| Q: | What is AMD64?
| | A: | AMD64 is AMD’s 64-bit platform that extends the industry-standard x86 instruction set architecture and defines a new class of computing. The AMD64 platform is the first designed to deliver full compatibility with existing x86 solutions and world-class 64-bit performance. In April 2003, the AMD Opteron™ processor for servers and workstations became the first milestone in establishing this new class of computing. AMD introduced the world’s first Windows®-compatible 64-bit desktop and mobile processor, the AMD Athlon™ 64 processor, in September 2003, and AMD Turion™ 64 mobile technology in March 2005. The range of AMD64 processors for servers, workstations, desktops and mobile PCs allows pervasive adoption of the AMD64 platform. AMD64 replaces terms such as “Hammer” (now “AMD64 Platform”) and “x86-64” (now “AMD64 ISA”). |
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| | Q: | What is the AMD64 instruction set architecture?
| | A: | The AMD64 ISA is an AMD innovation that extends x86, the industry's most widely supported instruction set, and is designed to enable 64-bit computing while remaining compatible with the vast x86 infrastructure and industry experience. AMD’s 64-bit strategy allows the latest in processor innovation to work smoothly with the existing installed base of 32-bit applications and operating systems, while establishing an installed base of systems that are 64-bit capable. This permits the industry to advance software development on all fronts, with x86 compatibility, while providing the benefits of 64-bit technology. |
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| | Q: | Why is AMD64 different from other approaches to 64-bit computing?
| | A: | AMD64 is designed to directly follow the evolutionary path of the industry-standard x86 ISA, allowing the technology industry to build a unified 64-bit computing infrastructure fully compatible with the ubiquitous x86 architecture. AMD64 benefits customers by providing investment protection while removing barriers to the next level of computing. With AMD64, customers can preserve their investment in existing x86 solutions while gaining the ability to adopt 64-bit solutions. |
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| | Q: | Why is 64-bit technology important?
| | A: | The need for 64-bit technology is driven by applications that require high performance and address large amounts of physical and virtual memory. 32-bit computers can manage only 4 gigabytes of addressable memory – and 32-bit operating systems can address only about 2 GB. AMD’s evolutionary approach to 64-bit technology enables a gradual transition from 32-bit to 64-bit software and hardware for end users who need greater computing functionality for some or all of their applications. AMD64 is designed to provide superior performance for applications requiring multi-processor scalability, larger addressable memory, video/audio/3-D processing or high computational accuracy. |
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| | Q: | What applications benefit from 64-bit computing?
| | A: | A large number of applications and usage scenarios are likely to benefit from an AMD64 environment over a legacy x86 or proprietary 64-bit environment. Applications that do not benefit do not need to be ported, and will run at full performance in an AMD64 environment. AMD64 is most likely to benefit applications that:
- Need large memory addressing, such as those with large datasets (financial and scientific modeling applications) and host-based desktop applications (to run multiple instances simultaneously without reducing performance).
- Must manage a large number of concurrent users or application threads, such as large scale thin-client solutions, large databases and data warehouse applications for solutions in customer relationship management (CRM), supply chain management (SCM), enterprise resource planning (ERP) and digital rights management (DRM) systems.
- Provide digital content creation capabilities in such applications as computer-aided design, manufacturing, and engineering (CAD, CAM, and CAE), digital music production and video editing and real-time media streaming solutions.
- Require mathematical precision and floating-point performance including modeling, simulation, statistics and financial analysis, imaging/video/signal processing, physics, medical research, telecommunications, encryption and compression.
- Require large, high-performance database performance including decision support, searching and indexing, document and content management and voice recognition.
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| | Q: | Which operating systems will support AMD64?
| | A: | AMD designed its AMD64 technology to run all 32-bit x86 operating systems. In addition, all major operating systems vendors are expected to support the AMD64 platform including Microsoft, RedHat, SuSE, United Linux (comprised of SuSE, Conectiva, Caldera and TurboLinux), MandrakeSoft and Wasabi. |
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| | Q: | What graphics cards will support AMD64?
| | A: | Standard AGP graphics cards support AMD64 processors, including leading-edge AGP 8X graphics cards. In addition, leading graphics solution providers such as 3DLabs, ATi, Matrox and NVIDIA have announced that they will provide the hardware drivers required for advanced 64-bit operating systems. AMD is currently working with partners on the development of AMD64 drivers for several mainstream operating systems from Microsoft, Red Hat, SuSE and others. Some drivers and operating systems are already available, and AMD and its partners regularly announce additional details and distributions. |
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| | Q: | What is HyperTransport™ technology? How does it relate to AMD64?
| | A: | HyperTransport technology is critical to multi-processor 64-bit processing. HyperTransport technology is a high-speed, high-performance point-to-point link for interconnecting integrated circuits on a motherboard. HyperTransport enables multi-processing with a "glue-less" chip to chip interconnect. HyperTransport was invented by AMD and perfected with the help of several partners throughout the industry.
64-bit solutions with full x86 compatibility and uncompromised 32-bit performance are now available in a wide variety of configurations for a diverse range of customers.
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