IBM PowerPC 604e microprocessor -- smaller and faster

April 14, 1997

IBM introduced today an enhanced PowerPC 604e at 233 MHz that employs a new IBM manufacturing process technology, making the new chip about 35 percent smaller, but more powerful, than its predecessor. By using the new technology, the 604e becomes one of the first microprocessors to have circuit lines as small as 0.25-micron -- about 1/400th the width of a human hair.

The 604e is the overall leader in performance in the PowerPC lineup, offering 20 percent better performance than Intel's Pentium Pro processor. The 604e is designed with the horsepower needed for demanding multimedia, graphics- and compute-intensive applications and for symmetric multiprocessing applications used in high-end Macintoshes, Mac-compatibles and other personal computers, workstations and servers. Even at a lower clock speed, the 604e at 233 MHz outperforms the fastest 603e. The 603e is the PowerPC processor for low-power applications and entry- to midrange desktop systems.

On the industry standard SPEC benchmark, the PowerPC 604e at 233 MHz has an estimated SPECint95 of up to 10.3 and an estimated SPECfp 95 of up to 7.3, depending upon system configuration. The chip's 5.1 million transistors are packed onto a die (a piece of silicon and circuitry that makes up a microprocessor) that measures only 96 square millimeters.

IBM also expects to deliver the first G3 Series microprocessors later this year, further extending PowerPC performance.

The new IBM 233 MHz PowerPC microprocessors are available immediately in UNIX and Mac OS systems:

• IBM's RS/6000 Division is announcing new servers and workstations,
• Akia is announcing the MicroBook Power604e/233DP dual processor system,
• Previously Apple Computer had announced the Macintosh 9600/233 and UMAX had announced the SuperMac 8900/233.

Several other companies including, DayStar Digital, Tatung, and Bull have stated their intention to offer systems based on the new PowerPC 604e microprocessor.

The enhanced PowerPC 604e at 233 MHz is available now at $443 in OEM quantities of 1000. IBM is also now shipping the PowerPC 603e at 250 MHz at $328.

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Pricing is current as of April 14, 1997 and is subject to change without notice. Contact your local IBM sales representative for current pricing information.

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