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Realizing scalability beyond 1000 MHz would be problematic, AMD opted to integrate the Level 2 cache memory in the processor core for the Athlon Thunderbird. Actual memory size was halved to 256 kilobytes, but the internal cache operates at the core frequency rate. The increase in bandwidth and decrease in latency improved performance dramatically compared to the old Athlon K7.
The Thunderbird also represented AMD's first socket-type processor-to-motherboard interface since the K6. The move toward a socket interconnect ended the Athlon's original Slot A interface, though a few Slot A Thunderbirds did enter the market before the standard was completely abandoned. The Socket A format was welcomed by overclocking enthusiasts, because it ended the need to disassemble slot processors to add boards or coolers.
The Athlon Thunderbird and its successors have become the processors of choice for most overclocking enthusiasts. The Socket A interface allows easy installation of large forced-air heatsink coolers. The Thunderbird also heralded a batch of overclocking-friendly motherboard designs once unavailable to AMD supporters. Most importantly, GFDs were replaced by jumpers, dipswitches, and BIOS settings.
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