AMD attacks megahertz-myth with new XP processor

By Alun Williams

Posted on 21 Aug 2002 at 12:47

AMD describes its new Athlon XP 2600+ as the 'world's highest-performing processor for desktop PCs'.

For what is its new flagship desktop processor, AMD asks consumers to ignore the simple headline figures for operating speed in terms of clock cycles per second (the XP 2600+ clocks 2.13GHz). Instead, the company claims significant processing advantages for real-world applications, such as office tools, digital media editing and 3D gaming.

'The introduction of the highest-performing PC processor in the world is a victory for application performance and a resounding defeat for the "megahertz myth",' said Ed Ellett, VP of marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group. 'As the performance leader, the AMD Athlon XP 2600+ processor reigns as the superior choice and delivers outstanding application performance for richer, high-powered digital computing.'

You can read more about AMD's assertion that frequency (MHz or GHz) alone no longer determines processor performance on its Web site.

AMD also announced the Athlon XP 2400+ processor, with these latest releases marking the third anniversary of the AMD Athlon processor.

Don't expect either processor to be available immediately, however. Sample processors have begun shipping, but system availability is expected from September.

Prices for the new Athlon XP 2600+ and 2400+processors are $297 and $193 respectively, based on 1,000-unit quantities.

The announcement from AMD comes just ahead of developments from Intel. The news agency Reuters has revealed that a new Pentium 4 can be expected at the beginning of next week. It will run at 2.8GHz as compared with the 2.53GHz Pentium 4, which is currently Intel's fastest offering. Expect Intel to announce price cuts across its range of processors, to make way for the new arrival.