What is MMX* technology? MMX technology is a set of 57 new instructions added to the x86 architecture to speed up multimedia operations. These instructions use a technique called SIMD (pronounced SIM - DEE) which stands for Single-Instruction-Multiple-Data. With SIMD, a processor can operate on many pieces of data at the same time. And with MMX technology, in particular, one instruction can add, subtract, or multiply 4 pairs of 16-bit numbers at the same time. This comes in really handy when processing CD-quality audio. MMX technology will be incorporated in all future generations of Intel processors. Their first processor to have the technology is the Pentium* processor with MMX technology (code name P55C). Intel is also working on a Pentium Pro-based processor with MMX technology, code named "Klamath". Although Cyrix has not licensed the technology from Intel, they announced that their "M2" processor--follow-on to their 6x86--will be compatible with Intel's technology. AMD has licensed it from Intel and will be incorporated into their "K6" processor--follow-on to their K5 processor. There is one big difference between Intel's P55C and M2, K6. While the P55C can execute up to 2 multimedia instructions simultaneously, M2 and K6 can only execute one at a time. The Pentium processor with MMX technology will be available in January 1997, followed by K6 and M2 in the second quarter of 1997. Klamath is expected to be available in the second half of 1997. How much faster is it? Intel claims that MMX technology will speed up multimedia programs by 50 to 400 percent. Recently, HP accidentally shipped PC Magazine a system with a 200MHz Pentium processor with MMX technology. The magazine did some benchmarking with the only piece of software that's MMX technology enhanced and found a 20% speedup. I guess we have to wait and see what the real performance boost is. Do I need to buy new software? The short answer is yes. Since the speedup comes from using new instructions, software has to be rewritten to take full advantage of the technology. All existing software, of course, will run on the new MMX technology compatible processors. The Pentium processor with MMX technology (P55C) has some enhancements besides the new multimedia instructions. It will run existing software about 10 to 20% faster. Adobe has been shipping their PhotoDeluxe which uses the new instructions already. Yamaha, Creative Labs (of SoundBlaster fame), QSound Labs (3D audio), and many more hardware/software companies have announced support for MMX technology. Do I need to buy a new computer to get MMX technology? You probably don't need to buy a whole new computer if you have a Pentium processor-based system already. Intel has announced that they will have an OverDrive processor upgrade that should work in most Pentium processor-based PC. The availablility has not been announced. Cyrix's M2 and AMD's K6 reportedly will fit into the Pentium socket. Where do I get more information? Intel: Pentium processor w/MMX technology press release, Information for developers PC Magazine Online: First look at 200MHz Pentium processor w/MMX technology AMD: Web site (No specific information on K6) Cyrix: Web site (Some information on M2) *All other brands and names are property of their respective owners.