Happy thoughts from AMD!

[CMonster]

AMD's x86 64-bit architecture and system bus of the future, Lightning Data Transport[tm] are planned to be implemented in AMD's eighth-generation microprocessor, code-named SledgeHammer. AMD plans to extend the x86 instruction set to include a 64-bit mode, delivering a simple yet powerful solution that enables all of the performance benefits associated with 64-bit computing, while maintaining compatibility and a leading-edge performance roadmap for the existing installed base of x86 32-bit software applications and operating systems. No other 64-bit solution has full native x86 32- and 64-bit compatibility.

[RobRich]

The K8 should finally pull AMD away from Intel. Intel's 64bit Merced would be a strong performer, but they can't currently produce one that will run over 400mhz. AMD's K8 is actually quite similar to the K7, meaning good product yeilds at high mhz speeds.. They both have almst the same 64bit capable core, but the K8 will have the 64 bit registers and external data paths the K7 purposefully lacked.

Other good AMD news. I was looking aver a recently released AMD roadmap for 2000, and the .18 micron k6-2+ is on target for a Q1 release. It will have 128kb of full speed l2 cache on die, plus start at 533mhz. Intead of using the 133mhz bus, it uses a wierd 97mhz bus. Should o/c to 100 fsb with no prob, though.

Also, the new super7 boards with 133mhz FSB are starting to appear. Soltek has just released their's. It is available in models with upto 2meg of on board cache. Looks like the industry hasn't forgot us s7 users yet.

[This message has been edited by RobRich (edited 12-25-1999).]

[CMonster]

Yes, that is good news!