Date: Sat, 26 Apr 1997 01:05:11 -0800 From: newsletter@shoppingplanet.com (by way of Jaap van Ganswijk) To: Multiple recipients of list CHIPDIR-L Subject: PC Shopping Planet - Tech Info-Letter PC UPGRADE UPDATE A Subscription-Only Tech Info Newsletter PC Shopping Planet http://www.shoppingplanet.com April 21, 1997 <-Expand your screen to make a single line for best viewing-> xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx If you no longer want to receive the SP Newsletter, send this email or reply to this address: unsubscribe@shoppingplanet.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx In this week's issue: 1. The AMD MMX Is Here! 2. Hot Deals xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.shoppingplanet.com 1-800-779-8461 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 1. The AMD MMX Advanced Micro Devices has introduced their sixth-generation MMX (Multi-Media Extension) enhanced microprocessor it hopes will wrestle a significant piece of the 85% CPU market owned by Intel. The MMX Technology includes 57 new x86 instructions designed to enhance graphics, internet and multimedia applications. While MMX chips incorporate much of the technology found in graphics accelerator cards, they will not replace the 2D/3D cards. However, they sure will improve the performance of existing and future cards. And it's not just because of the MMX coding. The K6 has a larger "cache", a built-in area that stores information that programs use over and over so that it can be accessed quickly. Pentium chips have a cache of 16K (16,000 bytes). But the K6 has a 64K cache. Since accessing information in a cache can be thousands of times faster than accessing information stored on a disk, a larger cache will substantially improve the performance of any operating system and application program. The AMD K6 is certainly more powerful (at least 15%) than the Intel Pentium MMX chip. More importantly, it is as powerful (and cheaper) than the upcoming Intel Pentium Pro II (Klamath) MMX chip. The K6 is the result of AMD's acquisition of a chip-design company named Nexgen. The merger joined Nexgen's technology with AMD's manufacturing and marketing abilities. As a bonus, AMD got the services of Nexgen's chief operating officer, Vinod Dham, who had previously headed Intel's Pentium design team. The AMD strategy is to build on the widespread Pentium-based infrastructure, instead of Intel's desire to introduce a new Pentium II platform. Despite its sixth-generation internal architecture, the K6 does not use sixth-generation packaging. Its pinout actually matches that of a classic Pentium chip. As Intel prepares to introduce its Pentium II (Pentium Pro MMX/Klamath) processor and the new required Slot 1 motherboard architecture, AMD is resting its hopes on the standard Socket 7 used by millions of existing Pentium computers. After testing the first three K6 chips, which run at 166MHz, 200MHz and 233MHz, the Microprocessor Report trade journal concluded that "AMD now has a processor faster than Intel's best chips." PC World also posted a report on its web site saying the K6 nearly matches the Pentium II in performance -- even though the K6 will sell for a lot less than the expected $650+ for the Pentium II. This is AMDs big assault against Intel's dominance in CPUs. AMD says it will be able to build four million K6s this year -- and 24 million next year. AMD expects to have the capacity -- and the marketing muscle -- to raise its market share from the current 5 percent to 30 percent by 1999. In addition to their chip factory in Austin, Texas, AMD is building a second facility in Dresden, Germany. FOR THE TECHNICALLY INCLINED... Like Intel's Pentium Pro, AMD has created a hybrid microprocessor: a RISC core with a x86 wrapper. The RISC (Reduced Instruction Set Computer) chip uses a simpler architecture capable of higher speeds and faster computations. Using AMD's RISC86 superscaler microarchitecture, the chip decodes each x86 instruction into a series of simpler operations that can then be processed using typical RISC principles -- such as out of-order execution, register renaming, branch prediction, data forwarding, and speculative execution. Manufactured with a 0.35-micron five-layer-metal process, the K6 is almost twenty percent smaller (162mm to 196mm) than a Pentium Pro yet contains 3.3 million more transistors (8.8 million to 5.5 million). Most of these additional transistors reside in the chip's primary cache, which -- at 64K -- is larger than any other x86 processor. A 266-MHz version of the K6 will debut by the fourth quarter, and a 300-MHz should follow in early 1998. Subsequently, AMD will continue to reduce die sizes