In a combined move, AMD introduced its 64-bit PC processor, the AMD Athlon 64 FX, while at the same time Microsoft was announcing the beta availability of a native 64-bit version of its Windows XP operating system designed to support 64-Bit Extended Systems, including platforms based on AMD64 technology from AMD. Microsoft made the announcement at AMD's launch of the AMD Athlon 64 processor in San Francisco.
The AMD Athlon 64 FX promises to deliver a combination of the highest overall 32-bit performance for today's demanding applications and the power of 64-bit computing for the next wave of software.
The AMD Athlon 64 FX has been specifically designed for gamers, PC enthusiasts and digital content creators. Systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor enable a cinematic computing experience that is immersive, interactive and provides a new level of realism not available today except from DVD-quality films.
AMD is taking a lead role in shaping the future of the computing industry by putting the power of AMD64 technology at the fingertips of PC users around the world, said Hector Ruiz, president and chief executive officer of AMD. The growing number of people looking for cinema-quality PC performance that transforms imagination into reality can now fully realize their dreams.
Supporting AMD's announcement, Chris Jones, Microsoft Corporate Vice President for the Windows Client Group, said, The AMD Athlon 64 processor, combined with Windows XP 64-Bit Edition, enables our customers to take full advantage of the superior performance and scalability of 64-bit computing on the desktop, while preserving their ability to run 32-bit applications. In addition, the AMD64 architecture is designed for both 32-bit and 64-bit computing, allowing customers to migrate to 64-bit computing.
Extreme PC enthusiasts and gamers have long been the drivers of the industry, shaping and influencing what new technology ultimately reaches mainstream computer users, said Dirk Meyer, senior vice president of AMD's Computation Products Group. We custom-made the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor for these power users. Now, they can spend more time playing, imagining and creating.
With 64-bit technology, gamers, enthusiasts, and, ultimately, even ordinary mortals who yearn for a better computing experience will be overwhelmed, said Roger Kay, an industry analyst at IDC. This type of performance hardware allows software developers to unleash their creativity on the next generation of applications.
Gaming companies are ready to take advantage of the new capabilities and software performance 64-bit computing makes possible.
Gamers will be floored by the power of AMD64. We're already seeing great performance with 64-bit computing, but what we're going to do in the very near future will amaze gamers, said Tim Sweeney, founder and president of Epic Games, maker of the popular Unreal Tournament.
Introducing the AMD Athlon 64 Processor for Desktops and Notebooks
For mainstream desktop users, AMD unveiled the long-awaited AMD Athlon 64 processor, bringing the benefits of AMD64 technology to desktop and notebook users and delivering unprecedented application performance for consumers and businesses. The AMD Athlon 64 processor provides extraordinary 32-bit software application performance while allowing a simplified migration path to 64-bit applications.
For mobile computing, the AMD Athlon 64 processor for notebooks is designed for high-performance computing and wireless connectivity. It features advanced power management from the AMD PowerNow! technology for reduced power consumption and extended system battery life.
Industry Embraces 64-Bit Computing Vision
Microsoft, which today announced the release of a beta version of Windows XP 64-Bit Edition, joined AMD to articulate its vision for 64-bit computing and reiterate its commitment to deliver a 64-bit operating system for desktop systems.
Computer manufacturer HP plans to ship systems in the fourth quarter of 2003. Fujitsu, Fujitsu-Siemens and Packard Bell announced system availability for the AMD Athlon 64 processor, and were joined by more than 150 manufacturers and infrastructure partners worldwide.
The AMD Athlon 64 processor brings outstanding performance and future potential to our compact desktop PC 'FMV DESKPOWER.' The AMD Athlon 64 processor delivers the power of 64-bit computing with incredible performance on today's 32-bit applications, all on a Fujitsu compact desktop PC, said Kuniaki Saito, general manager, Fujitsu Limited Desktop & Workstation Products and Personal Computer Peripherals Divisions, Personal Systems Business Group.
The AMD Athlon 64 processor brings 64-bit power and 32-bit performance to our consumer customers via our SCALEO PC range, said Ricarda Rodatus, director, Product Marketing, Fujitsu-Siemens Computers.
PC retailer Best Buy will sell AMD Athlon 64 processor-based systems in addition to the processor-in-a-box product.
We believe that pervasive 64-bit computing will lead to a new wave of innovation in the technology industry. As one of North America's leading PC retailers, Best Buy will help bring 64-bit computing into the mainstream - accessible to one and all, said Dave Morrish, senior vice president of Computers, Peripherals and Digital Imaging for Best Buy. We are proud to announce that you can pick up an AMD Athlon 64 processor-in-a-box right now at BestBuy.com. Look for computer products from HP in the coming months.