Performance Desktop PCs and Workstations Launch with Rambus Technology

Business Wire, Nov 20, 2000

Business Editors/High-Tech Writers

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 20, 2000

Rambus(R) Inc., (Nasdaq:RMBS), the leading provider of high bandwidth chip connection technology, and its partners today celebrate the launch of systems based on the Intel(R) Pentium(R) 4 processor and RDRAM(R) memory. Rambus' infrastructure partners include suppliers of RDRAM devices, RIMM modules, clock chips, chip packaging and test equipment.

Leading PC OEMs are introducing platforms based on Intel's Pentium(R) 4 processor and RDRAM memory to deliver higher system performance over comparably configured Pentium III based systems. In the Pentium 4 based platforms, the 3.2 gigabyte per second RDRAM subsystem is optimized to meet the bandwidth requirements of the processor's internal system bus for balanced system performance. Users running applications such as media-intensive content creation, streaming video, MP3 audio, as well as data mining and visualization benefit from the increased system performance, particularly in a multitasking environment. The high speed RDRAM memory also allows platforms to scale in performance as the Pentium(R) 4 processor moves to even higher frequencies.

RDRAM memory is available from leading DRAM and module suppliers. These Rambus partners are prepared to meet the memory needs of the Pentium(R) 4 platforms, in addition to the current RDRAM-based desktop PCs, workstations and consumer products. The Rambus RIMM modules for the Pentium 4 systems are available in capacities ranging from 64MB to 512MB, and are fully validated and compatible across platforms.

"Samsung Electronics is committed to supporting the launch of Intel's Pentium(R)4 with RDRAM. Samsung has been manufacturing RDRAM since 1996 and will continue to be the leading provider of RDRAM in multiple densities to meet the demand from leading OEMs for the existing workstation and desktop platforms as well as the Pentium(R)4 launch," said Jon Kang, VP of Samsung Electronics.

"Our infrastructure partners continue to play a significant role in the successful launch of new RDRAM based systems for the computer, consumer and communications markets," said Steve Chen, VP of Rambus Inc. "They are supporting the OEMs' volume production needs while continuing to reduce the manufacturing and testing costs of the RDRAM memory subsystem."

About Rambus Inc.

Rambus Inc. [Nasdaq:RMBS] is an intellectual property company that designs, develops and licenses high-bandwidth chip-connection technologies which enable semiconductor memory devices to keep pace with faster generations of processors and controllers. To date, these efforts have resulted in more than 100 U.S. and foreign patents issued to Rambus. Rambus has licensed its technology to approximately 30 semiconductor companies for the development, manufacture and sale of RDRAM-compatible ICs. Providers of RDRAM-compatible integrated circuits include the world's leading DRAM, ASIC, controller and microprocessor manufacturers.

Note to Editors: Rambus and RDRAM are registered trademark of Rambus Inc. RIMM is a trademark of Rambus Inc. Other trademarks that may be mentioned in this release are the intellectual property of their respective owners.