and increase clock speeds by moving to a 0.25-micron manufacturing process in 1998 and a 0.18-micron process in 1999. The actual AMD-640 chipset will be licensed to VIA, SIS, Opti, ALI, ITE and others. Like Intel's 430TX, the AMD chipset uses a two-chip design and offers support for Concurrent PCI, UltraDMA, and USB. By the second half of the year, AMD plans to ship a version that supports Intel's Accelerated Graphics Port, which will give future graphics chips dedicated access to main memory. WHY BUY THE K6 NOW? 1. The K6 provides a cost-effective upgrade path for improved CPU processing, as well as the ability to take advantage of MMX Technology for improved multimedia, graphics and Internet applications. 2. The K6 is fully compatible with the x86 instruction set and will work with all of your Windows software. 3. The K6 runs faster than the Pentium Pro 200 using the latest benchmark test, Winstone 97. However, unlike the AMD-K6 series, the Pentium Pro 200 does not have MMX processing capabilities. 4. Unlike Intel's Pentium II (Klamath/Pentium Pro MMX), the AMD chips do not require a new motherboard or a special socket (Slot 1) SEC adapter. The K6/PR-233 and its two siblings -- the K6/PR-166 and the K6/PR-200 -- plug into the same socket as the Classic Pentium and will fit all ATX, LPX and Baby AT motherboards. 5. AMD will price the K6 at least 25 percent below Intel's chips. Need more reasons to upgrade to a new AMD K6? Take a look at PC Shopping Planet's special AMD area at http://www.shoppingplanet.com/amd/amd.HTM xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.shoppingplanet.com 1-800-779-8461 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx If you want to subscribe a friend to the Upgrade Update, send an email to subscribe@shoppingplanet.com with the subject line containing the new email address. Or, simply visit our site and enter the email address on our home page. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx http://www.shoppingplanet.com 1-800-779-8461 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx 2. HOT DEALS! These are today's prices. As we immediately pass any price reductions on to our customers, please check our web site for the latest prices (in US dollars). NEW PRODUCTS - TOSHIBA XM-6002B 16X IDE________________________$ 129.50 The best quality CD ROM Drive for your system - TOSHIBA XM-5701B 12X SCSI_______________________$ 138.00 - SYQUEST SyJet removable 1.5G Hard Drive_________$ 374.70 Access time: 10ms, Transfer rate: 10 MB/sec Available at PC SHOPPING PLANET - US Robotics 56K internal modem__________________$ 183.20 - US Robotics 56K external modem__________________$ 201.30 The new 56Kbps modems from US Robotics. This is a true 56K modem. No software upgrade needed. - Diamond FIRE GL 1000 with 4MB SGRAM_____________$ 354.00 - Diamond FIRE GL 1000 with 8MB SGRAM_____________$ 438.00 The latest video cards from DIAMOND. Technology, Quality and Performance designed for you. - Diamond FIREPORT 40 Ultra Wide SCSI Controller__$ 177.70 Great price for a reliable and fast SCSI controller. - Diamond Supraexpress 33.6K internal Modem_______$ 89.60 - Diamond Supraexpress 33.6K external Modem_______$ 96.60 - Diamond Supraexpress 56K internal Modem_________$ 185.90 - Diamond Supraexpress 56K external Modem_________$ 176.50 - AMD K6 CPU 166MHz_______________________________$ 293.50 The latest CPU form AMD that have MMX feature built-in Great performance for your current system. - AMD K6 CPU 200MHz_______________________________$ 493.90 MMX technology from AMD. The new 200 MHz CPU the gives you the best performance you can get within pentium CPU's - Looking for a new case? Check our new nice looking line of cases. Mid Tower case, w/230 W_________________________$ 49.50 Full Tower case w/250 W_________________________$ 82.50 ATX Mid Tower case w/250 W______________________$ 103.50 - Texas Instrument TM5025_________________________$1150.00 Pentium 75 Mhz, 16 MB, 810 MB hard drive, Active Matrix, 1 year warranty (refurbished) Check out this computer system from Texas Instruments! It has everything you need at a price you can afford! UPGRADE KITS - Kit #9 Upgrade motherboard Kit_________________$ 249.00 A full upgrade Kit, easy to assemble and fully tested. AMD K5 PR-75 MHz, 16 MB memory, 1 MB Video Card, Sound Card, high performance motherboard, cooling fan and instructions - Kit #4 Upgrade Motherboard Kit________________$ 285.00 Great performance for an affordable price. Cyrix P166+ CPU and the M Technology R534 Motherboard Everything setup, tested and configured. - Kit #6 Upgrade Motherboard Kit________________$ 320.00 Get your computer up to full Speed!! Performing the fastest