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Subject: Re: Crafty in the news

Author: Tony Petters

Date: 02:30:39 06/28/04

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http://www.stockhouse.com/news/news.asp?tick=XTND&newsid=2346329


AMD Announces New 64-Bit Applications Demonstrate Performance Increases up to 57
Percent; AMD64 and Upcoming Microsoft Windows XP 64-bit Edition Allow for
Faster, Smarter Programs

6/28/04


SUNNYVALE, Calif., Jun 28, 2004 (CCNMatthews via COMTEX) --

AMD (NYSE:AMD) today announced that 64-bit versions of software applications
Crafty and The Panorama Factory running on the beta version of the upcoming
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP 64-bit Edition for 64-bit Extended Systems
demonstrate significant increases in performance, up to 57 percent for the
Panorama Factory, compared to 32-bit software versions. Crafty is an
open-source, high-performance chess program scheduled to compete in the World
Computer Chess Championship this July. The Panorama Factory V3 digitally renders
a set of photos to create a panoramic picture on your desktop.

"The AMD64 platform enables best-in-class performance, while allowing customers
to seamlessly transition to powerful 64-bit applications as we move closer to
the day when 32-bit-only systems will become obsolete," said Marty Seyer,
corporate vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business
Unit. "AMD knows that anyone doing multimedia activity such as digital photos
and intense gaming on their PC can benefit tremendously by using an AMD
Athlon(TM) 64 processor. The 64-bit versions of Crafty and The Panorama Factory
demonstrate the kind of performance benefits we expect our customers and
partners to realize by leveraging AMD64 technology."

Built for 64-bit computing, Crafty has grown from a simple PC-based computer
chess program to one that runs on all known general-purpose platforms. Benchmark
testing shows the 64-bit version of Crafty running on the AMD Athlon FX-53
processor outperformed the 32-bit version by almost 47 percent. The 64-bit
version also evaluates more nodes per second than the 32-bit engine.

"Crafty is a program built for the 64-bit architecture on an AMD Athlon 64
processor-enabled system. With AMD64 technology, developing Crafty with a unique
methodology called 'rotated bitmaps' enabled me to significantly improve the
performance of the chess engine," said Robert Hyatt, author of Crafty and
associate professor, University of Alabama at Birmingham. "The AMD Athlon 64 FX
processor-powered system is the fastest I have seen. I can't see anybody buying
anything else."

Crafty has won several chess competitions including bi-annual events held by the
Internet Chess Club. Most recently, Hyatt used AMD64 technology to compete in
and win the Internet Computer Chess Tournament in February.

The Panorama Factory (www.panoramafactory.com), built by Smoky City Design,
seamlessly joins separate photos into a single high-quality panoramic picture.
As digital photography continues to stretch the limits of 32-bit computing,
AMD64 technology enables The Panorama Factory to create larger panoramas with
more pictures than what is possible on a 32-bit architecture. The 64-bit version
also can complete a full panorama up to 57 percent faster compared to 32-bit
versions.

"Applications like The Panorama Factory are typically restricted by 32-bit
architectures that limit the amount of virtual memory available. When ported to
the AMD64 platform, The Panorama Factory breaks the 32-bit barrier to create
images that are almost unlimited in size," said John Strait, author of The
Panorama Factory. "AMD Athlon 64 processors enable our customer base to purchase
64-bit enabled computers to take advantage of high-performance applications that
also support their legacy 32-bit software programs."

All AMD Athlon 64 processors have the added security benefit of Enhanced Virus
Protection (EVP) capability. This capability, enabled by the upcoming
Microsoft(R) Windows(R) XP Service Pack 2, can prevent the execution of certain
types of malicious viruses. The award-winning AMD64 desktop processors also
feature Cool'n'Quiet(TM) technology, an innovative system-level feature that
lowers the power consumption of the PC when maximum performance is not needed. A
PC with AMD's Cool'n'Quiet technology enabled will consume less power, and run
cooler and quieter on most applications. AMD64 processors also feature the
exclusive Direct Connect Architecture that directly connects the memory
controller and I/O to the central processor unit, improving overall system
performance and efficiency.

About AMD64

AMD64 evolves the industry-standard 32-bit x86 architecture to support the
demanding 64-bit environment that will enable future generations of computer
functionality and productivity. AMD designed the AMD64 platform to allow end
users to enjoy reliable, best-in-class performance on the 32-bit software they
own today while preparing for a seamless transition to high-performance 64-bit
applications. The AMD64 architecture also enables a more secure computing
environment by integrating capabilities that can take advantage of advanced
anti-virus features in upcoming software.

Since the introduction of the AMD64 architecture in 2003, the AMD Opteron(TM)
processor for servers and workstations and the AMD Athlon(TM) 64 processors for
desktop and notebook computers have earned more than 45 awards for innovation
and performance and the support of more than 1,000 OEMs, hardware and software
developers, system builders, and distributors.

About AMD

AMD (NYSE:AMD) designs and produces innovative microprocessors, Flash memory
devices and low-power processor solutions for the computer, communications and
consumer electronics industries. AMD is dedicated to delivering standards-based,
customer-focused solutions for technology users, ranging from enterprises and
governments to individual consumers. For more information visit www.amd.com.

AMD, the AMD Arrow logo, AMD Athlon, AMD Opteron, and combinations thereof, and
Cool'n'Quiet are trademarks of Advanced Micro Devices, Inc. Microsoft and
Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the U.S. and/or
other jurisdictions. Other names are for informational purposes only and may be
trademarks of their respective owners.

AMD Suzy Pruitt, 512-602-4392 (PR) suzy.pruitt@amd.com or Mike Haase,
408-749-3124 (IR)





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