AMD Answers: Athlon 750MHz
Today marks the next step towards reaching 1GHz processing: AMD has introduced its Athlon 750MHz chip, built with the 0.18-Micron technology.
Using this production method, AMD was able to shrink the internal size of the chip, while making it faster and lowering power consumption for optimal performance. Manufactured in Austin, Texas at AMD's Fab 25, this chip runs on a 200MHz system bus while offering enhanced 3DNow! technology as well as advanced cache systems. This 200MHz bus allows speeds of 1.6GB/sec bandwidth for faster data transfer and retrieval.
In response to Intel's push towards faster computing, AMD rolled back the release date of this chip from early 2000 to now. One major factor contributing to this decision is the idea that Intel will not be able to handle the demand for its new PIII chip, therefore, AMD will be able to satisfy customers looking for an alternative to the scarce PIII. Expecting to reach the 1GHz mark sometime next year, AMD has already said they will release an 800MHz chip in early 2000 and at Comdex '99 this past month, they previewed a 900MHz chip. These new processors will help feed the craving for faster and better processors for the growing digital multimedia industry which has exploded in the last year with the drop in prices on such items as digital cameras and scanners.
The industry has already seen fierce competition this year, heating up in the fall with the release of the new PIII's and the AMD response by slashing prices on their chips, then releasing a faster chip. Will Intel retaliate with slashing prices, faster chips, or both?
