IRVINE, Calif., May 4, 1992 -- AST Research Inc. today launched the Power Premium upgradeable desktop computer line designed with advanced graphics technology that significantly accelerates system performance in Windows environments. The EISA-based systems also feature AST's Cupid-32 upgrade design, AST FlashBIOS and the latest microprocessor technology to meet the increased demands of today's computing environments as well as tomorrow's computing needs. The series includes the Power Premium 4/50d, 4/33 and 3/33 configurations. An advanced integrated Premium VGA subsystem built around the Western Digital WD9OC31 graphics chip with BitBLT (Bit Block Transfer) and Hardware Cursor provides the accelerated performance. According to tests performed using PC Magazine Labs Windows Benchmark, Graphics WINMARK Version 2.50, AST's Power Premium 4/33, an i486-based, 33MHz system, performs four and one-half times faster than Dell, three and one-half times faster than Compaq and twice as fast as IBM and NEC systems with the same base configuration. WINMARK is the weighted geometric mean of twelve Windows graphics operations that are most frequently used by major Windows applications. Test results, based on 33-MHz 486DX systems in 640 by 480 resolution with 256 colors, showed the following: -- AST Power Premium at 6.678 million WINMARKS; -- NEC PowerMate 486/33i (local bus) at 3.257 million WINMARKS; -- IBM PS/2 Model 95 XP 486 8595-OKD (XGA) at 2.865 million WINMARKS; -- Compaq Deskpro 486/33M at 1.830 million WINMARKS, and -- Dell Powerline 433DE at 1.438 million WINMARKS. "These benchmarks clearly show AST's Power Premium to be the fastest Windows machine on the market with integrated high-performance video," said Larry Fortmuller, director of high performance systems. "End users can see an immediate gain in productivity from this level of performance." Locating video right on the system board yields a more reliable design as well as higher performance and lower cost to the end user. "Some manufacturers charge extra for video of this quality, but with AST this is a standard feature on all our Power Premium products, " said Fortmuller. "Compaq, for example, charges an additional fee of almost $600 for its QVision controller video option." For Windows or Graphical User Interface (GUI) users, the Premium VGA graphics subsystem also provides higher resolution, photo-realistic colors, faster refresh rates and ergonomic appeal. And, to protect a user's investment as computing needs grow, AST has expanded its upgradeability features in the Power Premium design. Users can increase processor speed and system memory through AST's award-winning Cupid-32 upgradeable architecture; advance to EISA (Extended Industry Standard Architecture) peripherals while maintaining compatibility with current ISA (Industry Standard Architecture) peripherals through the EISA bus; and update the system's BIOS (Basic Input Output System) through AST FlashBIOS, a simplified, software-based BIOS upgrade. The new AST systems are housed in a small-footprint chassis measuring 15.5 inches wide by 6.25 inches high by 16.5 inches deep to accommodate today's smaller desktop space. The Power Premium series is immediately available through the company's nationwide network of computer resellers. Suggested list prices begin at $2,595. AST's Premium II ISA-based desktop line also will continue to be offered through the reseller channel. Premium VGA Graphics Enhancements The integrated video circuitry housed on the Power Premium system board greatly enhances overall video performance and reliability. BitBLT (Bit Block Transfer), an on-chip hardware function, significantly accelerates graphics performance by copying linear or rectangular blocks of pixels between two regions of video memory without CPU intervention. This especially benefits Microsoft Windows users because all "windows" are essentially rectangles that frequently get opened or moved on the screen. The Hardware Cursor enhances graphics performance and eliminates cursor flicker by offloading all cursor manipulation functions from the host CPU. The Power Premium's Hardware Cursor provides the 32 by 32 pixel pattern that Microsoft requires for Windows and can also function in the 64 by 64 pixel mode for UNIX. The Power Premium series complies with the strictest ergonomic standards, including those set forth by the Video Electronics Standards Association (VESA). The systems feature higher resolution video modes and fast refresh rates (72Hz) to enhance display crispness and eliminate display flickering, significantly reducing eye strain. The Power Premium can display more than 32,000 colors simultaneously for photographic quality graphics. Video modes supported include 1024 by 768 and 800 by 600 with 256 colors; 1280 by 1024 with 16 colors. The systems come equipped with 512KB of video RAM on the system board and can be upgraded to lMB of video memory for more flexibility and pleasing graphics. Cupid-32 Upgrade Technology AST's Cupid-32 upgrade design, built into all Power Premium models, separates the processor/memory bus and related components from the EISA I/O bus, providing a fast, complete "one-board" upgrade solution that optimizes performance of all vital system components. Other upgrade designs which include more connectors and components, such as Compaq's M series, potentially decrease the level of performance and reliability. Cupid-32 provides one of the most comprehensive upgrade paths on the market, offering upgrades from 386SX or DX technology to 486DX2 with the simple insertion of an AST FASTboard. Some manufacturers begin upgrade offerings above the 386SX level, locking customers out at the low end. EISA I/O Bus AST's Power Premium PCs feature EISA 32-bit bus design that accelerates performance of I/O devices, such as network cards and disk controllers. The EISA design, which incorporates the Intel chip set, also maintains full compatibility with the ISA 16-bit standard. This allows continued use of ISA peripheral boards, such as modems, and support of newer EISA boards as performance needs grow. EISA supports multiple bus master peripheral cards that can take independent control of the I/O bus when it is not in use by the main microprocessor, freeing the CPU to complete other tasks. The EISA specification also defines a high burst-mode data rate, and, when supported by EISA bus mastering boards, can operate at advanced speeds -- up to 33MB per second compared to 2MB per second on ISA systems. AST FlashBIOS AST FlashBIOS simplifies upgrading the Power Premium's BIOS when changes in system software occur. A user merely has to load new programming from a diskette to the existing chip rather than replacing it. The upgrade also can be downloaded from AST's Worldwide On-Line! Bulletin Board System for immediate updating. To prevent unauthorized AST FlashBIOS reprogramming, the update diskette is protected by an embedded signature and verification procedure. This also provides an increased level of virus protection. High-Performance Processing The Power Premium 4/50d represents the best price/performance value in the AST Power Premium series. The system utilizes Intel's new 486DX2 technology. The chip processes information internally at 50MHz, twice as fast _ 25MHz external operation. This provides fast performance in processor-intensive applications, while maintaining compatibility with the CPU board's existing circuitry. At the heart of the Power Premium 4/33 is an Intel 33-MHz, 486DX microprocessor. Advanced on-chip features include 8KB of cache memory, an integrated 80387-compatible numeric coprocessor and support for an optional Weitek 4167 math chip. The Power Premium 3/33 combines 33-MHz, 386DX microprocessing with four-way, set-associative 386DX caching technology. The system features 16KB of cache memory and support for an Intel 387DX or Weitek 3167 coprocessor. Standard Features The Power Premium 4/50d, 4/33 and 3/33 all come standard with 4MB of RAM expandable to 80MB system total, with up to 16MB on the processor board. All systems include the Cupid-32 board populated by the-processor, first complement of memory and cache memory. AST's optional FASTboard upgrade kits allow users to upgrade from the 3/33 to the 4/33 or 4/50d. The Power Premium's small-footprint ergonomic chassis has the power switch, reset button and chassis lock mounted on the front for easy access. Support for three floppy-type devices, two serial, one parallel and one PS/2 compatible mouse port and an IDE hard drive interface are integrated on the Power Premium motherboard. This high level of integration saves valuable expansion slots. The systems feature five drive bays and six expansion slots. One slot is used by the processor board; the remaining five are EISA/ISA compatible. Disk caching software, diagnostics and complete system and software utilities documentation are included with each Power Premium. Mass Storage Options, Models and Pricing All base systems, called Model 3V, are equipped with a 3.5inch, 1.44-MB floppy drive. Model 83V includes an 80-MB IDE hard drive; Model 213V, a 210-MB IDE hard drive. The Power Premium 4/50d, Model 3V sells for a suggested list price of $3,295; Model 83V, for $3,695; and Model 213V, for $4,095. The Power Premium 4/33, Model 3V's suggested list is $2,995; Model 83V, is $3,395; and Model 213V is $3,795. The Power Premium 3/33, Model 3V is priced at $2,595; Model 83V, at $2,995; and Model 213V, at $3,395. Optional High Resolution Monitors As a complement to the Power Premium graphics capabilities, AST is offering a new line of high resolution, high refresh rate SVGA color monitors to match the characteristics of the video subsystem. These monitors meet Swedish low-radiation standards and feature anti-glare, anti-static screens. The SVGA-LR option is available in 14 or 17-inch models, priced at $545 and $1,295, respectively. The 14-inch model is currently available. The 17-inch is scheduled for availability this summer. Service and Support All systems include a one-year parts and labor warranty. AST has 8,000 trained service technicians in more than 1,200 Authorized Service Centers nationwide. On-site maintenance is available anywhere within a 50-mile radius of more than 250 of the authorized AST on-site service locations. Additionally, AST provides technical assistance through a toll-free hotline. AST On-Line!, the worldwide electronic bulletin board service, provides a 24-hour electronic reference library. Also, AST Info-FAX provides up-to-date technical information sent directly to fax machines through an automated 24-hour service. Corporate Background AST Research Inc. recently made the Fortune 500 list of the nation's largest industrial companies designated by Fortune magazine and is one of the first PC manufacturers to be named to the list since 1986. The company reported record sales of $688.5 million for the 1991 fiscal year ended June 28, 1991. This compares to sales of $533.8 million for fiscal year 1990. AST is a leading market share holder of desktop, file server and notebook computers. Product lines include the Premium, Bravo, Advantage! and Premium Exec families. The company is represented in more than 100 countries and operates 39 subsidiaries and sales offices worldwide. AST Research corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 19658, Irvine, Calif. 92713-9658. Telephone: (714) 727-4141 or (800) 876-4278. 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