AMD Unleashes the New Leader In PC Performance: The AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 Processor

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Latest additions to the AMD Athlon(TM) 64 processor family represent the next leap forward in desktop computing


SUNNYVALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Oct. 19, 2004-- AMD (NYSE:AMD - News) today upholds the PC performance crown with the introduction of the AMD Athlon(TM) 64 FX-55 processor, the world's ultimate PC processor for enthusiasts and hard-core gamers. The AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+, also announced today, provides businesses and consumers with world-class performance and enables a more secure computing environment. These new additions to the award-winning AMD Athlon 64 processor family represent the next leap forward in desktop computing, providing exceptional performance on 32-bit applications today, with the ability to migrate to 64-bit applications.
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"Since the introduction of the AMD Athlon FX processor over a year ago, we have consistently delivered on our promise to provide the absolute best overall PC processor you can get. Now in our third release, the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor is simply the best and remains unmatched in the industry," said Marty Seyer, corporate vice president and general manager, Microprocessor Business Unit, Computation Products Group, AMD. "With the AMD Athlon FX-55 processor, performance-hungry gamers and enthusiasts will be able to experience intense graphics, virtual worlds, high-resolution video and sophisticated artificial intelligence, providing a computing experience that looks and feels like an extension of reality."

As the only Windows®-compatible 64-bit PC processors, AMD Athlon 64 processors are enabling new, cinematic computing experiences. Thomson, world leader in integrated solutions (technologies, equipment and services) for the media and entertainment industries and co-inventor of mp3, plans to release an AMD64-optimized version of their audio industry standard Fraunhofer mp3 encoder.

"As consumers continue to embrace the advantages and convenience of managing their digital music libraries with the mp3 format, Thomson continues to deliver the most advanced features for their audio needs," said Henri Linde, Vice President, New Business of the Patent and Licensing unit for Thomson. "AMD and the Fraunhofer Institute did a great job optimizing the original mp3 code to take advantage of the AMD Athlon 64 processor power. We are pleased to make this code available to our licensees, for the benefit of the end users and the digital video software community as another vital tool that is readily available for their migration to 64-bit computing."

To meet the growing demand from gamers and enthusiasts to raise the bar on high-performance desktop systems, Alienware is among the leading manufacturers planning to offer AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 processor-based systems.

"With a focus on quality, innovation and best-in-class service, Alienware continues to deliver extreme-performing desktop systems that far exceed the market norm," said Frank Azor, Senior Vice President, Alienware Worldwide Product Group. "The introduction of the AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 processor into Alienware systems further confirms Alienware's dedication to excellence and reiterates AMD's commitment to providing extraordinary performance for today's 32-bit applications, while offering 64-bit capabilities for the future."

Fujitsu Siemens Computers, the leading European IT provider, will offer the SCALEO P A4000+, SCALEO T A4000+ and SCALEO X A4000+ series based on the AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+.

"Fujitsu Siemens Computers offers the SCALEO Home PC Series to open up a new world of digital entertainment and communication, combining the latest technology with reliable support," said Herbert Schonebeck, Vice President Business Unit Consumer, Fujitsu Siemens Computers. "Systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ deliver breakthrough performance and substantial customer-centric benefits to meet all desktop needs."

AMD Athlon 64 processors are the first 32- and 64-bit desktop and mobile processors designed with Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) capabilities. When enabled by Microsoft® Windows® XP Service Pack 2 (SP2) or Windows XP Media Center Edition 2005, EVP offers an additional level of integrated security to identify and prevent the spread of certain malicious viruses, as well as certain computer worms and Trojan horses.(a) AMD Athlon 64 processors also provide innovative system-level features including Cool'n'Quiet(TM) technology. An advancement in PC technology, Cool'n'Quiet offers efficient performance-on-demand, enabling an "always on" PC to run quietly in any room.

Availability and Pricing

The AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 processor and AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ are available immediately worldwide. All pricing is in 1,000-unit PIB quantities. Systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 processor are expected to be available from the following:

Canada: Canada Computers
Europe: Amitech, Dacco, Fox PC, Komplett, and LEVI.
US: ABS, AFT, Alienware, BOLData, CyberPower, Elite PC, Falcon Northwest, Hypersonic PC Systems, Mighty Micro, Monarch, mWave, Nor-tech, Now Micro, PC Club, Polywell, Shuttle, Systemax, Totally Awesome, Velocity Micro, Vicious PC, Voodoo, ZipZoomfly, and ZT Group.
Systems based on both the AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 processor and AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ are expected to be available from the following:

Japan: Aro-system Co., Ltd, Bless Co., Ltd, MCJ Co., Ltd., Sycom Co., Ltd, Thirdwave K.K., and Tsukumo Co., Ltd.
The AMD Athlon 64 FX-55 processor is priced at $827. The AMD Athlon 64 processor 4000+ is priced at $729. For pricing details, please visit: http://www.amd.com/pricing.

About AMD64

AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the demanding 64-bit environment that will enable future generations of computer functionality and productivity. AMD designed the AMD64 platform to allow end users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class performance on the 32-bit software they own today while preparing for a seamless transition to high-performance 64-bit applications. The AMD64 architecture is also designed to enhance the security of your computing environment by integrating Enhanced Virus Protection technology enabled by advanced anti-virus features in Windows® XP Service Pack 2 and the upcoming Windows Server 2003 Service Pack 1.

Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD Opteron(TM) processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon(TM) 64 processors for desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 60 awards for innovation and performance and the support of more than 2,000 OEMs, hardware and software developers, system builders, and distributors.

About AMD

AMD (NYSE:AMD - News) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to helping its customers deliver standards-based, customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and governments to individual consumers. For more information, visit www.amd.com.

(a) Enhanced Virus Protection, enabled by Windows XP Service Pack 2, will by default only protect the user's Windows operating system. After properly installing the appropriate Windows release, users must enable the protection of their applications and associated files from memory buffer overrun attacks. Contact your application software vendor for information regarding use of the application in conjunction with Enhanced Virus Protection. AMD and Microsoft strongly recommend that users continue to use third party anti-virus software as part of their security strategy.