AST UNVEILS FIRST PENTIUM PROCESSOR-BASED SYSTEMS

IRVINE, Calif., May 17, 1993 -- Taking a strong stance in support of
emerging technologies, AST Research Inc. today announced its first Intel
Pentium processor-based products, the Premium SE P/60 server, Manhattan
SMP multiprocessor and Premmia P/60 desktop system.

Embracing Intel' s contribution of key technology for more powerful PC
performance through the nineties, AST is offering a full range of products
that are highly functional in today's as well as tomorrow's dynamic world
of computing.

"AST designed a path to full Pentium processor functionality with its high
performance desktop and server products early on, allowing us to bring
Pentium processor-based models to market quickly," said Larry Fortmuller,
director of high performance systems marketing. "These products are
designed to take full advantage of 32-bit operating systems and more
powerful applications as they evolve. AST also will be offering upgrade
implementations to allow users to make the transition from i486 to Pentium
processing with current AST machines."

AST's Pentium processor systems will be available through AST's reseller
channel. The estimated retail price ranges shown below include a variety
of models and configurations. AST's lineup includes: 

Premium SE P/60 server, a new model in the current i486 Premium SE line
incorporating the Pentium processor with AST's award-winning Cupid
processor design. This board will also be an upgrade solution for earlier
Premium SE servers that incorporate AST FlashBIOS. The processor, related
circuitry, up to 128MB memory and 256KB of second-level cache are on the
board, providing full 64-bit performance of the Pentium chip at 60MHz
clock speed. Estimated retail prices will range from $7,500 to $9,500.

Manhattan SMP fully symmetric multiprocessor, AST's cost-effective
alternative to mini computers, was designed from the ground up to be
Pentium-processor ready. It features a 64-bit passive backplane for full
exploitation of Pentium processor capabilities. Currently available with
486DX/50MHz CPUs, the Manhattan SMP also will be available in a Pentium
60MHz processor board configuration. The board also allows upgrading
Manhattan SMP systems equipped with 486DX/50MHz CPUs. Estimated retail
prices will range from $32,000 to $36,000. 

Premmia P/60 desktop PC is the latest addition to the EISA-based i486
Premmia family. A dedicated slot accommodates a Pentium processor board
with 256KB of second level cache for 64-bit CPU to memory access. The
Premmia PCs are equipped with a sophisticated local bus video subsystem
called LocalLink for significantly accelerated video performance.
Estimated retail prices will range from $5,500 to $8,000.

AST's Pentium processor systems are scheduled for July availability. 

Premium SE P/60 Server

Specifically engineered for the networking and multiuser environments,
AST's Premium SE P/60 server will deliver noticeable performance
increases. For example, the Pentium processor has 3.5 times the
transaction processing power of the i486DX/33

The Premium SE P/60 will maintain full compatibility with leading
networking operating systems, with specific capabilities to address 32-bit
operating systems such as Windows NT, Solaris, Univel and OS/2. It also
will achieve higher performance levels in running existing 16-bit
operating systems, including Novell Netware, SCO UNIX and Banyan VINES.

Base configuration includes 16MB of RAM, 256KB cache memory and 8 available
EISA expansion slots. An optional three or five-channel disk array
controller accommodates up to 8GB of internal hard drive storage in the
main cabinet. FastSCSI hard drives mounted in slide-out trays, along with
SCSI backplanes, provide cable-free drive installation for ease in
upgrading or "hot" swapping. This disk array subsystem provides fault
tolerance and high availability. The Premium SE server also features AST
FlashBIOS with Common User Access setup routine and security protection as
well as AST Premium VGA high-performance integrated video.

Manhattan SMP Symmetric Multiprocessor

The Manhattan SMP fully symmetric multiprocessor, AST's flagship in the
super-server and minicomputer replacement arena, can be purchased for the
price of a service contract of many mini or mainframe computers.
Error-Correcting Code memory, 625-Watt redundant power supplies and a
multi-channel disk array subsystem provide the high availability required
for this level of processing. Additionally, the data integrity and
functional redundancy-checking features built into the Pentium chip will
enhance support of mission critical applications.

The Manhattan SMP also is AST's most scalable system, featuring up to four
Pentium processors, 448MB maximum memory, eight EISA and two ISA expansion
slots, and 16 SCSI hard drives in the main cabinet supporting up to 16GB
of internal storage. The base configuration includes one Pentium processor
board, 16MB of RAM and 256KB of cache. Models will be available with
various hard drive configurations.

New to the Manhattan family will be the Manhattan SMP Pentium processor
card featuring two 8KB internal memory caches, a 64-bit data bus, a 32-bit
address bus and floating point unit with 256KB second-level write back
cache. 

Premmia P/60 Desktop System

AST's Premmia P/60 boasts features that yield the advanced power and
reliability required for high-end business and CAD/CAM applications. The
60MHz Pentium processor makes it AST's fastest PC to date. AST has
included 256KB 64-bit second-level cache to utilize 64-bit CPU to memory
access. The Premmia base configuration also includes 16MB of RAM and four
open EISA expansion slots. A hard drive model will be available featuring
an integrated IDE hard drive controller.

The Premmia also features LocalMotion a part of its video subsystem for
fullscreen video capabilities. AST FlashBIOS for upgrading BIOS via floppy
or over a network, extensive security and asset management capabilities,
four EISA expansion slots and five drive bays are additional features. 

Service and Support

AST's Premium SE and Manhattan SMP servers are backed by a full three-year
on-site warranty with service provided by AST Authorized On-Site Service
Providers. The Premmia desktop system features one-year on-site with
second and third year carry-in service. AST has a 24-hour, 7 days-per-week
toll-free hotline, Info-FAX and world-wide 24-hour on-line bulletin board
service for technical and product information. 

Corporate Background

AST Research Inc. ranks number 367 on the Fortune 500 list of America's
largest industrial companies. Revenue for calendar year 1992 totaled more
than $1.1 billion. AST reported record sales of $370.3 million for the
third quarter of fiscal year 1993, ended April 3, 1993, representing a 70
percent increase in unit shipments over the comparable year quarter.
Fiscal year 1992 revenues were $944.1 million, compared to sales of $688.5
million for fiscal year 1991. AST Research headquarters is located 16219
Alton Parkway, Irvine, Calif. 92718. Telephone: (714) 727-4141, (800)
876-4278. Fax: (714) 727-9355.

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