Topic K6_3D from CPU FAQ base

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From : Anton Rozhkov 2:5030/339.40 Sat 25 Oct 97 00:18
Subj : Планы на бyдyщее АМД
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* Forwarded from PVT.HARDW.PC.X86.CPU by Anton Rozhkov (2:5030/339.40).
* Originally by: Aleksandr Konosevich (2:5004/9), 15 Окт 97 10:45.
* Originally to: ALL.

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>>>
[Category Computing]
AMD unveils K6 3D chips
By Michael Kanellos and Brooke
Crothers
October 14, 1997, 6:30 p.m. PT

update Advanced Micro Devices (AMD)
unveiled new K6 chips today and also
indicated it will cooperate with
Digital Equipment (DEC) in the use of
technologies for AMD's future K7 chip.

AMD revealed plans for enhanced
versions of its K6, dubbed the
AMD-K6-3D and the AMD-K6+3D. The chips
improve the 3D graphics capability of
the K6, how the processor talks to the
rest of the computer system, and the
high-speed cache memory.

Separately, CEO Jerry Sanders said
today that the K7 processor will use a
cartridge design similar to Intel's
Penium II processor and run at clock
speeds in excess of 500 MHz.

Interestingly, AMD will tap into
Digital's Alpha processor architecture
to enhance the K7's design. AMD will
also use Alpha's "EV6 bus protocol" in
its K7 processor, Sanders said. Alpha
is Digital's high-speed, 64-bit chip.

AMD officials indicated that Digital
and AMD may further team up on other
processor-related technologies for the
K7.

Digital and AMD have previously
enjoyed a good relationship. Digital
was one of the first PC makers to
adopt AMD's K6, and Digital has
manufactured chips for AMD.

The K7's future production schedule is
not known.

Meanwhile, the K6-3D chip is due in
the first half of 1998 and the K6+3D
is slated for shipment in the second
half of 1998.

The K6's new 3D technology adds 24 new
instructions for 3D graphics and other
techniques for enhancing the K6's
ability to handle graphics.

AMD will also add a "Level 2" cache to
the chips. Typically, the level-2
cache is separate from the processor.
By integrating this very-high-speed
memory with the processor, performance
can be boosted dramatically. The chip
will have a whopping 21.3 million
transistors.

Currently, Intel integrates a Level 2
cache into its Pentium Pro, in a
separate "cavity" next to the main
processor, and as a separate chip
inside the Pentium II processor
cartridge.

AMD will also enhance the K6 by
increasing the speed at which it talks
to the rest of the computer, via the
"system bus." At the moment, this bus
operates at 66 MHz; the improved K6
bus will process at 100 MHz. The
system bus is the conduit for data
which flows from the processor to the
rest of the computer.

AMD is referring to this technology as
Super7.

Further, the raw "clock" speed of the
K6 is expected to go up to 350 MHz and
beyond. AMD is currently sampling a
266-MHz version of the K6 processor.

In other developments, AMD is also
expected to begin commercial shipments
later this year of its first true
mobile version of the K6, according to
industry sources familiar with the
development. The chip will be based on
0.25 micron technology, the most
advanced production process now being
used for Intel-based processors. This
shrinks the size of the chip, allowing
it to run faster using less power.
Intel is making its mobile Pentium
processors on a similar process.

AMD will price its mobile chips about
25 percent below Intel prices,
according to a source familiar with
the chip's rollout. "Customers will be
on board for the launch commensurate
with the release," said the source.
AMD is currently shipping samples of
the chip to customers.

However, AMD will have to demonstrate
that it can produce chips in large
numbers, that it will not be hampered
by low manufacturing yields. Low
yields caused K6 production to fall
below expectations, resulting in an
overall quarterly loss of $31.7
million, or 22 cents a share.

"It's a great chip, but if you can't
produce them, what's the use of all
these announcements. The yield problem
continues to haunt them," said Carl
Johnson, president of Infrastructure,
a consulting firm, in an earlier
interview. On the other hand, "Intel
is going to be able to produce all
they can sell."

related news stories
Х Compaq considering the K6 October
9, 1997
Х AMD falls short in Q3 October 7,
1997
Х AMD problems won't go away October
1, 1997
Х AMD, Cyrix to tell of chip advances
September 22, 1997
Х AMD struggles to keep up September
5, 1997
Х AMD warns of loss September 3, 1997
Х AMD lands IBM August 18, 1997
Х Nat Semi, Cyrix plan $500 PC
strategy July 30, 1997
Х Intel to buy graphics chip leader
July 27, 1997

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