CPU: Cyrix P200+ CPU and the fastest motherboard available: The M technology Mustang R534. Try it and love it. MODEMS: ***** Note: Last days to get this modems ***** ******** Rebate ends on 05/03/97 ******** - US Robotics Sportster Winmodem 14.4 internal____$ 26.10 A GREAT price for a modem - US Robotics Sportster Winmodem 28.8 (free upgrade to 33.6 from US Robotics) internal, upgradeable to 56K_____________________________$ 114.00 (Price BEFORE $40 mail-in rebate from US Robotics) - US Robotics Sportster 33.6, w/speakerphone & voicemail: (Upgradeable to 56K) external________________________________________$ 217.80 internal________________________________________$ 160.19 (Prices BEFORE $40 mail-in rebate from US Robotics) - US Robotics 56K internal modem__________________$ 183.20 - US Robotics 56K external modem__________________$ 201.30 - US Robotics 56K internal + voicemail____________$ 203.30 - US Robotics 56K external + voicemail____________$ 225.20 - Diamond Supraexpress 33.6K internal Modem_______$ 89.60 - Diamond Supraexpress 33.6K external Modem_______$ 96.60 - Diamond Supraexpress 56K internal Modem_________$ 185.90 - Diamond Supraexpress 56K external Modem_________$ 176.50 MEMORY: - 4 MB, 72 pin, 70 ns, non-parity_________________$ 24.00 - 8 MB, 72 pin, 70 ns, non-parity_________________$ 45.00 - 16 MB, 72 pin, 70 ns, non-parity________________$ 91.00 - 4 MB, 30 pin, 70 ns, parity_____________________$ 34.00 CPUs: - IBM P-200+____________________________________$ 161.69 - Intel Pentium 120 Mhz___________________________________$ 105.10 133 Mhz___________________________________$ 146.10 166 Mhz___________________________________$ 269.10 166 Mhz MMX_______________________________$ 321.10 200 Mhz___________________________________$ 360.40 200 Mhz MMX_______________________________$ 515.10 - Cyrix P-150+____________________________________$ 144.40 P-166+____________________________________$ 128.60 - AMD PR-75 MHz_________________________________$ 39.79 PR-100 MHz________________________________$ 75.50 PR-120 MHz________________________________$ 87.30 PR-133 MHz________________________________$ 86.30 PR-166 MHz________________________________$ 146.10 K6-166 MHz________________________________ K6-200 MHz________________________________ HARD DRIVES: - Western Digital 1.6 Gb____________________________________$ 211.40 2.1 Gb____________________________________$ 232.30 3.1 Gb____________________________________$ 284.60 4.0 Gb____________________________________$ 361.10 - Seagate 1.08 Gb___________________________________$ 174.20 2.5 Gb____________________________________$ 239.80 VIDEO CARDS: - DIAMOND 3D 2000, 2 MB EDO_______________________$ 95.00 4 MB EDO_______________________$ 132.30 - DIAMOND 3D 3000, 2 MB VRAM______________________$ 162.50 4 MB VRAM______________________$ 228.80 - MATROX Millennium 2 Mb WRAM PCI_________________$ 182.30 - CREATIVE LABS 3D Blaster, PCI, 4 MB EDO_________$ 191.60 TAPE DRIVES: - HP Colorado T1000 internal______________________$ 122.60 - HP COLORADO T3000 Internal 3.2 Gb_______________$ 187.00 - Iomega Jaz 1 Gb internal________________________$ 364.90 - Seagate TapeStore 800 internal,800 MB tape______$ 109.50 - Iomega Zip 100mb internal SCSI__________________$ 197.80 - Iomega Zip 100mb external SCSI__________________$ 198.70 MONITORS: - Digiview, 15", 0.28 mm, digital control_________$ 284.90 - Digiview, 17", 0.25 mm, on screen control_______$ 725.00 - Viewsonic Optiquest 1769 DC, 17" 0.28 mm, digital control_________________________________$ 522.70 MULTIMEDIA: - US Robotics BigPicture Video Kit________________$ 368.50 Digital Camera, Video Card, Modem, Software and much more. - Diamond 12X CD-ROM Multimedia Kit_______________$ 339.20 (12X CD-ROM, 16-bit PnP, Wavetable, 9 titles, speakers) Titles Included: Myst, Magic Carpet, Compton's Interctive Encyclopedia '96, Comix Zone, Corel Draw Virtua Fighter. - Creative Labs SoundBlaster 8X Multimedia Kit____$ 293.20 (8X CD-Rom, SoundBlaster 32bit,speakers,and 11 software titles) - GoldStar 16X CD ROM (up to 2.4 Mb/sec)__________$ 169.00 - Mitsumi 8X CD-Rom (1200 Kbps tranfer rate)______$ 93.60 - NEC 6X4 (holds up to 4 CD ROMs! runs at 6X!)____$ 104.50 - SoundBlaster AWE64 IDE PnP PC___________________$ 175.80 - SoundBlaster 16 IDE PC__________________________$ 61.80 Please visit our site for our complete catalog and company information. http://www.shoppingplanet.com Or give us a call at 1-800-779-8461 xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx If you no longer want to receive the SP Newsletter, send this email or reply to this address: unsubscribe@shoppingplanet.com xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx