Initial Response

What did we first see?

The first thing we did was take a close look at the processor itself. The K7 is virtually identical to the original Pentium II Single Edge Contact Connector package, for good reason. AMD wanted to make it as easy as possible to create K7 parts and boards, hoping to more easily proliferate their new chip.

K7, front view

K7, top profile

While the K7 looks similar to a standard Slot 1 processor, it's a completely new animal on the inside, and won't work in a standard Slot-1 system. While mechanically similar to Slot-1, the K7 has completely different pin-outs, and its electrical signals are not to compatible with the Intel Slot-1 line.

The Pentium II similarity is not a coincidence, however. By using "off-the-shelf" designs and parts, AMD wants to make it as easy as possible for manufacturers to acquire parts to build AMD systems - using the same heatsinks, slot connectors, and form factor make for faster time-to-market.

Uncle Fester at a glance

AMD's own chipset

Fester?

The motherboard itself is original AMD. The "Fester A3" is a preproduction version of the consumer motherboard that will likely ship with K7 systems. Due to the initial lack of K7 motherboard and chipset manufacturers, AMD themselves will be providing these essential components until 3rd party manufacturing ramps up.