MMX and the Central Processing Unit (CPU)
Multi-Media Extensions (MMX) was originally a set of 57 computer instructions
dedicated to handling and accelerating multimedia and communications processes
on a PC. It was originally expected to be a set of software; but has been
integrated into the CPU of notable CPU manufacturers such as Intel, Cyrix, and
AMD.
Advantages of MMX technology include:
- Accelerate multimedia processing
- Accelerate communications processing
- Enhance images
- Clarify audio
- Sharpen video
- Frees up the CPU for other tasks.
Intel will phase out the older Pentium and Pentium Pro in favor of the
Pentium II and the Pentium with MMX capability. In actuality, the last
two will last a short before the Intel Deschutes and more advanced microprocessors
hit the market over the next 3 years or so. In either case, you can expect most
processors to be available with MMX embedded in the CPU.
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