Introduction

Q. What is the AMD-K6®-2 processor?

A. The K6-2 is AMD’s latest state-of-the-art x86-based alternative microprocessor and is the first to include the 3DNow!™ Instruction Set. This processor is socket 7 based and uses AMD’s .25 micron fab process. This processor was released by AMD on May 28^th 1998 and will initially be introduced in 266 and 300MHz models. A 333MHz model is out, but in short supply (most likely a high yield 300MHz part), while the 350MHz model will eventually follow (hopefully by summer's end).  A 400MHz model will hopefully make an appearance by fall.

Q. What’s the difference between the K6-2 and the K6-3D?

A. Originally the K6-2 was to be called the K6-3D. Right before release, the name was changed but they are the same chip. The reason for the change was that AMD wanted to use a naming convention that would be associated by the "common user" as equivalent to the Intel Pentium II. The vast confusion in the amount of names and speed ratings needed to be simplified, so AMD chose a name that literally would be associated with a 2^nd generation version of the K6.

There is a chance that the K6-2 chip that you get is marked K6-3D.   The same can be said about some motherboard's BIOS which will recognize the chip as a K6-3D.  As far as I know, the chips are the same and it's not cause for concern.

Q. What’s the difference between the classic K6 and the K6-2?

A. The K6-2 can be thought of as a K6 with a new set of instructions added called 3DNow!™.   The speed difference between a K6 and a K6-2 chip (at the same clock speed) is insignificant until you use an application that takes advantage of the 3DNow!™ instruction set.  All AMD processors above the 233MHz mark are made from the .25 micron semiconductor process.  This included the K6-266 and 300MHz and the K6-2-266 and 300MHz models.  This means that the voltage requirements are the same for both processors.

The K6-2-300 is the only AMD processor that currently is officially sanctioned for the 100MHz FSB.  This leaves the K6-266 and 300Mhz and K6-2-266 parts as officially for the 66MHz FSB.  Some older motherboards can be K6-266 and 300MHz compatible, but not K6-2 processor compatible.  So it's really a smart thing to research the websight of your motherboard manufacturer to see if they support both the K6 and the K6-2 (most likely this would be a BIOS issue).  Most of the VIA MVP3 or Ali V boards seem to do both, but some are reporting problems with Via VP3 boards.

Q. When is the K6-3 scheduled to be released?

A. A version of the K6 with integrated high-speed memory--referred to as "cache"--will come out later this year. This chip has been referred to as either "Sharptooth" or the K6-3.  There are very high expectations for this product and a rumored "much improved" floating point unit makes us salivate in anticipation!

Q. What's the latest rumor on the K7?

A. AMD's next-generation K7, which uses a new architecture, will appear in the first half of 1999.   AMD seems to be side stepping the Intel Slot 1 patents by tapping into Digital Equipment's Alpha processor architecture to enhance the K7's design. Specifically, AMD will use Alpha's "EV6 bus protocol" in its K7 processor.  There appears to be some optimism in AMD's court to want to advocate the use of another proprietary motherboard form factor.  This is a large gamble considering the number of slot 1 motherboards out there that could be potential customers.

AMD will then top off this spate of activity in late 1999 with the opening of a new fabrication facility in Dresden, Germany. By 2000, this factory will be producing chips using copper interconnect technology in volume.