AUSTIN, TX-MARCH 27, 1996-AMD today announced it has started shipping the AMD5K86 processor, a fifth-generation, superscalar device that is fully compatible with the Microsoft Windows operating system and x86 software and is a plug-in replacement for the Pentium.

The AMD5K86 processor, designated the AMD-K5(TM) processor while under development, is the first in a family of independently developed microprocessors from AMD. The processor's P54C plug-in compatibility enables PC manufacturers to take advantage of prevailing system designs and infrastructure to speed time to market.

The initial AMD5K86 devices are the AMD5K86-P75 and AMD5K86-P90 processors, which respectively deliver the performance of 75-MHz and 90-MHz Pentium chips based on P-rating tests using the industry-standard Ziff-Davis Winstone 96 benchmark. As plug-in replacements for the Pentium-75 and Pentium-90, the AMD5K86-P75 and P90 processors provide cost-effective, fifth-generation alternatives for entry-level desktop PCs. Subsequent members of the AMD5K86 product line will deliver increasingly higher performance levels, as measured by the P-rating.

"The AMD5K86 processor gives PC manufacturers the freedom to choose a viable, Windows-compatible Pentium alternative that helps them differentiate and market their PC products based on the strength of their own brand and value," said Rob Herb, vice president of strategic marketing for AMD's Computation Products Group.

Compatible by Design
AMD has a long history of delivering compatible processor solutions for personal computing, having supplied more than 85 million x86 processors, including some 40 million Windows-compatible CPUs in the last four years. The AMD5K86 processor builds on this heritage by ensuring complete compatibility with the Windows operating system standard.

"PCs based on the Windows-compatible AMD5K86 CPU are a safe, compatible choice for corporate buyers and end users," added Herb.

The AMD5K86 processor has been licensed by the Microsoft Windows Hardware Quality labs to carry the Windows 95 logo. It also has received preliminary compatibility certification from XXCAL, Inc., an independent testing laboratory. The AMD5K86 processor is not only compatible with Windows, but also with the full range of operating systems and x86 software, including the Novell NetWare network, OS/2 Warp, and more than 60,000 software applications.

Third-party Support
Chipset products for the AMD5K86 processor are currently available from several members of AMD's FusionPCSM Alliance support program, including Acer Labs, Cirrus Logic, VLSI Technology, Opti, SIS, VIA and others. BIOS support is provided by a wide range of third-party suppliers, including American Megatrends, Inc., Award Software, and Phoenix.

Availability and Pricing
AMD is accepting orders for the AMD5K86-P75 and AMD5K86-P90 processors now. Both parts are offered in a 296-pin SPGA (staggered pin grid array) package. The AMD5K86-P75 device is priced at $75 each in 1,000-piece quantities, and the AMD5K86-P90 device is priced at $99 each in 1,000-piece quantities.

About AMD
Focusing on personal and networked computing and communications markets, AMD produces microprocessors and related peripherals, flash memories, programmable logic devices, and circuits for telecommunications and networking applications. Founded in 1969, AMD is a multi-billion dollar corporation and has sales and manufacturing facilities worldwide.

The forward looking statements in this release with respect to microprocessor product development are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ from those currently expected. Such risks and uncertainties include the timely development and introduction of higher performance microprocessors, market demand and customer acceptance of new microprocessor products, timely development of advanced process technology, competitive product offerings and pricing, and other risks and uncertainties discussed in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including the company's Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 1995.