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AMD launched its first processors with on-die L2 cache this week in 1999, heralding the beginning of the Super Socket 7 era. With its new K6-III CPUs , AMD presented a major architectural leap above the popular K6-2 line, and knocked the Intel Pentium II 450 off its fastest processor perch. Intel would quickly follow up with its first Pentium III Katmai CPUs, but the K6-III could still outclass its pricier foe in cache latency-sensitive apps.
Intel abandoned Socket 7 in 1997, with the Pentium II series moving to the rather unusual Slot 1 motherboard interface. However, AMD persevered with Socket 7 , pleasing PC builders and upgraders for several more years. The K6-III was an important move for AMD in keeping Socket 7 alive.
The new AMD K6-III with on-die cache launched in 400 and 450 MHz SKUs on Feb 22, 1999. AMD positioned it as a pre-prepared answer to Intel’s upcoming Pentium III (Feb 26 launch). Reviews and comparisons from the time show that AMD’s gambit largely paid off – maintaining the red team’s price-performance competitive edge until the K7 Athlon series tech could trickle down to the mainstream.
AMD's dual-cache Ryzen 9 9950X3D2 appears in first benchmark leaks
Key considerations
- Investor positioning can change fast
- Volatility remains possible near catalysts
- Macro rates and liquidity can dominate flows
Reference reading
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/SPONSORED_LINK_URL
- https://www.tomshardware.com/pc-components/cpus/amds-k6-iii-sharptooth-debuted-this-week-in-1999-with-on-die-l2-cache-to-savage-the-intel-pentium-ii-it-also-held-the-line-against-the-pentium-iii#main
- https://www.tomshardware.com
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Informational only. No financial advice. Do your own research.