Rise Technology's Low-Cost Microprocessor May Shake Up Notebook and Desktop Markets

Strategic Insights -

A low-power, low-cost microprocessor design from the Californian semiconductor company Rise Technology may disrupt the notebook and desktop markets by offering affordable yet feature-rich systems to consumers. Rise Technology unveiled its mP6 family of computer chips at a conference in San Jose, with technology distributor QD Innovative Computers signing up as the Australian agent. QD will demonstrate an mP6-based system at the Interact + PC IT '98 show in Melbourne, where attendees will have the opportunity to evaluate the technology before pricing and availability are announced at COMDEX Fall in Las Vegas.

Key Takeaways:

  • Rise Technology's mP6 microprocessor is a low-power, low-cost design that fills a niche in the PC market for more value and features at a lower cost than performance PCs.
  • The mP6 features a soft modem, soft DVD playback, and built-in power management, which sets it apart from other x86 CPUs.
  • Acer, the world's third-largest PC manufacturer, has no plans to adopt the Rise chip but will monitor its emergence with interest.
  • The Rise chip uses the Socket 7 connector on the motherboard and has assembled a team of technical staff with experience at Amdahl, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, LSI Logic, MIPS Technologies, NEC, and Sun Microsystems.
  • First International Computers (FIC) plans to integrate the mP6 into its product line relatively quickly once pre-production samples are available.
  • QD Innovative Computers aims to sell at least 2000 mP6 chips by the end of the year and provide all the features for basic entry systems at a very attractive price.

Statistics:

  • The mP6 microprocessor is designed to be more cost-effective for entry-level PCs.
  • The Rise chip uses the Socket 7 connector on the motherboard.
  • Rise has assembled a team of 116 technical staff with experience at Amdahl, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, LSI Logic, MIPS Technologies, NEC, and Sun Microsystems.
  • QD Innovative Computers aims to sell at least 2000 mP6 chips by the end of the year.

Sources:

  • Rise Technology's official announcement
  • QD Innovative Computers' press release
  • Interview with Danny Wang, manager of QD Innovative Computers
  • Interview with Jim Wong, spokesman for Acer
  • Interview with Sean Lee, marketing spokesman for FIC's PC division
  • CAPTION(S):Photo: On the up: Danny Wang, the manager of QD Innovative Computers, with the latest in the world of chips from US company Rise Technology.