Intel Announces The Intel740 3-D Graphics Accelerator Chip

Bringing Outstanding Graphics Realism to Pentium® II Processor-Based PCs to Deliver an Enriched Visual Experience to PC Users

SANTA CLARA, Calif., Feb 12, 1998 – Intel Corporation today announced its new graphics accelerator chip, the Intel740. Optimized for the Pentium® II processor platform with Intel's AGPsets, the Intel740 is the foundation of Intel's broad-ranging effort to heighten the visual experience for PC users. The Intel740's unique HyperPipelined 3-D architecture and powerful 2-D and video acceleration introduce a high level of realism to the PC for outstanding, life-like computing. The rapid industry adoption of the Accelerated Graphics Port (AGP) interface driven by Intel, coupled with the advanced graphics technology of the Intel740, enables a new generation of graphically stunning consumer and business applications on the PC.

"The Intel740's Hyperpipelined 3-D architecture enables mainstream PC users to experience unique graphics quality and performance for a new generation of exciting applications such as arcade-style 3-D games and movie-quality DVD titles," said Avtar Saini, vice president and general manager of Intel's Platform Components Division.

"The Intel740 chip promises to deliver high performance for developers and end users," said Jay Torborg, director of Graphics and Multimedia at Microsoft Corp. "The combination of the Intel740 and its solid implementation of the industry standard Direct3-D API will mean increased power and flexibility for game developers and more compelling content for end-users."

Balancing Graphics Performance and Enabling Next-Generation Applications
The Intel740 is designed to balance performance across the Pentium II processor platform. Utilizing the Pentium II processor's advanced floating point unit as well as the AGPsets' high bandwidth and graphics-enhancing capabilities, the Intel740 delivers a rich graphics experience at a mainstream price point. This advanced graphics technology is an excellent match for new-generation 3-D titles such as id software's Quake II*, Criterion's Red Line Racer*, Rage's Incoming* and Ubisoft's Tonic Trouble*.

"The Intel740 3-D accelerator provides no-compromise performance for Quake II players," said John Carmack, technical director and president of id software. "Intel has shown that it isn't necessary to cut features or sacrifice quality in consumer-level 3-D."

Intel has been working closely with a wide range of software developers to enable next-generation content for the Pentium II processor platform with AGP and Intel740 graphics. These innovative 3-D applications -- such as Data Visualization, consumer CAD and 3-D Web browsers, as well as high-quality DVD titles and exciting new games -- using the Intel740's powerful acceleration, all contribute to transforming computing into an incomparable visual experience for the mainstream PC user.

Introducing Intel's HyperPipelined 3-D: No-Compromise High-Performance 3-D
With the Intel740 graphics accelerator, Intel also introduces a unique 3-D architecture, HyperPipelined 3-D. This new technology delivers superior image quality and graphics acceleration at mainstream prices. HyperPipelined 3-D includes Parallel Data Processing (PDP), to deliver superior 3-D acceleration; Precise-Pixel Interpolation (PPI) for highly realistic image quality; and Direct Memory Execution (DME), enabling more memory bandwidth for high-quality new generation 3-D applications.

Intel Quality and Reliability
The new Intel740 graphics accelerator was developed using Intel's world class design and volume manufacturing capabilities. Designed using Intel's quality performance tools, the Intel740 also benefits from Intel's established experience in the processor manufacturing market, ensuring high levels of quality and reliability.

Pricing and Availability
The Intel740 will be available in volume production for third party graphics vendors and OEM manufacturers in February 1998, and is priced at $34.75 in 10,000 unit quantities.

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