AMD launches 700MHz Athlon processor

Advanced Micro Devices yesterday started shipping a 700MHz version of its new Athlon microprocessor series.

Athlon is AMD's new family of chips aimed at high-performance desktops, workstations and servers. AMD officials yesterday touted the 700MHz Athlon as the fastest x86 processor in the world, speedier and more powerful than rival Intel's fastest 600MHz Pentium III processors.

Both Compaq Computer and IBM plan to shortly announce the availability of PCs powered by the newest member of the Athlon chip family, AMD said.

The 700MHz Athlon features 3DNow technology for enhanced multimedia performance, and a 200MHz system bus interface based on the Alpha EV6 bus protocol, AMD said.

Available immediately, the processor costs $US849 in 1000-unit quantities, the company said.

Besides the new Athlon family member, AMD this week at the Microprocessor Forum in San Jose, California, is expected to give attendees a preview of its next-generation processor core, code named K8.