AMD today introduced the AMD Opteron processor, the world?s first 64-bit processor compatible with the industry-standard x86 architecture and the highest performing 2-way and 4-way processor for servers. IBM joined AMD at a New York City launch event to announce its plans to offer a server product for high-performance computing based on the AMD Opteron processor. At the same event, Microsoft reiterated its commitment to developing a 64-bit operating system for the processor, with a beta version available in mid-2003. The AMD Opteron processor for servers and workstations, which extends the x86 instruction set architecture (ISA) to 64-bit computing for the first time, is also the first processor in a new class of computing called AMD64. AMD64 directly follows the evolutionary path of the industry-standard x86 ISA, allowing development of a unified 64-bit computing infrastructure fully compatible with the pervasive x86 architecture. The AMD Opteron processor helps eliminate barriers to 64-bit computing by simplifying the transition between current and future generations of software.

The AMD Opteron processor is the highest performing 2P and 4P server processor, according to industry-standard benchmarks. In TPC-C benchmark tests, considered among the most important for servers, the AMD Opteron processor achieved performance up to 14% greater than competing 32-bit server processors. On the important Internet-related performance benchmark SPECweb99, the AMD Opteron processor Model 844 is the first computer processor in the world to break the 10,000 score. AMD Opteron processor Models 240, 242 and 244 for up to 2-way servers are available now. AMD Opteron processors in the 800 series for up to 8-way servers will be available later in this quarter. AMD expects that AMD Opteron processors in the 100 series for 1-way servers will be available in 3Q03. Prices for the 200 series of the AMD Opteron processor start at $283 each in lots of 1,000. Source: AMD - Video Launch Event Recording Available For Viewing