AMD intros world's highest performing desktop PC processor, the AMD Athlon XP processor 3200+

EDP Weekly's IT Monitor, June 2, 2003

AMD (NYSE:AMD) has introduced the AMD Athlon XP processor 3200 , the world's highest performing desktop PC processor. Featuring enhancements such as a faster 400 front-side bus (FSB), AMD continues to build on the award-winning AMD Athlon XP processor architecture.

The AMD Athlon XP processor 3200 outperforms its closest competitor by an average of 6 percent on a variety of industry-standard software benchmarks. By focusing on innovations that truly benefit PC users, AMD's newest desktop processor enables the highest level of performance on content creation, office productivity and gaming applications, proving again that performance is more than megahertz.

"AMD is focused on meeting computer manufacturers' requests for technology advancements that deliver the best performance possible to business and home PC users," said Rich Heye, vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "The AMD Athlon XP processor 3200 with a 400 FSB is yet another example of AMD delivering technology innovations that create a better computing experience for all levels of PC users."

"Many PC purchasers today are realizing that what they ultimately want is quicker software application response, and that often isn't provided by simply increasing processor speed," said Toni Duboise, desktop PC industry analyst, ARS. "With improved architectural enhancements such as faster bus speeds, customers can get better performance from their software applications and that means a more enjoyable computer experience."

"Over the past three years, AMD Athlon XP processors have powered several hundred desktop systems for us that have delivered a strong combination of reliability and price-performance," said Randy Ryan, director of MIS, Del Valle Independent School District, Texas. "AMD's powerful processors combined with other industry-leading hardware and software helps our employees and students increase their computing productivity, and that's an excellent result for any organization."

The AMD Athlon XP processor 3200 is available immediately worldwide. Systems powered by the AMD Athlon XP processor 3200 are available immediately from computer manufacturers in North America and Europe.

The AMD Athlon XP processor 3200 is priced at $464 in 1,000-unit quantities.

The AMD Athlon XP processor features QuantiSpeed architecture and support for AMD's 3DNow! Professional instructions for enhanced multimedia capabilities. Depending on the core, AMD Athlon XP processors feature either 384KB or 640KB of on-chip, full-speed cache. The AMD Athlon XP processor is compatible with AMD's Socket A infrastructure, and supports the 400, 333 or 266 FSB. AMD Athlon XP processors are manufactured using AMD's 0.13 micron copper process technology in Fab 30 in Dresden, Germany.