NEC Launches Third Generation PowerPlayer PCs - New Pentium With MMX Technology Machines Optimized for Gaming; Loaded with everything on the serious gamer's wish list, third-generation PowerPlayer models bring the video arcade home in a high-powered multimedia computer

Business Wire, April 15, 1997

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 15, 1997--NEC Computer Systems Division today launched its third generation of PowerPlayer(TM) ultimate gaming PCs. The first major PC manufacturer to offer gaming machines has harnessed the multimedia power of the new Intel Pentium(R) Processors with MMX(TM) technology to blow the doors off the competition in the high-end gaming PC market.

Like their predecessors, the two new models, the PowerPlayer 3020 and 3010, are loaded with the must-have features, technologies, computing power and speed that top every serious gamer's wish list.

"Our first- and second-generation PowerPlayer machines flew off dealer shelves in a heartbeat," said Murali Dharan, NEC's vice president, Desktop PCs. "Our third generation maximizes the awesome multimedia power of the new MMX hardware and software to deliver the ultimate gaming experience. We believe MMX technology will also push the performance envelope in future PowerPlayer series."

The PowerPlayer 3020 and 3010 are powered, respectively, by 200 MHz and 166 MHz Intel Pentium processors with MMX Technology, which enhances their multimedia capabilities. Both feature a 16X IDE CD-ROM drive, the fastest drive on the market today, with a maximum transfer rate of 2.4 megabytes per second. The very latest 3-D graphics technologies and a sophisticated stereo sound system are combined to deliver unmatched arcade-quality performance in a high-end multimedia computer.

The Third Generation

The PowerPlayer 3020 leads the line, followed closely by the PowerPlayer 3010. Both include 32 MB of EDO RAM (expandable to 128 MB), a 256 KB secondary cache of pipeline burst memory, and a lightning quick 4.0 GB or 3.2 GB hard drive.

Twin Graphics Accelerators

Two advanced graphics systems are used simultaneously in the PowerPlayer line. The ATI 3D Rage Graphics 2D/3D Accelerator features MPEG video playback capability and two megabytes of EDO video memory RAM. The Diamond Multimedia `Monster 3D' uses the 3Dfx Voodoo Graphics(TM) chipset, an accelerator used in many coin-operated arcade game systems. Six megabytes of total video DRAM and two megabytes of texture memory deliver true arcade quality of more than one million triangles per second.

Sound by Creative Labs, Advent

NEC worked with two of the most respected names in audio to build a sound system for the new PowerPlayer models. Creative Labs' SB32 Sound Card is combined with a 50-watt Advent Hi-fidelity Stereo System to deliver realistic sound. A powerful subwoofer pumps out low frequency sounds that you "feel" as much as you hear. A headphone jack facilitates private listening.

Leading Gaming Components

Both new PowerPlayer models feature input devices and accessories that many serious gamers purchase as upgrades. These include the Thrustmaster Top Gun(TM) Joystick and twin Microsoft Sidewinder Gamepads, a configuration that allows head-to-head competition among as many as four players. A 3-button Logitech Mouseman(TM) mouse supports many popular shooter games.

The PowerPlayer telephony system includes a super-fast 33.6 kbps modem, for fast online gaming and productivity. Also included is a "hands-free" full duplex speakerphone with multiple voice and mailboxes, and an "instant on" feature for auto answer mode.

The PowerPack Games

Both new PowerPlayer models include Microsoft(R) Windows(R) 95 and the NEC PowerPack Games Bundle. This impressive bundle includes two titles written to maximize MMX capabilities: POD by Ubisoft and Eraser. Other titles include Descent II(TM) - Destination Quarzton, You Don't Know Jack(TM), VR Soccer(TM) 3D, ToShinDen(TM), TEN (including Dark Sun, Duke Nukem and Necrodome(TM) shareware titles and many other titles) and the Microsoft Return of Arcade.

Productivity Software

A thoroughbred that doubles as a workhorse, the PowerPlayer PCs are bundled with an array of productivity titles, including Microsoft Works(TM), MS Money(TM), MS Encarta(R) 96 (MPEG), MS Publisher(TM), McAfee WebScan(TM) and VirusScan(TM). Communications software includes NEC's WebWay(TM), Microsoft Internet Explorer(TM), MS Network(R), Radish VoiceView(R) and Talkshop(TM).

MMX Technology - What It Is and What It Does

MMX Technology is a major enhancement to the Intel architecture that dramatically increases computing power for multimedia functions - boosts imaging, elevates audio and video playback and is the ultimate platform for the connection of multimedia and the Internet. What MMX Technology can do for the NEC PowerPlayer 3020 and 3010 end user:

-- Improves 3-D graphic display quality

-- Enables next generation gaming effects

-- Enhances video from TV cards, CD-ROMs and MPEG files

-- Augments stereo sound playback quality

Price

The PowerPlayer 3020 and 3010 systems will be on retailer shelves -in mid-April. The model 3020 has an estimated street price of $2,599. The model 3010 has an estimated street price of $2,299. For sales information, interested customers should call 1-888-306-INFO (888-306-4636) or www.nec-computers.com . -0-