Introduction
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AthlonTM Processors
The AMD AthlonTM is a seventh-generation micro architecture with an integrated
L2 cache, which is powerful enough to support the bandwidth requirements of a
large range of applications, hardware, graphics, and memory technologies. These
processors implement advanced design techniques such as:
Socket A (PGA 462)
200/266/333/400MHz system interface based on the Alpha EV6 bus protocol.
Three out-of-order, superscalar, pipelined Multimedia Units.
Three out-of-order, superscaler, pipelined Integer Units.
Fixed-sized internal instruction formats (MacroOPs).
72-entry Instruction Control Units.
AMD enhanced 3DNow! technology
L1 and L2 caches.
Dynamic branch prediction.
Socket A is the name for AMDs new socketed interface designed to support AMD
AthlonTM processors. This innovation is made possible by integrating the L2 cache
memory on chip with the processor. Socket A will help enable smaller enclosures,
and ultimately result in a wider variety of solutions in the market.
The AthlonTM processors in the Socket A format continue to deliver the ultimate
performance for cutting-edge applications. They bring to desktop systems running
industry-standard x86 software superscalar RISC performance. Being provided in
the Socket A format they are the worlds most powerful x86 processors. They easily
deliver the highest integer, floating-point, and 3D multimedia performance for
applications running on x86 platforms around.
It features full-speed, on-chip cache memory, a 200/266/333/400MHz front side
system bus, and enhanced 3DNow! technology. The AMD AthlonTM processor is
targeted at the performance segment, and as such will have more cache memory and
higher clock speeds.