HANNOVER, GERMANY -March 18, 2004 - At CeBIT, AMD announced that it is sending computer enthusiasts on another thrilling, high-performance ride with the worldwide introduction of the AMD Athlon(tm) 64 FX-53 processor.

The AMD Athlon 64 FX processor delivers what no other PC processor can: the best performance to drive demanding 32-bit applications, and the power of 64-bit computing for the next wave of head-spinning software. This dual capability for an x86 processor was invented by AMD, and underscores our leadership in the 64-bit computing market. AMD64 processors are the only 32- and 64-bit capable processors available today, and are the only PC processors with built-in enhanced virus protection security technology when used in conjunction with the upcoming Windows(r) Service Pack 2.

Specifically designed for gamers and PC enthusiasts, the AMD Athlon 64 FX processor enables a "cinematic computing" experience that is immersive, interactive and provides a new level of realism.

"With the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor in your PC, you're in for the ride of your life," said Marty Seyer, vice president and general manager of AMD's Microprocessor Business Unit. "AMD understands that extreme PC users crave performance; they demand graphic images that are nearly indistinguishable from reality. AMD continues to push the bounds of cinematic computing to satisfy those cravings. We know they will enjoy the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor."

The launch of the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor comes just in advance of the much-hyped release of the game "Far Cry(tm)." Leading video game publisher Ubisoft will release a 32-bit version of the much-anticipated 3D "Far Cry" action game later this month, and plans to introduce a 64-bit beta version shortly thereafter. "Far Cry" has been optimized to take advantage of AMD64 technology.

"AMD64 technology will enable gamers to move to the power and excitement of 64-bit games, without sacrificing performance or their investment in 32-bit software," said Cevat Yerli, CEO and president of Crytek, the "Far Cry" game developer. "CryEngine, the 'nervous system' of our games, was designed to take full advantage of the AMD64 architecture. AMD64 technology not only provides unbelievable 32-bit performance, but will also provide a true next-generation gaming experience when running the upcoming 64-bit version of our game."

Dennis "Thresh" Fong, world champion of "Doom," "Quake," and "Quake 2," recently put an AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor-based system through its paces.

"I was blown away by the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor," said Fong. "I have never played on a system that performed as well as this one. It has taken my gaming to a whole new level."

Like all AMD64 processors, the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor has the added security benefit of enhanced virus protection technology. This, in combination with Microsoft's Data Execution Prevention in the upcoming Windows XP Service Pack 2, will prevent certain types of viruses from replicating and spreading to other systems, providing a more secure computing environment.

"Securing computers is of paramount concern to PC users. Buffer overflow and similar techniques have been commonly exploited by malicious programmers to compromise computer security. Any mechanism to mitigate the vulnerability of computers to such techniques is a valuable feature," said semiconductor analyst Joseph Byrne of Gartner Inc. Because the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor uses the same socket-940 infrastructure as the AMD Athlon 64 FX-51 processor, it provides an easy upgrade path for owners of AMD Athlon 64 FX-51 processor-based systems who want to stay at the apex of performance.

Pricing and Availability

The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor will initially be available in limited quantities from select high-performance PC manufacturers worldwide. We expect to broaden that availability within the next few weeks to fulfill demand generated by hard-core gamers, digital content creators and other performance-demanding customers. Systems based on the AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor are expected to be available from the following:
* Europe: Alternate, Arbol, Batch PC, CDC, EID, Evesham, Formoza, Fox PC, Hattelco, Komplett, Mesh, Network Technical, nVentiv, Olidata, Paradigit, Scan, Time Computers and Unika

* US: ABS, AFT, Alienware, BOXX Technologies, CyberPower, Falcon Northwest, Monarch, Polywell, Velocity Micro, Vicious PC, Voodoo and ZT Group
* Japan: Aro-system Co., Ltd, Bless Co., Ltd, Unitcom Inc., MCJ Co., Ltd., PROSIDE Corp., Thirdwave Corp., and Visual Technology Inc.

The AMD Athlon 64 FX-53 processor is priced at $733 in 1,000-unit quantities.