $283 each in lots of 1000.
