Original Document
Press Release
                        Press Contact:-
                        Aston Bridgman
                        NEC Corporation
                        TEL    : 81-3-3798-6511
                        FAX    : 81-3-3457-7249
                        E-mail : Aston_Bridgman@HO-PRD.ccgw.nec.co.jp

*****For immediate use November 24, 1998

NEC Markets World's Highest Class Performance Microprocessor

NEC Corporation (NEC) today announced it has begun initial sample shipments of the VR12000-300 microprocessor (part number uPD30710RS-300), with performance that places it in the highest class of microprocessors in the world. The VR12000-300 is intended for use by major equipment manufacturers such as Silicon Graphics, Siemens Nixdorf, and Tandem Computers as well as by NEC itself.

The VR12000-300 microprocessor operates at 300MHz using a 64-bit RISC design, which simplifies its instruction sets to accelerate performance. Developed jointly with Silicon Graphics, Inc., the new microprocessor is compatible with the MIPS*1 IVTM instruction set architecture. The MIPS resist architecture is widely recognized as a powerful design base for superior graphics and computing capabilities.

VR12000 is a super-scalar microprocessor with multiple pipelines that allow it to execute several instructions per clock cycle. It can re-order these instructions to make efficient use of its execution units, producing top-end estimated performance ratings of:

The VR12000-300 has an improved micro-architecture, which maintains binary and pin level compatibility with the VR10000-series of microprocessors. Manufactured in an advanced 0.25-micron CMOS process, which contributes to its impressive speed, the VR12000-300 is highly suited for use in:

The downsizing of computing has made performance issues even more vital for workstations and highly functional personal computers. VR12000-300 microprocessor provides up to 20% higher performance than the previous model (the VR10000-250), while its binary and pin compatibility assure a smooth transition with no changes, other than power supply voltage.

The VR12000-300 will be produced in volume of 10,000 units per month from the first half of 1999, and be priced at 300,000 yen in Japan.

NEC, which is the world's fifth largest producer of microprocessors, and Silicon Graphics, Inc (SGI) have partnered since March 1989 to develop several advanced devices, such as the VR4100, VR4300, VR5000, VR10000, andVR12000-series. Both companies expect to maintain this successful relationship to continue development of the highest performance computing devices.

For further information on the VR-series of microprocessors and NEC's other semiconductor products, please visit NEC's Electron Device News website at: http://www.ic.nec.co.jp/index_e.html

Copyright(C) NEC Corporation 1998. NEC and C&C are trademarks of NEC Corporation.