AMD Launches Athlon

AMD has shipped an initial batch of Athlon processors (previously code-named K7) to systems integrators, according to a company statement issued Wednesday morning. This latest processor from AMD is designed to compete directly with Intel's Pentium III – it even bears the same distinctive cartridge casing first used by the Pentium II.

But even though they look alike, the AMD Athlon and Intel Pentium III processors are completely incompatible. The Athlon utilizes a proprietary AMD design called Slot A - not to be confused with Intel's Slot 1 - and requires both Intel and AMD CPU owners to pony up for a new motherboard. The benefits might be worth it, however, as AMD claims that its new processor is a Pentium III killer – but that claim remains to be seen. On paper, the Athlon does boast some impressive technical features like a 200MHz front side bus speed, 128kb of L1 cache (the most of any mainstream x86 desktop CPU) and 512kb of L2 cache. Future revisions of the Athlon will have a 400MHz FSB and up to 8MB of L2 cache.

The Athlon is initially available in three speeds: 500MHz, 550MHz and 600MHz. In quantities of 1,000 units, the processors are US$324, $479 and $699 respectively. But before you rush out to place your order, you should know that today's announcement is merely a “paper launch” and the processors probably won't be widely available for purchase until Q3 1999. It'll be interesting to see if Intel can parry this move by releasing its 600MHz Pentium III before the Athlon hits the streets.