 SU.HARDW.PC.CPU (2:5020/299)  SU.HARDW.PC.CPU 
 From : Mike Zhelnov                        2:5026/28.5     Sun 23 Feb 97 20:53 
 Subj : K6 FAQ                                                                  

Hi All!

=== Cut ===
AMD-K6(TM) Processor

Frequently Asked Questions

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

AMD has been receiving many inquiries about the AMD-K6(TM) processor. In an
effort to keep you informed, we are publishing the most frequently asked
questions and answers on AMD's upcoming AMD-K6 processor family.

  1. What is the AMD-K6 processor?
     The new AMD-K6 processor is designed for high performance running both
     16-bit and 32-bit software and to deliver performance competitive with
     the Pentium Pro for both the Windows 95 and Windows operating
     systems and applications. In addition, the processor contains an
     industry standard, high performance implementation of the new
     multimedia extensions (MMX) instruction set to enable a new level of
     multimedia performance.
     AMD designed the AMD-K6 processor to fit the low-cost, high-volume
     Socket 7 infrastructure. This enables PC manufacturers and resellers
     to speed time to market and deliver systems with an easy upgrade path
     to future members of the high-performance AMD-K6 family.
     The new AMD processor will be manufactured using AMD's 0.35-micron,
     five-metal layer process technology in Fab 25, AMD's state-of-the-art
     manufacturing facility in Austin, Texas.
     The AMD-K6 Processor Microarchitecture Overview delivered at the 1996
     Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, California is available now.

  2. How does the AMD-K6 processor offer Pentium Pro-class performance?
     The AMD-K6 processor's state-of-the-art six-issue, RISC86 superscalar
     core combines highly efficient RISC throughput with x86 instruction
     set compatibility to deliver superior sixth-generation performance. In
     addition, the advanced AMD-K6 processor design incorporates large
     split 64Kbyte L1 cache, multiple sophisticated decoders, specialized
     parallel execution units, a high performance floating point unit, and
     industry standard MMX. Together, this innovative microarchitecture and
     unique design techniques enable a powerful processor that delivers
     Pentium Pro-class performance.

  3. Will the AMD-K6 processor support MMX?
     Yes. To accelerate multimedia performance, the AMD-K6 processor
     features high-performance, industry standard multimedia extensions
     (MMX).

  4. What are the AMD-K6 motherboard design requirements?
     What about chipsets and BIOS support?
     The AMD-K6 processor is Socket 7 bus compatible, thus enabling PC
     manufacturers and resellers to deliver more affordable, top-to-bottom
     PC solutions. For existing Socket 7 motherboards, certain
     modifications may be necessary. AMD continues to work closely with its
     third party infrastructure partners (BIOS, chipsets and motherboards)
     to ensure their Socket 7 compatible products fully support AMD-K6
     processor. AMD will regularly publish lists of third party products
     which support the AMD-K6 processor. This information on design
     requirements and availability of motherboards, BIOS, and chipsets will
     be made available once the AMD-K6 processor has been formally
     announced.

  5. Can I upgrade my AMD-K5(TM) or Pentium motherboard to run with the
     AMD-K6 processor?
     Both the AMD-K5 and AMD-K6 processors are Socket 7 bus compatible. For
     existing Socket 7 motherboards, certain modifications may be
     necessary. AMD continues to work closely with its third party
     infrastructure partners (BIOS, chipsets and motherboards) to ensure
     their Socket 7 compatible products fully support the AMD-K5 and AMD-K6
     processors. A list of AMD tested motherboards will be made available
     once the AMD-K6 processor has been formally announced.
     If you have questions about the specific requirements for your
     motherboard or PC to support upgradeability to the AMD-K6 processor,
     please contact your systems vendor or motherboard supplier.

  6. Will the AMD-K6 processor be compatible with my favorite applications?

     Absolutely. The AMD-K6 processor carries on AMD's 15-year tradition of
     compatibility with the installed base of x86 software, as well as all
     major operating environments, including Windows 95, Windows NT,
     Windows 3.x, MS-DOS, OS/2, Novell NetWare, Unix and other leading
     operating systems, and is compatible with applications implementing
     industry-standard MMX instructions.

  7. What clock speed will the initial AMD-K6 processor be running?
     We are not disclosing clock speed at this time. However, the AMD-K6
     processor is designed to deliver performance competitive with Pentium
     Pro for both the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems and
     applications.

  8. Is the AMD-K6 processor based on the NexGen Nx686, the AMD-K5
     technology, or is it a combination of both?
     The AMD-K6 processor leverages the technologically advanced design of
     the NexGen Nx686 core and incorporates many design improvements,
     including: (1) The addition of industry standard MMX to accelerate
     multimedia application performance, and (2) An increase from a
     32-KByte to a large 64-KByte L1 cache (32KByte each for instruction
     cache and data cache) to enhance overall processor performance, (3)
     Socket 7 bus compatibility enabling PC manufacturers and resellers to
     deliver more affordable, top-to-bottom PC solutions.

  9. When will the AMD-K6 processor be announced?
     We have begun sampling the processor to key development partners.
     Production is planned to commence this quarter.

AMD and the AMD logo are registered trademarks, AMD-K6, AMD-K5 and the
combination of AMD and the AMD logo are trademarks of Advanced Micro
Devices, Inc.
Windows and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Novell and NetWare are registered trademarks of Novell, Inc.
GENERAL NOTICE: Product names used in this publication are for
identification purposes only and may be trademarks of their respective
companies.

---------------------------------------------------------------------------

[Navigational Tool Bar]

                            Last Updated 2/3/97
                     1997 Advanced Micro Devices, Inc.
=== Cut ===

>2Moderator: , ᫨ pp騫  pp. <-&

                                        ᥣ 襣. Mike.
                                             [BugsMakers TEAM]
---
 * Origin: shit happens... love happens too. (Fidonet 2:5026/28.5)


