AMD-K6 Datasheet, PDF (24/346 Pages) Advanced Micro Devices – AMD-K6 Processor

AMD-K6^® Processor Data Sheet
Preliminary Information
20695H/0—March 1998
The AMD-K6 processor’s RISC86 microarchitecture is a decoupled decode/execution
superscalar design that implements state-of-the-art design techniques to achieve
leading-edge performance. Advanced design techniques implemented in the AMD-K6
include multiple x86 instruction decode, single-clock internal RISC operations, seven
execution units that support superscalar operation, out-of-order execution, data
forwarding, speculative execution, and register renaming. In addition, the processor
supports the industry’s most advanced branch prediction logic by implementing an
8192-entry branch history table, the industry’s only branch target cache, and a return
address stack, which combine to deliver better than a 95% prediction rate. These
design techniques enable the AMD-K6 processor to issue, execute, and retire
multiple x86 instructions per clock, resulting in excellent scaleable performance.
The AMD-K6 processor is fully x86 binary code compatible. AMD’s extensive
experience through four generations of x86 processors has been carefully integrated
into the AMD-K6 to provide complete compatibility with Windows 95, Windows 3.x,
Windows NT, DOS, OS/2, Unix, Solaris, NetWare^®, Vines, and other leading x86
operating systems and applications. The AMD-K6 processor is Socket 7 compatible,
allowing the processor to be quickly and easily integrated into a mature and
cost-effective industry-standard infrastructure of motherboards, chipsets, power
supplies, and thermal designs.
AMD has designed, manufactured, and delivered over 50 million Microsoft^®
Windows-compatible processors in the last five years alone. The AMD-K6 processor is
the next generation in this long line of processors. With its combination of
state-of-the-art features, industry-leading performance, high-performance
multimedia engine, full x86 compatibility, and low-cost infrastructure, the AMD-K6 is
the superior choice for mainstream personal computers.
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AMD-K6^® Processor
Chapter 1