11/2/98 - SUN'S UltraSPARC-IIi MICROPROCESSOR MOVES TO 360 MHz

Original Document

SUN'S UltraSPARC-IIi MICROPROCESSOR MOVES TO 360 MHz

Increased Performance to Benefit High-Performance Network-Intensive Compute Applications and Low-End Workstations

SAN JOSE, CALIF. - November 2, 1998 - Sun Microsystems, Inc. today announced the availability of samples of the 360 MHz version its 64-bit UltraSPARC^TM-IIi microprocessor. The new processor brings higher speed and performance to network-intensive embedded compute applications as well as entry-level workstations and servers.

The faster processor adds more firepower to what is already the industry's processor architecture of choice for workstations and servers. The delivery of the 360 MHz version of the UltraSPARC-IIi also reiterates Sun's commitment to its recently announced UltraSPARC microprocessor roadmap - a roadmap that shows the UltraSPARC-IIi family reaching as fast as 480 MHz by the end of 1999.

"The UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor is a tremendous performer for Sun. It is the foundation for Sun's high-end, embedded motherboard business which includes both CompactPCI boards and system motherboards. UltraSPARC-IIi processors also drive Sun Microsystems' extremely successful Ultra^TM 5 and Ultra 10 workstations," said Marge Breya, vice president of marketing, Sun Microsystems, Microelectronics. "The UltraSPARC-IIi processor, with its high level of integration, gives customers affordable SPARC and Solaris^TM operating environment solutions at industry-leading performance levels."

In the embedded motherboard space, Sun focuses on solutions targeted for network intensive compute applications like telecommunications, adjunct communication processors, switched routers as well as medical imaging, multifunction printers and photocopiers in the imaging markets.

UltraSPARC-IIi Microprocessor Module

The UltraSPARC-IIi processor, based on the SPARC V9 superscalar architecture, builds on the strength of the 64-bit UltraSPARC microprocessor family and adds the functionality of memory and PCI controllers to deliver a tightly integrated single-chip solution. The immediate benefits for system designers who integrate the UltraSPARC-IIi family, is reduced system cost along with superior overall system performance and improved ease of design.

At 360 MHz, with 2 MBytes external cache, the UltraSPARC-IIi processor-based module provides an estimated SPECint95 of 15.2 and SPECfp95 of 19.9. UltraSPARC-IIi processors supports the PCI bus running at up to 66 MHz. An optional Advanced PCI Bridge is available from Sun to expand the number of PCI devices supported to a total of 32 devices at 33 MHz. The UltraSPARC-IIi processor provides optimum I/O, memory and compute performance for systems. This leads to a well-balanced price/performance solution that delivers the power and features needed by high-end embedded applications.

The UltraSPARC-IIi processor also takes advantage of the VIS^TM Multimedia Instruction Set. This allows systems to handle new media types (multimedia, 3D) as well as aide in processing network operations faster.

The UltraSPARC-IIi- processors support Sun's Solaris operating environment and is binary-compatible with the broad array of existing SPARC applications. In addition, for embedded applications, leading real-time operating system (RTOS) and tool chain suppliers like VxWorks/Tornado from WindRiver and GNUpro from Cygnus are ported to the UltraSPARC-Iii today with Chorus, from Sun, expected in the near future.

Availability and Pricing

The UltraSPARC-IIi microprocessor module, running at 360 MHz, is available in sample quantities today with volume quantities expected in December. In 1,000 unit quantities, the module, with 2 MBytes external cache, sells for $1,400. The Advanced PCI-to-PCI Bridge (APB) sells for $50. The processors are available in a ceramic LGA package and the APB is available in a plastic BGA package. For further information about UltraSPARC-IIi processors or any other microprocessors from Sun, contact Microelectronics Sales at US (800) 681-8845 or international +1 (512) 434-1503, or visit our Web site at http://www.sun.com/microelectronics.

About Sun Microsystems, Inc.

Since its inception in 1982, a singular vision, "The Network Is The Computer^TM," has propelled Sun Microsystems, Inc. (NASDAQ: SUNW), to its position as a leading provider of high quality hardware, software and services for establishing enterprise-wide intranets and expanding the power of the Internet. With more than $10 billion in annual revenues, Sun can be found in more than 150 countries and on the World Wide Web at http://www.sun.com.

Sun, the Sun logo, Sun Microsystems, Solaris, HotJava, Java and "The Network Is The Computer" are trademarks or registered trademarks of Sun Microsystems, Inc. in the United States and in other countries. All SPARC trademarks are used under license and are trademarks or registered trademarks of SPARC International, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Products bearing SPARC trademarks are based upon an architecture developed by Sun Microsystems, Inc.
Press announcements and other information about Sun Microsystems are available on the Internet via the World Wide Web using a tool such as Netscape Navigator or Sun's HotJava^TM browser. Type http://www.sun.com at the URL prompt.