Faster chips power PCs

New processors from Intel and AMD should lead to cheaper systems for corporates

Chip firms Intel and AMD have both launched new additions to their processor ranges. Intel has launched a desktop Pentium 4 at 2.8GHz, while AMD has introduced a 0.13-micron version of its Athlon MP chip for dual-processor workstations and servers. Both moves should lead to cheaper systems for corporates.

Intel last week unveiled four new versions of its mainstream Pentium 4 processor. Its new 2.8GHz and 2.66GHz chips are both faster than the previous top-of-the-range Pentium 4, the 2.53GHz version that shipped in May, and they share the 533MHz system bus introduced with that chip.

Two other Pentium 4 versions have been introduced at 2.6GHz and 2.5GHz incorporating the older 400MHz system bus. Intel expects to introduce a 3GHz version of the Pentium 4 before the end of the year.

Intel said high-speed Pentium 4-based PCs offer better productivity, and that 2.8GHz PCs could provide almost six times greater performance than many older models. "The latest Pentium 4s, when combined with the latest chipsets and operating systems, make computers higher-performing and more capable," said Louis Burns, vice president and general manager of Intel's Desktop Platforms Group.

Meanwhile, AMD is shipping a faster version of its Athlon MP for dual-processor systems. The Athlon MP 2200+ moves AMD's workstation and server chip to a smaller 0.13-micron manufacturing process. AMD's desktop Athlon XP and Mobile Athlon 4 chips for laptops are already built from 0.13-micron silicon, allowing processors to use less power and run at higher clock speeds.

"Business users are demanding higher performance to raise productivity and our 0.13-micron technology allows us to make that a reality," said Ed Ellett, vice president of marketing at AMD's Computation Products Group.

Intel's Pentium 4 at 2.8GHz costs $508 (£328) in volume, the 2.66GHz and 2.6GHz versions cost $401 (£259) and the 2.5GHz version costs $243.

The AMD Athlon MP 2200+ costs $224 (£145).