AMD introduced the AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+. The chip will be based on the Barton core and will therefore feature increased cache memory, 512 kb, and support for AMD's 333MHz bus. According to AMD the Athlon XP processor 3000+ outperforms competing desktop PC processors by up to 17 per cent on a variety of industry standard software benchmarks.
Systems based on the AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+ are immediately available from NEC-CI in Europe and soon from other computer manufacturers around the globe.
The XP 3000+ features 640KB of total on-chip cache memory - an increase of nearly 70 per cent over previous AMD Athlon XP processors and the highest amount of on-chip cache memory of any desktop PC processor. Increased cache memory allows more information to be stored closer to the processor, leading to greater performance on software applications such as digital content creation, 3-D gaming, media encoding and office productivity.
This new chip together with an XP 2800+, based on the Barton core and an XP 3200+, expected mid-2003, will carry the AMD high-end flag until September when the much delayed ClawHammer is expected to make its first appearance.
The timing of the release of the chips based on the new core is significant since AMD are in the middle of a push to keep their prices steady in order to secure some revenue. The appearance of upmarket chips will attempt to introduce pricey but irresistable processors in order to attract orders. The new XP 3000+ chip will sell for USD 588, nearly 200 more than the Athlon XP 2800+. The new Barton based 2800+ will sell for USD 375, while the remainder of the range is expected to resist price changes.
Considering that AMD claim their new chip outperforms P4 3.06 GHz by 17 per cent, in some tests, it is easy to see that the company have pinned their hopes on the new chip and the new core. Their mission is to hold the fort until the Athlon 64 (ClawHammer) arrives.
All this when Intel is feverishly working on new Pentium 4 chips, including a new 3.2GHz processor that will carry an 800MHz bus. The company is also expected to surround the new 3.2GHz chip with a new line of redesigned 2.4GHz to 2.8GHz P4's which will include hyperthreading and use the 800MHz bus. This brand new P4 range of chips, based on the new chipset, are expected in Q2 of this year.
Consumers should be aware that PC performance is more than just processor frequency alone, said Kevin Krewell, senior analyst of The Microprocessor Report. Today's PC processors can deliver higher performance through architectural enhancements such as increased cache memory and faster bus speeds. The overall performance of a system is what's important, and that's what buyers should focus on when making a purchasing decision.
Industry support for the AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+
Packard Bell, the consumer brand of NEC Computers International and one of Europe's home PC leaders, is happy to broaden its product line-up with the AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+ in order to offer a full range of solutions to its customers, said Aymar de Lencquesaing, vice president, sales and marketing, consumer division, NEC Computers International.
ATI is committed to pushing the leading edge of graphics technology and creating the ultimate visual experience, said Rick Bergman, senior vice president, marketing and general manager, Desktop, ATI Technologies Inc. With the introduction of the AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+, with more on-chip cache, AMD is demonstrating its dedication to the same goal. The RADEON 9700 PRO, the world's first and most advanced cinematic VPU, in combination with the AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+, unleashes an unbelievably realistic and immersive gaming experience.
The high-performance AMD Athlon XP processor 3000+ combined with our consumer-friendly software will help home users produce professional-level photos and videos that amaze their friends and family, said Mike Mickes, director of product management, Ulead Systems, North America. With software such as our Ulead PhotoImpact and upcoming VideoStudio 7, consumers can have an enjoyable editing experience made faster and more productive by improved processor performance.
