
AMD Athlon� 64 Processor
Product Brief
The next step in the
evolution of personal computing has arrived
with the AMD Athlon� 64 processor.
AMD
Athlon� 64 Processor Overview
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the first and
only Windows�-compatible 64-bit
PC processor. The AMD Athlon 64 processor
runs on AMD64, a revolutionary technology
that allows the processor to run 32-bit
applications at full speed while enabling a
new generation of powerful 64-bit software
applications. Advanced 64-bit operating
systems designed for the AMD64 platform from
Microsoft, Red Hat, SuSE, and TurboLinux
have already been announced.
With the introduction of the AMD Athlon 64
processor, AMD provides customers a solution
that can address their current and future
computing needs. As the first desktop PC
processor to run on the AMD64 platform, the
AMD Athlon 64 processor helps ensure
superior performance on today�s software
with readiness for the coming wave of 64-bit
computing. With AMD64 technology, customers
can embrace the new capabilities of 64-bit
computing on their own terms and achieve
compatibility with existing software and
operating systems.
Enhanced Virus Protection with Windows�
XP Service Pack 2
Enhanced virus protection is a feature of
AMD64 technology. Security improvements in
the Windows XP SP2 operating system take
advantage of the enhanced virus protection
feature in AMD64 processors to prevent the
spread of certain viruses, like MSBlaster
and Slammer, significantly reducing the cost
and down-time associated with similar
viruses and improving the protection of
computers and personal information1
against certain PC viruses.
Industry-leading performance for today�s
software
The revolutionary architecture of the AMD
Athlon 64 processor enables industry-leading
performance to help maximize productivity
and deliver a true-to-life digital
entertainment experience. HyperTransport�
technology can increase overall system
performance by removing I/O bottlenecks,
increasing system bandwidth, and reducing
system latency. A fully integrated DDR
memory controller helps speed access to
memory by offering the processor a direct
connection to the main memory. As a result,
end users can enjoy quicker application
loading and extraordinary application
performance.
With 3DNow!� Professional technology and
support for SSE2, the AMD Athlon 64
processor has more ways to accelerate
multimedia applications, enabling stellar
performance when working with audio, video,
and photography software. For a superior
experience with high-speed Internet, the AMD
Athlon 64 processor combines high-speed
memory access and I/O connectivity to help
ensure that end users can fully take
advantage of a broadband connection to
streaming video and audio, and a riveting
online gaming experience.
Ready for the 64-bit future
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is designed for
people who want to stay at the forefront of
technology and for those who depend on their
PCs to keep them connected, informed, and
entertained. Systems based on AMD Athlon 64
processors are able to deliver leading-edge
performance for demanding productivity and
entertainment software today and in the
future.
With AMD64 technology, the AMD Athlon 64
processor is fully compatible with existing
software, while enabling a seamless
transition to upcoming 64-bit applications.
Both 32- and 64-bit applications can run
simultaneously and transparently on the same
platform. AMD64 technology enables new,
cinematic computing experiences and
capabilities, in addition to increased
performance. AMD64 technology allows end
users to take advantage of new innovations
such as real-time encryption, more life-like
games, accurate speech interfaces,
cinema-quality graphic effects, and
easy-to-use video and audio editing.
Protect investments with a technically
superior PC processor
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the world�s
most technically advanced PC processor and
the only Windows-compatible 64-bit PC
processor. Advanced technologies in the AMD
Athlon 64 processor include:
- AMD64 technology
which doubles the number of processor
registers and dramatically increases the
system memory addressability
- Enhanced multimedia
instructions support including 3DNow!
Professional technology and SSE2
- With up to a 2000 MHz
system bus using HyperTransport
technology with up to 14.4 GB/sec total
processor-to-system bandwidth
- An integrated memory
controller with peak memory bandwidth of
up to 6.4 GB/sec, supporting PC3200,
PC2700, PC2100, or PC1600 DDR SDRAM
- Native execution of
32-bit software, allowing today�s PC
software to provide leading-edge
performance while enabling a seamless
migration to 64-bit software
The combination of these
innovations and features provides customers
with performance they need along with
tremendous flexibility. Customers can
experience outstanding performance running
today�s applications and prepare for the
next generation of software without having
to upgrade or change hardware. For business
customers, this extends system life cycles,
simplifies technology transition and reduces
total cost of ownership.
Purchase with confidence
The AMD Athlon 64 processor is the only
industry standard x86 processor with the
ability to move beyond the limits of 32-bit
computing. The AMD Athlon 64 processor is
compatible with Microsoft Windows XP and
tens of thousands of PC applications that
people around the world use every day. The
award-winning AMD Athlon XP processor won
over 100 industry accolades and was the
first 1GHz PC processor. Now, the AMD Athlon
64 processor reaches a new milestone by
building a path to 64-bit computing for
millions of PC users.
Founded in 1969, AMD has shipped more than
240 million PC processors worldwide.
Customers can depend on the AMD Athlon 64
processor and AMD for compatibility and
reliability. AMD processors undergo
extensive testing to help ensure
compatibility with Microsoft Windows XP,
Windows 98, Windows ME, Windows NT�,
Windows 2000, as well as Linux and other PC
operating systems. AMD works collaboratively
with Microsoft and other partners to achieve
compatibility of AMD processors and to
expand the capability of software and
hardware products leveraging AMD64
technology. AMD conducts rigorous research,
development, and validation to help ensure
the continued integrity and performance of
its products.
1Enhanced
Virus Protection 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. |